Tips to open M2A file

Can't open the M2A file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open M2A files as well as a list of programs that support M2A files.

M2A file extension

File Name MPEG-1 Layer 2 Audio Format
File Category Video Files

The M2A file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the M2A files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the M2A file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 6
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is M2A file?

The M2A file has been categorized as Video Files. Video Files consists of 546 similar files. MPEG-1 Layer 2 Audio Format appears on 3 operating systems as a functional file. These systems consist of Linux, Mac OS, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. The QuickTime Player application is recommended to open the file. It was released by Apple, Inc.. Alternatively, you can use 8 other programs. VLC media player, Media Player Classic, Windows Media Player, Adobe Premiere Pro will apply when it is not possible to use QuickTime Player.

How to open M2A file?

The most common problem when using MPEG-1 Layer 2 Audio Format is that a specific M2A is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open M2A, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the M2A file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install QuickTime Player

In this case, you should first verify that the QuickTime Player application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing QuickTime Player into the operating system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open M2A files.

Programs to open M2A file

Remember to download programs supporting M2A files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of QuickTime Player with M2A files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the M2A file to open in the QuickTime Player application, but you can set it manually. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the M2A file with the QuickTime Player application.

Step 3. Update QuickTime Player to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the QuickTime Player program, it is possible that MPEG-1 Layer 2 Audio Format requires a newer version of the program. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Apple, Inc. page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the M2A file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This suggests truncating the M2A file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the M2A file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected M2A file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the M2A file. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for this. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular M2A file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact N/A
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted M2A files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the M2A file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the M2A file is blocked by the first application to open it. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the M2A file again. However, some background programs may block the M2A file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.