How to open a .aac file
Quick, free ways to open AAC on any system.
A .aac file is a Advanced Audio Coding. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads AAC yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .aac file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .aac. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with Media Player or VLC.
- On Mac, use Music or QuickTime.
- On Linux, try VLC or mpv.
- Still stuck? Convert the .aac to MP3, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .aac files
Windows
- Media Player
- VLC
- iTunes
macOS
- Music
- QuickTime
- VLC
Linux
- VLC
- mpv
Web
- Most browsers
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Before you open it: Safe. AAC is audio data.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .aac file?
Almost always because no installed app understands AAC. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
Is M4A the same as AAC?
Almost. M4A is a container that usually holds AAC audio (sometimes lossless ALAC). AAC is the codec inside.
How do I open an .aac file?
Play it in VLC, iTunes/Music or Windows Media Player, all of which support AAC. On mobile, the built-in music apps play it directly.