How to open a .m3u file (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Q: Why can't I open my .m3u file?

Usually your computer lacks an app that understands M3U. Install one of the apps listed here, or convert the file to a more common format.

A .m3u file is a M3U Playlist. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads M3U yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.

Open a .m3u file step by step

Confirm the file really is a .m3u. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
On Windows, open it with VLC or Winamp.
On Mac, use VLC or Music (iTunes).
On Linux, try VLC or Rhythmbox.
Still stuck? Convert the .m3u to pls, which opens more widely.

Best apps to open .m3u files

Windows

VLC
Winamp
Windows Media Player

macOS

VLC
Music (iTunes)

Linux

VLC
Rhythmbox
any text editor

Before you open it: Safe. An M3U is a text list of file references. It does not contain or execute media itself.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open my .m3u file?

Almost always because no installed app understands M3U. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.

How do I open an .m3u file?

Open it in a media player like VLC, which loads the listed tracks. A text editor shows the raw list of paths and URLs.

Why won't my M3U playlist find its songs?

M3U stores file paths, not the audio. If the music files moved, were renamed, or are on another computer, the player cannot find them.