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Does My Garmin Music Watch Support DRM Restricted Audio Files?
Watches that feature a music player support several common media file types including .aac files. A protected AAC audio file, however, has a Digital Rights Management or DRM restriction on it. These files cannot be transferred to a Garmin music watch for playback unless the DRM designation is removed.
Select an option below to reveal instructions for how to check if an audio file is DRM protected and how to convert DRM-protected audio files.
Launch iTunes.
Select View.
Select Column Browser.
Select Show Column Browser.
Select Kinds.
Select a song.
Right-click on Song.
Select Song Info.
Select File.
DRM-protected files will have "Protected AAC audio file" in the kind field.
You can convert the file to another format for playback using iTunes. This will allow you to play the audio file on your music watch.
Steps to Convert DRM Protected Audio Files to AAC or MP3
Quit Garmin Express™ program.
Open iTunes.
Select the DRM-protected file to be converted.
Select Convert.
Select Create AAC or MP3 Version.
A new file will be created alongside the original file. Any files converted to AAC or MP3 should appear in our Garmin Express program to transfer to your watch. Converted files will not replace any DRM-protected audio files added to playlists. Playlists must be manually edited or created to include the converted files before they will appear in the Garmin Express program.
Open the Apple Music app.
Beneath Library, select Songs.
Hold 'CTRL' on the keyboard while you select a Song.
Select Get Info.
Select File.
A DRM-protected file will have "Protected AAC audio file" in the kind field.
As long as the files are not from Apple Music, you can convert the file to another format for playback using the Apple Music app. This will allow you to play the audio file on your music watch. If the files are from Apple Music, see Can I Use Apple Music on My Garmin Music Watch?
Steps to Convert DRM Protected Audio Files to AAC or MP3
Quit Garmin Express.
Open the Apple Music app.
Beneath Library, select Songs.
Select the DRM-protected file to be converted.
From the menu bar, select File > Convert.
Select Create AAC or MP3 Version.
A new file will be created alongside the original file. Any files converted to AAC or MP3 should appear in the Garmin Express™ program to transfer to your watch. Converted files will not replace any DRM-protected audio files added to playlists. Playlists must be manually edited or created to include the converted files before they will appear in the Garmin Express program.
For music downloaded onto the computer using a platform other than iTunes, see the steps below to check DRM status:
Locate the compatible music media file on your computer.
Right-click the file.
Select Properties.
Select the Details tab.
Locate the 'Protected' status.
If YES, the music media file is DRM protected.
If NO, the music media file is not DRM protected.