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When enjoying content from music and video streaming services, e-books, iTunes Music, Windows Media, etc., the digital rights management technology DRM restricts playback in apps other than the designated ones or transfer to other devices. To remove these DRM protections, you need specialized DRM removal software.

In this article, we will explain the main types of DRM and introduce software that can remove each type of DRM. Choose the best DRM removal method based on the service you use and your needs.

Remove various DRM

What is DRM?

DRM (Digital Rights Management) is a technology and management method that prevents unlimited use of content on electronic devices (movies, music, novels, etc.) by restricting the original data to be playable only with specific software or hardware, making it difficult for third parties to copy or reuse it.

There are various mechanisms for implementing DRM, and the mechanisms vary depending on the content format and usage, but the most common method is for users to use specific playback software (such as iTunes or Windows Media Player) to decrypt and play encrypted content. This playback software manages the user's content usage, making it possible to take measures such as making the content unplayable after the usage period has expired.

(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

The main types of DRM

Various technologies have been developed, each with different specifications. The main DRM in media apps can be divided into five categories. You can refer to the table below to understand the types of DRM and choose the appropriate DRM removal method.

Types of DRM Content used
Widevine Supports Android devices and Chrome, and is compatible with streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Spotify, and Hulu.
CSS, AACS CSS is mainly used on DVDs, while AACS is used on Blu-ray Discs, and is a technology for accessing content.
Kindle DRM DRM protection technology used in the Kindle e-book
Windows Media Player DRM DRM developed by Microsoft and used for video and audio files such as ".wmv"
FairPlay Streaming DRM technology developed by Apple. Used in Apple media products such as iPhone, Mac, and iTunes.

Recommended software and methods to remove DRM (safe and free)

There are many types of media that use DRM. Professional tools are required to remove DRM, so here we will introduce free software that supports different media formats. Choose the appropriate professional DRM removal software according to your purpose.

Streaming Music DRM Removal Software: StreamByte for Music

Due to DRM protection, streaming music and video content can only be played within the app, and there are restrictions on storing them.StreamByte for Music" is a professional music conversion software that supports major music streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, YouTube Music, etc.Remove DRMand maximize your music320kbpsWith high quality soundCommon formats such as MP3, AAC, and FLACThe DRM-free music can then be freely enjoyed offline without storage time limits, playback restrictions or device restrictions.

In addition, this software is compatible with streaming services.Built-in browserYou can search and download your favorite songs directly without installing a music app.Bulk downloadFunctions andEdit and store ID3 tag informationIt also comes with functions that allow for efficient music management. "StreamByte for Music" offers a free trial version, so please download it and use it.

StreamByte for Music

StreamByte for Music

This is the perfect music converter for those who want to enjoy streaming music with the original sound quality. It supports multiple music platforms and allows you to save music while maintaining high sound quality.

Main functions and features of StreamByte for Music

  • Supports a variety of DRM-free formats including MP3, AAC, and FLAC
  • Remove DRM from music and play, edit and transfer freely
  • High quality audio up to 320Kbps can be freely specified
  • Customize ID3 tag information such as song title, artist, album, etc.
  • Ability to download multiple songs, albums, and playlists at once

Steps to remove DRM from music streaming services with StreamByte for Music

Below, we will take Spotify as an example to show you how to remove DRM protection from streaming music using StreamByte for Music.

step 1After logging in to StreamByte for Music, you will see several music streaming services on the main interface. Please select Spotify. If you want to remove DRM from music from other streaming services, please select the corresponding service.

Choose a music streaming service

Step 2,SpotifyAfter logging in to your account,Search for the song you want to remove DRM fromI will.

Search for music

Step 3,I want to remove DRM protectionWhen you find music,Click the "Add to conversion list" buttonIf you want to download multiple songs at the same time, you can add them all at once.

Add to conversion list

Step 4You can adjust output settings such as output format, sampling rate, bit rate, and save directory as needed.

Adjust Output Settings

Step 5After you finish adjusting the output settings, click the "Convert All" button to start downloading music. You can see the download progress in the "Converting" tab. Moreover, you can view the downloaded music in the "Converted" tab.

Download progress

"StreamByte for MusicWith ", you canSpotify,YouTube Music, Apple Music and other major music streaming servicesRemove DRMYou can download the music in popular formats such as MP3 and AAC.Play on other playersIt is possible,Transfer to any deviceYou can enjoy it anytime, anywhere without restrictions. In addition, you can try out all the features of "StreamByte for Music" for free, so please give it a try.

Free Download

100% safe and virus free

Free Download

100% safe and virus free

Streaming Video DRM Removal Software: StreamByte for Video

"StreamByte for Video" is a service that allows you to download videos from video distribution and sharing services.Remove DRM from MP4, MOV, MKVThis is a video download software that can save videos to your computer in the format. This software can download videos from YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, etc.1000+ Video SitesSupports up to8KHigh image quality8x SpeedYou can download videos at high speed. The downloaded videos are DRM-free, so you can save them locally and play them freely on other players. You can also transfer them to any device, such as a smartphone or tablet.Extract audio from video and save it in MP3 formatIt also has the function to share multiple videos.Bulk downloadand subtitles, audio language, etc.Customize output settingsis also possible.

Here, we will use Netflix as an example to introduce the steps to remove DRM from videos using "StreamByte for Video".

step 1Log in to "StreamByte for Video", select Netflix on the main interface and search for the video you want to remove DRM from. You can also paste the URL into the search bar to remove the DRM from the video and download it.

StreamByte for Video main screen

Step 2Once you find the Netflix video you want to remove DRM from, tap the icon on the top right corner. You can freely adjust the output settings, including download options, output format, video quality, subtitle saving method, etc.

Tap the icon on the top right

Step 3Once you've adjusted your settings, click the blue "Download" button in the bottom right to begin the download. You can follow the download progress on screen.

Download progress

DVD/Blu-ray Disc DRM Removal Software: VideoByte BD-DVD Ripper

"VideoByte BD-DVD Ripper" is a multifunctional ripping software that supports ripping DVDs and Blu-rays simultaneously.Remove DRMA wide range of genres including movies and TV showsDigitize DVDs and Blu-ray DiscsThis means that it can be played on mobile devices and common players. In addition, the settings panel allows you to adjust the output profile, such as the encoder, bit rate, and resolution.Customize parameters in detailIn addition, the latest3D Conversion TechnologyIt also has a function to convert 2D videos into 3D videos.

Please refer to the steps to remove DRM from DVDs and Blu-ray Discs with "VideoByte BD-DVD Ripper". Here we will take Blu-ray Disc as an example.

step 1Start the software, insert the Blu-ray disc into the drive and read it into the software.

Load Blu-ray disc

Step 2Then select the output format of the Blu-ray you want to remove DRM from.

Step 3Then click the "Rip All" button at the bottom right to remove DRM and rip the Blu-ray.

E-book DRM removal software: Calibre

Here we will show you how to remove Kindle DRM using Calibre.

step 1Then install "Calibre" and the "DeDRM Plugin".

Step 2Launch Calibre and go to Preferences > Plugins > Load Plugins from File.

Calibre settings screen

Step 3Add the "DeDRM Plugin". If a security risk appears, select "Yes".

Step 4Once the Zip file plugin has been successfully installed, click "OK". On the next screen, select "Apply" to complete the operation. Restart Calibre and add your Kindle books to Calibre, and the DRM protection will be removed immediately.

DRM Removal Software for Windows Media Player: FairUse4WM

When playing DRM-enhanced content with Windows Media Player, you may see the message "An error was detected by the Windows Digital Rights Management (DRM) component" and be unable to play the content. In this case, try using the DRM removal software for Windows Media Player "FairUse4WM" is recommended.

"FairUse4WM" isFree DRM RemovalThis tool is easy to use and can quickly remove DRM-protected files without compromising the quality of the video or audio. This allows you to enjoy your purchased movies and music freely without playback restrictions. However, please note that FairUse4WMWindows Media DRM 10 and 11It is only compatible with iTunes and cannot be used with any other DRM.

You can easily remove Windows Media Player DRM by following the steps below.

step 1Then, open the .wmv file you want to remove DRM from in Windows Media Player.

Step 2Launch "FairUse4WM", click the "Add Files" button at the bottom left, and select the file you want to remove DRM from.

FairUse4WM interface

FairPlay DRM Removal Software: myFairTunes

The music files provided by iTunes Music are protected by DRM, so you cannot save the music you purchased from iTunes Music and use it for other purposes. In this case, you can use the free iTunes DRM removal software for Windows "myFairTunes" is available. With this software,Remove FairPlay DRM protection technology, iTunes MusicFormats such as MP3 and M4AAfter 2019, music data purchased from iTunes will no longer be restricted by DRM technology in M4A format, but you can still use this software to remove DRM from iTunes music data purchased before that date and enjoy it freely.

Below are the steps to remove FairPlay DRM using "myFairTunes".

step 1Once you launch myFairTunes, it will automatically scan your iTunes library and find any songs that are DRM protected.

Step 2Once the scan is complete, it will show you a list of DRM protected music.

Step 3Select the music you want to remove DRM protection from, then

Click the "Start Conversion" button.

"myFairTunes" will convert the selected songs to MP3 format.

myFairTunes main screen

Comparison table of DRM removal methods

Above, we have introduced DRM removal software for 6 types of streaming content. We have compiled the following comparison table to summarize the features of each software, such as the operating system they support and the conversion functions.

DRM Removal Software StreamByte for Music StreamByte for Video VideoByte BD-DVD Ripper Calibre FairUse4WM myFairTunes
Supported OS Windows/Mac Windows/Mac Windows/Mac Windows/Mac Windows only Windows only
Supported DRM Removal Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, LINE MUSIC, Deezer, SoundCloud, Pandora Over 1000 video sites including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube DVDs, Blu-ray Discs E-books Windows Media Player iTunes Music
Format conversion Possible Possible Possible Possible Not possible Possible
Bulk download Possible Possible Possible Possible Not possible Not possible
Software Updates Continuously updated Continuously updated Continuously updated Continuously updated Update stopped Update stopped

Please note the following points when using DRM removal software. "FairUse4WM" and "myFairTunes" are no longer in development, so they may not be compatible with the latest OS or streaming services. In such cases, it may be a good idea to consider using other DRM removal tools or a different streaming service.

To remove DRM from music streaming services,StreamByte for Music" is recommended. It supports major music services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, and is continuously updated, so it can be used stably even in the latest environment. If you want to remove DRM from a video, please use "StreamByte for Video" is the best choice. It supports many streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc., has many functions, has high conversion efficiency, and allows you to easily save DRM-free videos locally.

DRM Removal FAQ

Is it illegal to remove DRM?

No, it is not illegal in principle. Removing DRM and downloading content for personal use is not illegal. However, it is important to note that if you upload the saved content without permission or profit from it for commercial purposes, you may face legal issues. To avoid violating copyright law, be sure to use DRM-removed content for personal use only.

Will it be found out if I remove DRM?

No, as long as it is for personal use, there is no problem. The main reasons why DRM removal may be discovered are:Checks during online authentication, attempts to play on official apps and sites, and misuse of cloud sync featuresAs mentioned above, there is no need to worry as long as you use it strictly for personal use, but please be aware that the risk of being found out increases significantly if you upload it to social media or use it for commercial purposes.

How do I remove DRM?

To remove DRM, we recommend using the professional DRM removal software introduced in this article that supports the various DRMs. In addition to using software, you can also circumvent DRM protection by recording and recording using methods such as screen recording and screenshots. However, if some distribution sites detect recording activity, the screen will turn black and playback will be disabled. In addition, we recommend purchasing DRM-free content. Since it is not DRM protected, you can freely play, edit, and transfer the content.

Can I remove DRM protection on my phone?

No, you can't remove DRM protection directly on your phone. However, you can use DRM removal software on your computer to save DRM-free content locally. Since it's free of DRM protection, you can freely transfer the saved content to any device, including your phone or tablet. In this way, you can play your favorite DRM-free content on your phone.

summary

In this article, we introduced six software programs that can remove DRM. There are various types of DRM, and the appropriate software varies depending on the type. We recommend that you choose the software that best suits your purpose and needs. Among them, methods for removing DRM from music and video distribution services are attracting particular attention.

It can remove DRM protection from music streaming services and convert music to common formats such as MP3.StreamByte for MusicWe recommend using this software.Compatible with major music distribution servicesAnd maximum320kbpsIt can be converted with high sound quality.Even if you are a free Spotify member, you can download songs in DRM-free MP3 formatYou can also save multiple songs.Bulk downloadFunctions andEdit and store ID3 tag informationIt also has the following features: For those who want to enjoy music to the fullest anytime and anywhere, "StreamByte for Music" is the best choice.Free trialSo please download it and try it out.

Free Download

100% safe and virus free

Free Download

100% safe and virus free

If you want to save DRM-protected videos from video streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video,StreamByte for Video" is recommended. With this software, you can remove DRM protection from videos and download them in common formats such as MP4, MKV, and MOV. It also has a function to extract only the audio from the video and convert it to MP3. The saved streaming video is in a DRM-free format, so you can play it freely without time or place restrictions.

Born in Tokyo. Studied music culture at Tokyo Woman's Christian University, and after graduating, worked in the music distribution and download industry, gaining experience as an editor and writer. Has a deep understanding of a wide range of music genres, from rock, J-POP, classical, and metal, and is familiar with major services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

He has written over 300 articles, with a total of 6 million page views. He strives to provide accurate and easy-to-understand information so that readers can enjoy music more conveniently and safely. He currently writes articles for the StreamByte editorial department, focusing on how to use and utilize music download and conversion software.

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