Convert YouTube to MP3 on iPhone
Extract audio from YouTube videos on iPhone and save as MP3 for offline listening in Apple Music or Files app.
Method 1: Documents by Readdle (Recommended)
- Install "Documents by Readdle" from App Store (free)
- Open YouTube app, find video, tap Share → Copy Link
- Open Documents app → Browser icon (compass)
- Visit an online YouTube to MP3 converter
- Paste URL, select MP3 format
- Download file to Documents
- Tap file → Share → Save to Files
- Open in Music app or Files
Method 2: Shortcuts App
- Open Shortcuts app (built-in iOS)
- Search "YouTube to MP3" in Gallery
- Download trusted shortcut
- Share YouTube video → Run Shortcut
- MP3 saves to Files app
Pro Tip: You can add MP3 files to Apple Music via Files app → Share → Add to Music Library.
Method 3: Paid Apps
MyMP3 ($2.99):
- Built-in browser
- Direct MP3 conversion
- Save to Music library
Video to MP3 Converter:
- Convert downloaded videos
- Batch conversion
- Edit metadata
Where to Find Downloaded MP3s
- Files App: Downloads folder or On My iPhone
- Documents App: Downloads section
- Music App: If manually added to library
Playing MP3 Files on iPhone
Option 1: Files App
- Open Files → locate MP3
- Tap to play in built-in player
- Basic controls only
Option 2: Add to Apple Music
- Open MP3 in Files app
- Tap Share button
- Select "Add to Music Library"
- Access in Apple Music app
Option 3: Third-Party Players
- VLC for Mobile: Full-featured player
- Documents: Built-in player
- CloudBeats: Cloud storage integration
Audio Quality on iPhone
| Bitrate | Quality | File Size |
|---|---|---|
| 320 kbps | Excellent | ~3 MB/min |
| 192 kbps | Good | ~1.5 MB/min |
| 128 kbps | Acceptable | ~1 MB/min |
iOS Limitations
- No direct download from YouTube app
- Can't install traditional downloader apps
- Must use workarounds (Documents, Shortcuts)
- Some online converters blocked by Safari
Troubleshooting
Download Fails in Safari:
- Use Documents app browser instead
- Try different converter site
- Check internet connection
MP3 Won't Play:
- Install VLC for iOS
- Check file isn't corrupted
- Re-download if needed
Can't Add to Music:
- Ensure file is true MP3 format
- Check file isn't DRM-protected
- Use iTunes on computer to sync
Legal Considerations
Downloading copyrighted music violates copyright law. Only convert content you have permission to use. Consider Apple Music or Spotify for legal music streaming.