MP3 Opens Instead of Downloading? Fix It

You tap the download button and the MP3 just starts playing in a little player instead of saving to your device. Nothing is broken: your browser decided to play the audio inline. Here is why it happens and the one-gesture fix on every platform.

Why browsers play instead of saving

Modern browsers have built-in media players. When a download link serves the audio in a way the browser recognizes, a tap opens the player instead of the save dialog. It varies by browser, by site, and even by file size, which is why the same button behaves differently on your phone and your laptop.

The fixes, by device

Step by step on iPhone

1. Convert the video as usual and wait for the download button to appear.
2. Long-press the button instead of tapping it.
3. Tap Download Linked File in the menu.
4. Open the Files app, go to Downloads, and find your MP3.

Step by step on Android

1. Convert the video and wait for the download button.
2. Long-press the button.
3. Tap Download link.
4. Pull down the notification shade to watch the progress, then open the file from your Downloads folder.

Step by step on desktop

1. Right-click the download button.
2. Choose Save link as.
3. Pick a folder and confirm. The file saves without playing.

Need the full device walkthroughs? See our iPhone conversion guide and Android conversion guide, which cover this fix in context.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my MP3 open in the browser instead of downloading?

Browsers can play audio inline, so a tap on the link opens a player instead of the save dialog. It depends on the browser and the link, not on a broken file.

How do I download an MP3 on iPhone when it keeps playing?

Long-press the download link and choose Download Linked File. Safari saves it to your Files app's Downloads folder.

How do I download an MP3 on Android when it keeps playing?

Long-press the download link and choose Download link. On desktop, right-click and choose Save link as.