Ubuntu doesn't recognize m4a files

I downloaded a few audio files in m4a format from youtube using flashgot plugin in firefox.

The files are showing up as unknown, they don't open on double click. I have to manually right click and select Rhythmbox or VLC everytime to play these files. I also tried adding .m4a after the filename, still doesn't work.

I am using 14.10 on dell n5010

Solution 1:

Check your M4A file with this command:

file /path/to/file.m4a

The output should look something like this:

ISO Media, MP4 v2 [ISO 14496-14]

If this is so, then you are missing the codec ubuntu-restricted-extras.

Install the package with this command:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras

Then try again.

Solution 2:

In the file finder, go to a folder that has some of these files. Right click on one of the m4a files. Click on "Properties" (should be at the bottom of the list that pops up). A screen should come up with tabs in it. Click on the "Open With" tab. Select the program you want it and other files of the same type to open with by default. Click "Set as Default" near the bottom. Such files should now open with that program when double clicked.