Audio Downloads: Help & Listening Guide

Press play, wherever you are

Your Anderson audio adventure can travel with you. Download the file, unpack it if needed, then open it in a player that supports its format. Choose your device below for the next step.

First, check the format

  • MP3 is an audio format supported by many music and audio players. A release may contain several tracks: keep them together and play them in their numbered order.
  • M4B is an audiobook format. Use an audiobook player that supports M4B files; support depends on the app, rather than simply whether your device is Apple or Android.
  • ZIP is the package around the files. Extract or unzip it first, then play the audio inside. The ZIP itself is not the audiobook.

Check the product page and the option you selected for the supplied format. An audiobook is a narrated reading; a full-cast audio drama uses a cast performing the story. Individual product pages explain which version you are buying.

iPhone & iPad

  1. Open the download link supplied with your purchase in your web browser and allow the file to finish downloading.
  2. Find the file in the Files app, usually in your Downloads folder.
  3. If it is a ZIP file, tap it. Files creates a folder containing the unpacked files.
  4. Open the audio using the import, share or open-file option supported by your chosen audio app. For M4B files, check that the app supports that format.

You can download and unpack a ZIP on a current iPhone or iPad. Apple’s guide shows how to open ZIP files. Unpacking the file and importing it into a listening app are separate steps.

Android

  1. Download the file in your usual browser and wait for it to finish.
  2. Find it in your device’s file manager or Downloads folder.
  3. If you use Files by Google, select the ZIP file, choose Extract, then Done. Other file managers may use different wording.
  4. Open or import the extracted audio into a compatible player. Keep a multi-track release together in one folder.

Google’s ZIP extraction guide also explains what to check if there is not enough storage space.

Windows & Mac

Windows: after the download completes, right-click the ZIP and choose Extract All. Open the extracted folder and import the audio into your player. Microsoft’s guide covers ZIP extraction.

Mac: open the downloaded ZIP to extract its contents, then import the audio into your preferred player. In Books, use File > Import for supported audiobook files. Apple’s Books import guide explains the process.

If something is not working

The download will not open or says it is incomplete

Make sure the download has finished and that there is enough free space for both the ZIP and its extracted contents. Try downloading again on a stable connection. If the browser is only showing a preview, save the file before trying to extract it.

I see an XML error, an expired link or an access message

Return to the original download link supplied with your order and try it in your usual browser. If the message persists, contact us with your order number and the exact error. We can investigate the purchase and download link.

The files downloaded, but my player cannot find them

Check that you have extracted the ZIP. Then use the player’s import or open-file function and select the extracted audio. If you have M4B files, confirm that your player supports M4B; changing the filename extension will not convert the format.

I am using a Kindle or another dedicated device

Local audio playback varies by model and app. Check your device’s supported formats before buying a download for it. If you are unsure, tell us the model and the release you want to hear so we can help you assess compatibility.

Let us help you get listening

If you are still stuck, contact the Gerry Anderson Store with your order number, the title, your device, the app you are using and any error message. That gives us the information needed to investigate.