# Mp3tag (Mac) not writing TOTALTRACKS tag to .m4a files
**URL:** https://community.mp3tag.de/t/mp3tag-mac-not-writing-totaltracks-tag-to-m4a-files/69808
**Category:** Mac
**Tags:** bug-fixed
**Created:** [September 18, 2025, 9:20am UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/mp3tag-mac-not-writing-totaltracks-tag-to-m4a-files/69808 "2025-09-18T09:20:32Z")
**Posts on this page:** 6
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Bellatrix](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/Bellatrix)
#### Post date: [September 18, 2025, 9:20am UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/mp3tag-mac-not-writing-totaltracks-tag-to-m4a-files/69808/1 "2025-09-18T09:20:32Z")
I’ve run into some odd behavior with Mp3tag on Mac that only started recently and I’m wondering if anyone else has seen this.
- When I add the **TOTALTRACKS** field via the Extended Tags editor, the field isn’t saved at all.
- If I use the Auto Numbering Wizard, only tracks up to 9 get a total number written. Anything above that remains untouched.
- When I run an action like **Format TRACK Field: $num(%\_counter%,1)/%\_total\_files%**, the totaltracks value is not written.
This only seems to affect .m4a files.
Has anyone run into this problem, found a workaround, or knows what might be causing this? Any ideas or help would be appreciated.
Notes:
I’m running the latest version of Mp3tag from the App Store.
Computers: MacBook Pro 16 M2 (2023) and iMac Pro, both on macOS 14.7.8.
I use xACT v2.57 to convert CD rips to Apple Lossless (m4a).
I’ve used this exact setup for many years and have never had a problem like this before.
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### Author:  [@Florian](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/Florian)
#### Post date: [September 18, 2025, 9:34am UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/mp3tag-mac-not-writing-totaltracks-tag-to-m4a-files/69808/2 "2025-09-18T09:34:17Z")
I'll look into it, thanks for reporting!
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### Author:  [@Florian](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/Florian)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2025, 7:17am UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/mp3tag-mac-not-writing-totaltracks-tag-to-m4a-files/69808/3 "2025-09-19T07:17:18Z")
I can confirm the issue and will work on a fix. It was introduced with the internal changes in v1.9.7.
I think there's a workaround: could you try removing any `TRACK` fields before adding `TRACK` and `TOTALTRACKS` together in one go?
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### Author:  [@Bellatrix](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/Bellatrix)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2025, 11:15am UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/mp3tag-mac-not-writing-totaltracks-tag-to-m4a-files/69808/4 "2025-09-19T11:15:44Z")
Hi Florian,
thanks for looking into it! Removing any **TRACK** fields indeed allows me to then apply both **TRACK** and **TOTALTRACKS** via the **Auto Numbering Wizard** without issues.
I also did some experimenting regarding the issue:
When loading files that do not have any track tags assigned, everything works fine. However, if I then only remove the **TOTALTRACK** field but leave the **TRACK** field intact and then reapply both via the **Auto Numbering Wizard** , it will only add the **TOTALTRACKS** field up to the 9th track.
This seems to mirror the scenario in which I first noticed the issue:
- Open files
- Apply **Remove Tags** to clear generic tags from the ripper/converter
- Tag via **DISCOGS Release ID** (which only writes the **TRACK** field but not **TOTALTRACKS** )
- Then add **TOTALTRACKS** via an **ACTION** , which is when the issue occurs
Thanks again for your quick response and help - it’s much appreciated!
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### Author:  [@Florian](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/Florian)
#### Post date: [September 23, 2025, 12:01pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/mp3tag-mac-not-writing-totaltracks-tag-to-m4a-files/69808/5 "2025-09-23T12:01:28Z")
Many thanks for the additional details! I've just released v1.9.9 which should fix the issue.
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### Author:  [@system](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/system)
#### Post date: [October 23, 2025, 12:01pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/mp3tag-mac-not-writing-totaltracks-tag-to-m4a-files/69808/6 "2025-10-23T12:01:51Z")
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