A method for playing audio files includes: parsing data frames of an audio file until basic information about file playing that meets the conditions for playing the audio file is obtained; and playing the audio file according to the basic information about file playing. A location and search method for an audio file includes: determining a frame position corresponding to a playing position in search according to a stored mapping between playing positions and frame positions when receiving input information about the playing position in search; and starting playing an audio file from the determined frame position. An apparatus for playing audio files is also disclosed. With the invention, the playing response speed of an audio file is improved to a great extent.