MOV vs MP4: why iPhone videos won't play everywhere
MOV is the format iPhones and iPads record in, and since iOS 11 the video inside is usually HEVC (H.265). Many computers, Android phones, TVs and websites can't play that combination. Converting to MP4 gives you a file that opens almost anywhere. Choose a quality level and HEVC video is turned into H.264, the most widely supported video format.
Key facts
- MOV and MP4 are both containers: the picture and sound inside can be identical, only the wrapper differs.
- With "Keep original quality", H.264 or HEVC video goes into the MP4 unchanged, so it takes seconds and loses nothing.
- Pick High, Medium or Low quality and HEVC becomes H.264, which plays on older computers and TVs too.
- Files up to 2 GB are converted right here in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
Where each format plays
| Where you play it | MOV (iPhone, HEVC) | MP4 (H.264) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone, iPad | Yes | Yes |
| Android phones | Often no | Yes |
| Computers without an HEVC decoder | No picture or no sound | Yes |
| Smart TVs and consoles | Varies | Yes |
| Websites, email and chat uploads | Sometimes rejected | Accepted almost everywhere |
When people convert
- Sharing an iPhone clip with someone on Android or a work computer.
- Uploading to a website, course platform or form that only accepts MP4.
- Opening the video in an editor that doesn't read HEVC.
- Playing a family video on a smart TV from a USB stick.
How to convert MOV to MP4
- Drop your MOV file on the box above or click the box to choose it.
- MP4 is already selected. Pick a quality, and trim the start or end if you need to.
- Click Convert and watch the progress bar. Files that need no re-encoding are ready in seconds.
- Click Download to save the MP4 file.
Why convert MOV to MP4?
MOV is Apple's QuickTime format and the default for iPhone and Mac recordings. It often holds the same H.264 or HEVC video as MP4, but Windows apps and some websites handle it less well.
MP4 is the most widely supported video format. With H.264 video and AAC sound it plays on every phone, computer, smart TV and website, and every social network accepts it.
Choose MP4 when the video has to play everywhere or be uploaded to a website or social network.
MOV and MP4 at a glance
| Format | MOV | MP4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Video | Video |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy |
| Typical codecs | H.264 / HEVC + AAC | H.264 / H.265 + AAC |
| Best for | Apple editing apps | video that plays on every device |
| Opens in | Apple devices; fewer apps elsewhere | Every device and app |
Good to know
- If the video inside the MOV is already H.264 or H.265, it goes into the MP4 unchanged, without re-encoding: the conversion takes seconds and loses no quality.
Questions about converting MOV to MP4
Why won't my iPhone video play on my computer?
iPhones record MOV files with HEVC (H.265) video, and many computers have no HEVC decoder, so you get an error, sound with no picture, or nothing at all. Convert it here to MP4 and pick High quality: the video is re-encoded to H.264, which every computer plays.
Does converting MOV to MP4 lose quality?
Not with "Keep original quality": the video goes into the MP4 unchanged, bit for bit. Quality only changes if you choose a quality level, a lower resolution or a target size.
Can I make the MP4 smaller for email or WhatsApp?
Yes. Choose Medium or Low quality, a lower resolution, or type a target size in MB, and the video is compressed to fit. You can also trim it to just the part you need.
Is the MOV to MP4 converter free?
Yes. It is free, with no sign-up, no watermark and no limit on how many files you convert.
Is my file uploaded?
No. Your browser reads and converts the file on your own device; nothing is sent to 4Dev or anyone else.
Is there a size limit?
Files can be up to 2 GB. The result is built in your device's memory, so very large files are better converted on a computer than on a phone.
Will converting to MP4 reduce quality?
MP4 is lossy, so it drops detail that is mostly inaudible or invisible. The default settings are a good balance; choose a higher quality or bitrate for archiving.
Which browsers can do this?
Current Chrome, Edge, Safari and Firefox on a computer, and Chrome or Safari on a phone. The format list only offers what your browser can actually create.
How do I get my result?
Use the tool on this page. Your result appears here; no email delivery is required.