How to Convert MOV to MP4 (iPhone and Mac Videos)

iPhones and Macs record video as MOV. It plays perfectly on Apple devices, but Windows apps, Android phones, some websites and video editors can struggle with it. MP4 is the format that plays everywhere, so converting MOV to MP4 is the usual fix.

Convert MOV to MP4 online

1. Open the MOV to MP4 converter.
2. Drop your videos onto the page, or click Choose Files. Add up to 20 videos, up to 1 GB in total.
3. Click Convert and download your MP4s.

Make big videos smaller

Phone videos are often recorded in 4K, which makes them huge. Before converting, click the settings button next to the format:

• Resolution: 1080p is plenty for phones and most screens; 720p is fine for messaging.
• Quality: a lower value makes a smaller file. Leave it at the default if you're not sure.
• Trim: set a start and end time to keep only the part you need.
• Remove audio: drop the sound entirely.

Why iPhone videos sometimes won't play

Newer iPhones record in HEVC (H.265), a modern video codec. Some older computers, TVs and editing apps can't play it even when the file is MP4. Converting to MP4 with the default settings creates an H.264 video, which plays almost everywhere.

To record in H.264 from the start, go to Settings › Camera › Formats and choose Most Compatible. Videos will take more space.

Other video formats

The same steps work for other formats: MKV to MP4 for videos from screen recorders and other apps, or the video converter for anything else. Only need the sound? Use MP4 to MP3.