How to Convert MOV (iPhone Video) to MP4
Last updated: June 12, 2026
Moved an iPhone video to your Windows PC and it “won't play,” shows “black with sound only,” or won't upload? The cause is often iPhone's video format, MOV. This guide shows how to convert MOV to MP4 to fix it.
What is MOV, and why the trouble?
MOV is Apple's QuickTime video format. It works great with iPhone and Mac, but Windows and some web services can't always handle it. iPhones also often record with HEVC (H.265) to save space, which on unsupported systems leads to “no video, audio only.”
MP4 (H.264), by contrast, is the most universal format and plays nearly everywhere — including Windows. So “MOV is awkward in some places” becomes “MP4 opens anywhere.”
Benefits of converting to MP4
- Plays in Windows' built-in player as-is
- Easy to upload to editors, social and other services
- Shareable regardless of the recipient's setup
- Opens on older phones and tablets
How to convert MOV to MP4
With our format converter, just drag the MOV file in. Your video is never uploaded — it's processed in your browser, so even private videos are safe.
- Choose the MOV file (drag & drop)
- Pick “MP4” as the output
- Click “Convert”
- Download the MP4
What happens to quality and size?
Converting re-encodes the video, but with proper settings the visible quality is nearly unchanged. Converting an iPhone HEVC (H.265) clip to H.264 MP4 widens compatibility, sometimes at a slightly larger size; adjust compression settings if you also want to keep it small.
FAQ
- Q. Can MOV never be played?
- A. It sometimes plays, but Windows and some services may have issues. MP4 is the reliable choice.
- Q. Can iPhone HEVC videos be converted too?
- A. Yes — converting to MP4 (H.264) makes them playable where they weren't before.
- Q. Is my video uploaded?
- A. No — conversion happens in your browser.