Old Phone Videos That Won't Play Anymore?
3G2 files are video recordings from CDMA mobile phones popular in the early 2000s. If you have videos from old Verizon, Sprint, or US Cellular phones, they're likely in 3G2 format-and most modern devices can't play them.
Converting to MP4 brings these memories back to life. MP4 is the universal video format that plays on every smartphone, tablet, computer, and smart TV made today. Don't let old recordings become permanently inaccessible.
How to Convert 3G2 to MP4
- Upload your 3G2 file - Drag and drop or select your legacy mobile video
- Confirm MP4 output - MP4 with H.264 encoding ensures universal playback
- Download your file - Get your video ready for any modern device
Conversion happens in your browser. No software to install, and your files remain private.
What is 3G2 Format?
3G2 (3GPP2) is a multimedia container format developed for CDMA mobile networks. It was the standard for video recording on phones from carriers like Verizon and Sprint before smartphones became universal.
- Origin - Created by 3GPP2 consortium for CDMA2000 networks
- Video codecs - Typically H.263, H.264, or MPEG-4 Part 2
- Audio codecs - EVRC, QCELP, or AMR (optimized for voice)
- Resolution - Usually 176x144 to 352x288 pixels (very low by modern standards)
While 3G2 was efficient for early mobile networks with limited bandwidth, its low resolution and codec limitations make it obsolete today.
Why Convert 3G2 to MP4?
Universal Compatibility
MP4 plays on every modern device-iPhones, Android phones, Windows PCs, Macs, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. No special apps or codec packs needed.
Preserve Your Memories
As 3G2 support disappears from software and devices, these old recordings become harder to access. Converting now ensures you can view them for decades to come.
Easy Sharing
Share converted videos via email, messaging apps, or social media. Upload to YouTube, Facebook, or cloud storage without compatibility issues.
Archive Organization
Standardize your video collection. Having everything in MP4 format makes management and backup simpler.
3G2 vs 3GP: What's the Difference?
Both formats were designed for mobile phones, but for different networks:
- 3G2 - Designed for CDMA networks (Verizon, Sprint, US Cellular)
- 3GP - Designed for GSM networks (AT&T, T-Mobile)
Both formats have similar quality limitations and both convert well to MP4. If you have videos from older phones, check the file extension to determine which format you have. Our converter handles both, but for 3GP files, you can use our 3GP to MP4 converter.
Quality Expectations
Be realistic about what conversion can achieve:
- Resolution stays the same - A 176x144 video won't become HD after conversion
- Quality is preserved - We don't degrade what's there; we just repackage it
- File size may increase - Modern MP4 encoding may produce slightly larger files than highly compressed 3G2
- Playback improves - Modern players handle MP4 better than legacy 3G2
Converting won't make old phone videos look like modern 4K recordings, but it will ensure you can still watch and share them.
Common Sources of 3G2 Files
Old Flip Phones
Motorola RAZR, Samsung flip phones, and LG feature phones from the mid-2000s often recorded in 3G2 format. If you transferred videos from these phones to a computer, they're likely 3G2 files.
Early Smartphones
Some early BlackBerry devices and Windows Mobile phones on CDMA networks used 3G2 for video recording before MP4 became standard.
MMS Messages
Video messages sent via MMS on CDMA networks were often delivered as 3G2 files. If you saved these to your computer, converting ensures future playback.
Batch Convert Multiple Videos
Have a folder of old phone videos? Upload multiple 3G2 files and convert them all to MP4 in one batch. Perfect for digitizing and preserving entire collections of legacy mobile recordings.
Works on Any Device
Convert 3G2 to MP4 directly in your browser:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- iPhone, iPad, Android