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Convert 3GP to MPEG – Rescue Old Mobile Videos

Transform outdated 3GP mobile videos into universally compatible MPEG format.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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Old Mobile Videos Won't Play?

You have videos from an old mobile phone saved as 3GP files, but modern devices refuse to play them. Windows Media Player shows an error. Your video editor doesn't recognize the format. That family video from 2008 sits unwatched on your hard drive.

Converting 3GP files to MPEG solves this problem. MPEG has been a video standard since the 1990s and plays on virtually every device, media player, and editing software available today.

How to Convert 3GP to MPEG

  1. Upload your 3GP file – Drag and drop or click to select your mobile video
  2. Choose MPEG output – Select MPEG as your target format
  3. Download your video – Get a universally compatible MPEG file

The entire process happens in your browser. No software installation, no account creation, no waiting.

Why 3GP Files Cause Problems

3GP was designed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project specifically for 3G mobile phones in the early 2000s. The format prioritized tiny file sizes over quality—essential when phones had limited storage and slow data connections.

The tradeoffs that made sense in 2005 create headaches today:

  • Limited codec support – 3GP uses codecs that many modern players don't include
  • No editing software support – Professional tools like Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve often reject 3GP
  • Outdated container – The format hasn't been updated since the 3G era
  • Low resolution – Most 3GP videos max out at 176x144 or 320x240 pixels

MPEG, by contrast, remains fully supported. In our testing, MPEG files played correctly in every media player we tried—from VLC to Windows Media Player to QuickTime.

3GP vs MPEG: Technical Comparison

Understanding the difference helps you know what to expect from your converted video:

  • Resolution – 3GP typically stores video at 176x144 to 352x288. MPEG supports resolutions up to 1920x1080 (the conversion preserves your original resolution)
  • Compression – 3GP uses H.263 or MPEG-4 Part 2. MPEG uses MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video compression
  • File size – MPEG files are typically larger because the format prioritizes quality over compression
  • Compatibility – MPEG works on DVDs, computers, smart TVs, and streaming platforms. 3GP is limited to legacy mobile devices

Converting won't improve the original video quality—if your 3GP was recorded at 176x144, the MPEG will remain at that resolution. But it will play on modern devices.

When You Need This Conversion

Archiving Old Memories

Videos from flip phones and early smartphones are often stuck in 3GP format. Converting to MPEG preserves these memories in a format that will remain playable for decades. You can also consider 3GP to MP4 if you need the most modern format.

Video Editing Projects

Adding old mobile footage to a family video project? Most editing software handles MPEG smoothly. 3GP often requires workarounds or fails to import entirely.

Sharing with Others

Sending a 3GP file to someone usually results in confusion. MPEG files open without requiring special software or codecs.

Playback on Modern Devices

Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices typically don't support 3GP. MPEG plays on nearly everything.

Alternative Conversions

MPEG isn't the only option for your 3GP files. Depending on your needs:

  • 3GP to MP4 – Best for web sharing and modern devices
  • 3GP to AVI – Good for Windows-based editing workflows
  • MPEG format – Ideal for DVD creation and broadcast compatibility

Choose MP4 if file size matters. Choose MPEG if you're burning DVDs or need maximum compatibility with older systems.

Works in Any Browser

Convert 3GP to MPEG directly in your web browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • iPhone, iPad, Android tablets

No downloads required. No plugins needed. Upload your file, convert, and download the result.

Pro Tip

Before converting a large collection of 3GP files, test with one or two videos first. Some very old 3GP files use unusual codec variants that may require troubleshooting.

Common Mistake

Expecting conversion to fix blurry or pixelated video. 3GP files from old phones were recorded at low resolution—typically 176x144 or 320x240 pixels. Converting to MPEG makes them playable but doesn't improve the underlying quality.

Best For

Archiving old mobile phone videos so they remain playable on modern devices and can be imported into video editing software.

Not Recommended

If you need the smallest possible file size for web sharing, convert to MP4 instead. MPEG files are larger because the format prioritizes compatibility over compression.

Frequently Asked Questions

3GP is a video format created for 3G mobile phones in the early 2000s. It uses heavy compression to create small files suitable for phones with limited storage. The format is largely obsolete now and has poor compatibility with modern devices.

No. Converting preserves the original quality but cannot enhance it. If your 3GP video was recorded at low resolution, the MPEG will have the same resolution. The benefit is compatibility, not quality improvement.

They're the same format. MPEG is the full name (Moving Picture Experts Group) while MPG is the shortened file extension. Both use identical compression and are fully interchangeable.

Yes. Modern smartphones support MPEG playback natively. Both iPhone and Android devices can play MPEG videos without additional apps, unlike 3GP which often requires special players.

MPEG uses less aggressive compression than 3GP. The 3GP format was designed to minimize file size for phones with limited storage. MPEG prioritizes quality and compatibility, resulting in larger but better-supported files.

Most 3GP files convert in seconds because they're typically small (usually under 10MB). Our browser-based converter processes files locally on your device, so conversion speed depends on your device's processing power rather than internet speed.

Yes. The conversion happens entirely in your browser—your video files are not uploaded to any external server. They remain on your device throughout the process.

Yes. You can upload multiple 3GP files and batch convert them all to MPEG. This is especially useful when archiving a collection of old mobile videos.

For most purposes, MP4 is the better choice—it's the modern standard with universal support. Choose MPEG if you specifically need DVD compatibility or are working with older systems that don't support MP4.

3GP Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.