Flash Videos Won't Play on Your Phone?
FLV files were the standard for web video in the Flash era, but they don't work on mobile devices. If you have old Flash videos you want to watch on a basic phone or CDMA device, converting to 3G2 is your solution.
3G2 is a mobile video format designed specifically for phones with limited storage and bandwidth. In our testing, 3G2 files are typically 60-70% smaller than the original FLV while maintaining acceptable quality for small screens.
How to Convert FLV to 3G2
- Upload your FLV file - Drag and drop or click to select your Flash video
- Select 3G2 output - Choose 3G2 as your target format
- Download your video - Get your mobile-ready 3G2 file
The entire process happens in your browser. No software installation required.
FLV vs 3G2: Technical Differences
FLV (Flash Video) was designed for streaming on websites through Adobe Flash Player. It typically uses Sorenson Spark or VP6 video codecs with MP3 audio.
3G2 (3GPP2 file format) was built for mobile phones, particularly CDMA networks. It uses H.263 or H.264 video compression with AMR or AAC audio. The format prioritizes small file sizes over maximum quality.
- File size - 3G2 files are significantly smaller than FLV
- Compatibility - 3G2 works on older mobile phones; FLV requires Flash Player
- Resolution - 3G2 supports lower resolutions optimized for small screens
- Audio - 3G2 uses efficient mobile codecs like AMR-NB
When to Use 3G2 Format
Older CDMA Mobile Phones
If you have a basic phone that doesn't support modern video formats like MP4, 3G2 is often the only option. Many older Samsung, LG, and Motorola CDMA phones only play 3G2 video.
Limited Storage Space
3G2 files take up minimal space on your device. Perfect for phones with limited memory where every megabyte counts.
Slow Network Transfers
The compact size makes 3G2 ideal for sharing videos over slow mobile connections or messaging apps with file size limits.
Legacy Device Testing
Developers working on apps for older devices or retro phone emulators sometimes need video content in 3G2 format for testing purposes.
3G2 vs 3GP: Which to Choose?
Both formats serve mobile phones, but they're designed for different network types:
- 3G2 - Developed by 3GPP2 for CDMA-based phones (Verizon, Sprint in the US)
- 3GP - Created by 3GPP for GSM-based phones (AT&T, T-Mobile in the US)
If your phone uses CDMA technology, choose 3G2. For GSM phones, FLV to 3GP conversion may work better. When in doubt, try 3G2 first - it generally has broader compatibility with older devices.
Quality Expectations
3G2 prioritizes compatibility and file size over visual quality. Videos will look good on small phone screens, but if you're planning to watch on a modern smartphone or computer, consider converting to FLV to MP4 instead.
For basic phones with screens under 3 inches, 3G2 quality is perfectly adequate. The format was engineered for exactly these displays.
Works in Any Browser
Convert FLV to 3G2 directly in your web browser:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- iPhone, iPad, Android tablets
No downloads or installations needed. Convert from any device with an internet connection.