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Convert M4V to 3GP - Play Videos on Any Mobile Phone

Transform iTunes M4V videos into compact 3GP files for universal mobile playback.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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iTunes Videos Won't Play on Your Phone?

M4V files from iTunes and Apple devices don't work on many mobile phones-especially older models and basic handsets. The format is designed for Apple's ecosystem, leaving everyone else locked out.

Converting to 3GP solves this completely. 3GP was created specifically for mobile phones and works on virtually every handset ever made, from smartphones to basic feature phones. If you have M4V files that need to reach a wider mobile audience, this conversion makes it possible.

How to Convert M4V to 3GP

  1. Upload your M4V file - Drag and drop or click to select your video
  2. Confirm 3GP output - 3GP is selected for maximum mobile compatibility
  3. Download the result - Your video is now ready for any mobile phone

The entire process happens in your browser. No software to install, no account required.

Why M4V Doesn't Work Everywhere

M4V is Apple's video format, closely related to MP4 but with a key difference: it often includes DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection from iTunes purchases. Even unprotected M4V files face compatibility issues:

  • Non-Apple phones - Android and other systems may not recognize M4V
  • Older devices - Feature phones and basic mobiles lack M4V support
  • Limited bandwidth areas - M4V files are typically larger than necessary for mobile viewing
  • MMS sharing - M4V files are usually too large for multimedia messages

3GP addresses all these issues. It was built from the ground up for mobile networks and devices.

When 3GP Makes Sense

Sharing with Basic Phones

Not everyone uses a smartphone. When you need to send video to someone with a feature phone or older mobile, 3GP is often the only format that works reliably.

Low Bandwidth Situations

3GP files are significantly smaller than M4V. In areas with slow mobile data or expensive bandwidth, 3GP makes video sharing practical. In our testing, a 100MB M4V file typically converts to a 3GP file under 20MB while maintaining watchable quality.

MMS Video Messages

3GP is the standard format for video sent via MMS. If you want to send a video message that actually arrives and plays, 3GP conversion is essential.

Technical Differences

M4V and 3GP serve different purposes:

  • M4V - Apple's container for high-quality video, uses H.264/AAC codecs, optimized for iTunes playback, typical resolution 720p-1080p
  • 3GP - 3GPP mobile container, uses H.263 or H.264 with AMR audio, optimized for small screens and low bandwidth, typical resolution 176x144 to 352x288

The conversion prioritizes compatibility over quality. 3GP is designed for mobile screens where ultra-high resolution isn't necessary. For better quality on modern smartphones, consider M4V to MP4 conversion instead.

DRM-Protected M4V Files

If your M4V file was purchased from iTunes with DRM protection, it cannot be converted directly. DRM-protected files require authorization from Apple's servers. Our converter works with:

  • M4V files recorded on iPhones or iPads
  • M4V exports from video editing software
  • DRM-free M4V downloads
  • Screen recordings saved as M4V

For DRM content, you'll need to use Apple's own tools or purchase a DRM-free version.

Browser-Based Conversion

Convert M4V to 3GP from any device with a web browser:

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

Your video files stay on your device during conversion. No uploads to external servers, no privacy concerns.

Pro Tip

If your recipient has a basic phone but you're unsure about 3GP support, send a short test clip first. Some very old phones only support specific 3GP profiles. When in doubt, use the lowest resolution setting for maximum compatibility.

Common Mistake

Trying to convert DRM-protected iTunes purchases. If you bought a movie from iTunes, it has FairPlay protection and won't convert. Look for M4V files you recorded yourself or downloaded from DRM-free sources.

Best For

Sending video clips to contacts with older feature phones, sharing via MMS, or distributing video in areas with extremely limited bandwidth where even compressed MP4 files are too large.

Not Recommended

Don't convert to 3GP if your recipient has a modern smartphone. MP4 offers far better quality and is equally compatible with current Android and iOS devices. Only use 3GP for legacy device compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

M4V is Apple's video container format, similar to MP4. It's used by iTunes for movie and TV purchases and by Apple devices for video recordings. M4V files may include DRM copy protection.

3GP (3GPP) is a multimedia container format created for mobile phones. Developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project, it's designed for low bandwidth and limited storage, making it ideal for feature phones and MMS messaging.

Yes, 3GP is a lower-quality format by design. It prioritizes small file size and universal compatibility over visual quality. For mobile screens, the difference is less noticeable. If quality is important, consider converting to MP4 instead.

No. DRM-protected M4V files from iTunes Store purchases cannot be converted by third-party tools. Only DRM-free M4V files (like those recorded on iPhones) can be converted.

Choose 3GP when sending video to older phones, basic feature phones, or when file size is critical (like MMS messages or very slow connections). For modern smartphones, MP4 is usually the better choice.

3GP files are typically 70-80% smaller than the original M4V. A 100MB M4V video often converts to a 15-25MB 3GP file, depending on the resolution and duration.

Almost all mobile phones support 3GP, including very old feature phones from the 2000s. Most media players on computers can also play 3GP files, including VLC and Windows Media Player.

Yes. Upload multiple M4V files and convert them all to 3GP in one batch. This saves time when processing video collections.

Yes. The conversion happens entirely in your browser using your device's processing power. Your video files are not uploaded to any server.

Standard 3GP resolutions include QCIF (176x144) and CIF (352x288). These are optimized for small mobile screens. Higher resolutions are possible but defeat the purpose of using 3GP's small file size advantage.

M4V Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.