To change iPhone video format, go to Settings > Camera > Formats and choose Most Compatible for H.264 or High Efficiency for HEVC. Most Compatible makes videos that play on Windows, Android, and the web, at the cost of bigger files. The setting only affects new videos, so convert old ones with the MobileStudio MOV to MP4 converter.
The short answer
| Setting | Video codec | File size | Plays on |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Efficiency (default) | HEVC (H.265) | Smaller | Apple devices, most newer devices |
| Most Compatible | H.264 | Larger | Almost everything |
How do I change the iPhone video format?
- Open Settings.
- Tap Camera, then Formats.
- Choose Most Compatible or High Efficiency.
That's it. Apple documents the setting in its guide to HEIF and HEVC media. The option only appears on iPhones that can record HEVC, which covers every model from recent years.
Which iPhone video format should I choose?
| You mostly... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Share videos with Windows or Android users | Most Compatible |
| Upload to websites, forms, or editors | Most Compatible |
| Keep videos on iPhone, iPad, and Mac | High Efficiency |
| Run low on storage | High Efficiency |
| Shoot 4K at 60 fps | High Efficiency (required) |
High Efficiency is needed for some modes, such as 4K at 60 fps and Cinematic video, so switching to Most Compatible can limit your options. A common middle ground: stay on High Efficiency for everyday shooting, and convert only the handful of videos you actually send to people on other devices. That keeps your storage low and your shared files compatible.
Does changing the format change existing videos?
No. Videos you've already recorded stay as they are. To make an old HEVC video compatible, open it in the MOV to MP4 converter, keep Most compatible (H.264), and download the MP4. More options are in how to convert MOV to MP4 on iPhone.
Can iPhone convert videos automatically when I copy them?
Yes, when you copy to a computer with a cable. Go to Settings > Photos > Transfer to Mac or PC and choose Automatic. iPhone then converts photos and videos to a compatible format on the way. Keep Originals copies them unchanged.
Will iPhone still record MOV files?
Yes. Both settings record .mov files. Most Compatible just puts H.264 inside, which converts to MP4 instantly without re-encoding. The container rarely causes problems; the codec does. See MOV vs MP4 for the difference.
How much bigger are Most Compatible videos?
Roughly twice the size of High Efficiency at the same quality, because H.264 is less efficient. If storage is tight, stay on High Efficiency and convert only the videos you need to share. The comparison is in HEVC vs H.264. If a shared video is too big to send, compress it with the video compressor. Selfie users may also want to check Mirror Front Camera in the same Camera settings, as Apple's selfie guide explains.
Does the format affect screen recordings?
Screen recordings follow their own settings and are generally easy to convert. To record one, see how to screen record on iPhone. If you edit them on a Mac, Apple's video editing guide covers the basics.
Where MobileStudio fits
The converter is one of our free tools. MobileStudio itself turns iPhone screen recordings into polished app demos with device frames and zooms. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
How do I make my iPhone record MP4?
iPhone always records MOV, but choose Most Compatible and the video converts to MP4 instantly.
Does Most Compatible reduce video quality?
No. Quality is the same; the files are just larger.
Why can't I select 4K at 60 fps after switching?
Some modes need High Efficiency. Switch back to use them.
Is HEVC bad?
No. It's more efficient and looks great. It just isn't supported on every device yet.
How do I change the format of a video I already took?
Convert it with the MobileStudio converter.
