To convert MOV to MP4 on iPhone, open the MobileStudio MOV to MP4 converter in Safari, pick the video from Photos, and download the MP4. There's no app to install. To make future videos easier to share, set Settings > Camera > Formats to Most Compatible, which records H.264 that converts instantly.
The short answer
| Goal | What to do on iPhone |
|---|---|
| Convert one video now | Browser converter in Safari |
| Make future videos play everywhere | Settings > Camera > Formats > Most Compatible |
| Send to a Windows PC | Convert, or set Photos transfer to Automatic |
| Keep files small | Stay on High Efficiency and convert when needed |
Why does iPhone record MOV files?
MOV is Apple's QuickTime container, and iPhone uses it for every video. Inside, the video is HEVC by default, a newer codec that makes files about half the size of H.264. Apple explains this in Using HEIF or HEVC media. The problem isn't the .mov box; it's that some Windows PCs, Android phones, and websites can't play HEVC.
How do I convert MOV to MP4 on iPhone?
- Open Safari and go to the MOV to MP4 converter.
- Tap the drop area and choose the video from Photos.
- For HEVC videos, keep Most compatible (H.264).
- Tap Convert to MP4, then Download MP4.
- Save it to Files or Photos and share it.
The conversion happens on your iPhone, so the video isn't uploaded anywhere. H.264 videos convert almost instantly; HEVC takes roughly as long as the video plays.
How do I make my iPhone record MP4-friendly videos?
- Open Settings > Camera > Formats.
- Choose Most Compatible.
New videos are recorded in H.264. They're still .mov files, but they convert to MP4 instantly without re-encoding and play on almost any device. They also take more storage. See how to change iPhone video format for the trade-offs.
How do I send iPhone videos to a PC as compatible files?
Go to Settings > Photos > Transfer to Mac or PC and choose Automatic. When you copy videos to a computer with a cable, iPhone converts them to a compatible format. Keep Originals copies the HEVC files as they are. If the videos still won't open on Windows, read why your iPhone video won't play on Windows.
Should I trim the video before converting?
Yes, if you only need part of it. Trimming in Photos is free and quick, as Apple's video editing guide shows, and a shorter clip converts faster and makes a smaller MP4.
Does converting MOV to MP4 on iPhone lose quality?
If the video is H.264, no: it's repackaged, not re-encoded. HEVC converted to H.264 is re-encoded at high quality, so the difference is very hard to see, but the file gets larger. If size matters, compress it afterwards with the video compressor.
Can I convert MOV to MP4 with Shortcuts?
The Shortcuts app can re-encode media, but it doesn't let you choose an MP4 container reliably, so the browser converter is simpler. For converting on a computer, see how to convert MOV to MP4 on Mac or on Windows.
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, right on your phone. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
Can iPhone save videos as MP4?
Not directly. iPhone always records MOV. Convert with the MobileStudio converter in Safari.
Is there a free MOV to MP4 converter for iPhone?
Yes. The browser converter is free, has no watermark, and needs no app.
Why won't my iPhone video upload to a website?
The site probably doesn't accept HEVC or MOV. Convert it to H.264 MP4 and try again.
Does Most Compatible lower video quality?
No, it uses a less efficient codec, so files are larger at the same quality.
How do I convert an iPhone screen recording to MP4?
The same way: open it in the converter. Screen recordings are usually H.264, so they convert instantly. To record one, see how to screen record on iPhone.
