If your iPhone video won't play on Windows, it's almost always because the video is HEVC (H.265), which Windows can't decode without an extra codec. You'll see an error, a black screen, or sound with no picture. To make the iphone video play on Windows, convert it to H.264 MP4 with the MobileStudio MOV to MP4 converter, play it in VLC, install the HEVC extension, or change one iPhone setting.
The short answer
| Fix | Effort | Fixes the file for everyone? |
|---|---|---|
| Convert to H.264 MP4 | 1 minute | Yes |
| Play it in VLC | Install once | No, only on your PC |
| Install HEVC Video Extensions | Small fee, once | No, only on your PC |
| Set iPhone to Most Compatible | 10 seconds | Yes, for future videos |
Why won't iPhone videos play on Windows?
Since iOS 11, iPhones record in HEVC by default to save space, as Apple explains in its HEVC guide. The files are .mov, which Windows handles fine, but the HEVC video inside needs a decoder that isn't included in every copy of Windows. Without it, Photos, Media Player, and many editors can't show the picture.
How do I fix it by converting the video?
- Open the MOV to MP4 converter in Chrome or Edge.
- Drop in the iPhone video.
- Keep Most compatible (H.264).
- Click Convert to MP4 and save.
The MP4 plays in every Windows app and on any device you send it to. The conversion runs on your PC; nothing is uploaded. For other converters, see how to convert MOV to MP4 on Windows.
How do I play iPhone videos on Windows without converting?
Install VLC. It has its own decoders, including HEVC, so it plays iPhone videos straight away. This only fixes playback on your own computer, though, not uploads or editing in other apps.
You can also install HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store, which adds HEVC support to the built-in Windows apps for a small fee.
How do I stop this happening with new iPhone videos?
Change the recording format:
- On the iPhone, open Settings > Camera > Formats.
- Choose Most Compatible.
New videos record in H.264, which Windows plays without help. They use more storage. There's also Settings > Photos > Transfer to Mac or PC > Automatic, which converts videos to a compatible format when you copy them to a computer with a cable. More on this in how to change iPhone video format.
Why do I hear sound but see a black screen?
Windows can decode the AAC audio but not the HEVC video. It's the same problem, and converting to H.264 fixes it. The same thing happens in some video editors, which is why converting before editing saves time.
Does converting reduce quality?
Barely. HEVC to H.264 is re-encoded at high quality, so you'll struggle to see a difference, but the file grows, since H.264 is less efficient. If you need it smaller, use the video compressor. The technical side is in HEVC vs H.264, and HandBrake is another free converter if you prefer a desktop app.
Where MobileStudio fits
The converter is one of our free tools. MobileStudio itself turns iPhone screen recordings into polished app demos. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
Why can't Windows 10 play my iPhone videos?
They're HEVC, and Windows 10 needs an extra codec for HEVC. Convert them to H.264 or play them in VLC.
Do I have to pay for the HEVC codec?
Microsoft's extension costs a small fee. VLC and converting with the MobileStudio converter are free.
Will AirDrop or email fix the format?
Apple says sharing can convert media to a compatible format when the recipient can't use HEVC, but copying files directly keeps the original.
Why do iPhone videos play on my Mac but not my PC?
Macs include HEVC support. Many Windows PCs don't.
How do I convert iPhone videos to MP4 in bulk?
HandBrake's queue converts many files at once.
