Convert 3GP to M4V on Mac
Select the 3GP files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose M4V and press Return. FileFlip saves each M4V next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert 3GP to M4V with FileFlip
Select the 3GP files
In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.
Press ⌥ F
FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from 3GP. Type “M4V” to jump to it.
Choose M4V and press Return
The M4V files appear next to the originals with the same names. The 3GP files stay as they are.
3GP and M4V
Videos from older phones are often 3GP, which many modern apps and websites don’t accept. M4V is the MP4 variant Apple’s own apps and older Apple TV devices are built around.
What changes when you convert
- 3GP and M4V are both containers for the same kinds of video, so this is mostly about where the file has to play.
- 3GP videos are usually low resolution, and converting won’t add detail.
| Property | 3GP | M4V |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) | Apple |
| Compression | Container for low-bitrate mobile video | Container; usually H.264 video |
| Best for | Videos from older phones | Video for Apple TV and Apple’s apps |
| Opens in | QuickTime Player and most media players | Apple’s apps and most players that open MP4 |
| File extension | .3gp | .m4v |
| In FileFlip | Opens | Opens and saves |
Other ways on a Mac
For one file now and then you may not need FileFlip. These work with what’s already on your Mac.
Terminal
macOS includes avconvert, which picks the file type from the extension you give the output.
avconvert --source clip.3gp \
--preset PresetHighestQuality --output clip.m4vBuilt into macOS. Run avconvert --help for other presets.
Questions about 3GP and M4V
Can I convert many 3GP files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose M4V. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where is the M4V file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .m4v extension. The 3GP file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert M4V back to 3GP?
No. FileFlip opens 3GP files but doesn’t save them.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert all your videos at once
FileFlip also handles images, camera raw files, audio, PDFs, documents and data files. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac