Convert 3GP to WAV on Mac
Select the 3GP files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose WAV and press Return. FileFlip saves each WAV next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert 3GP to WAV 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 “WAV” to jump to it.
Choose WAV and press Return
The WAV files appear next to the originals with the same names. The 3GP files stay as they are.
3GP and WAV
Videos from older phones are often 3GP, which many modern apps and websites don’t accept. WAV is uncompressed and opens in every audio editor and on every system.
What changes when you convert
- Only the soundtrack is kept; the picture is dropped.
- WAV is uncompressed, so expect roughly 10 MB per minute of CD-quality stereo.
- 3GP videos are usually low resolution, and converting won’t add detail.
| Property | 3GP | WAV |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | 3GPP multimedia file | Waveform Audio File Format |
| Made by | 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) | Microsoft and IBM |
| Compression | Container for low-bitrate mobile video | Uncompressed |
| Best for | Videos from older phones | Recording, editing and audio apps that need raw sound |
| Opens in | QuickTime Player and most media players | Every audio app and operating system |
| File extension | .3gp | .wav |
| 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
afconvert can read the soundtrack of a video and write it as WAV.
afconvert -f WAVE -d LEI16 clip.3gp clip.wavBuilt into macOS. LEI16 is 16-bit audio; use LEI24 for 24-bit.
Questions about 3GP and WAV
What happens to the video?
The WAV file contains only the soundtrack. The 3GP stays untouched next to it.
Can I convert many 3GP files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose WAV. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where does WAV play?
Every audio app and operating system.
Where is the WAV file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .wav extension. The 3GP file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert WAV 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