Changing the Default Video Output Format on Your iPhone: From MOV to MP4

Do you frequently save videos in MOV format on your iPhone but prefer to have them in MP4 format? If so, you can easily change the default output format on your iPhone to save your videos in MP4. This guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Steps to Change Default Video Output Format on iPhone

1. Open the Settings App: Start by going to your iPhone's Settings app.

2. Navigate to the Camera App Settings: Scroll down until you find the 'Camera' option and tap on it.

3. Select the Format Option: Within the Camera settings, tap on the 'Formats' option.

4. Choose the Most Compatible Format: Here you are given two choices, 'High Efficiency' and 'Most Compatible.' Select 'Most Compatible.'

By selecting 'Most Compatible,' you ensure that your videos are saved in the MP4 format, which is more widely compatible with various devices and software.

Note: This setting primarily affects new videos recorded after you change the format. Existing videos will remain in their original format.

Converting Existing MOV Files to MP4

If you need to convert your existing MOV files to MP4, there are multiple methods available:

Using App Store Apps: Download and use any video conversion app available on the App Store. These apps can efficiently convert your MOV files to MP4. Using Computer Software: Alternatively, you can use a computer with video conversion software installed. This method ensures high-quality conversion and advanced editing features.

For further assistance or questions, feel free to ask!

Changing Default Image and Video Formats in iOS 11 and Earlier

For devices running iOS 11 and later, the process is almost identical:

Open the Settings app. Navigate to and open the Camera app. Tap on the Formats option.

This will redirect you to a page where you can choose between 'High Efficiency' and 'Most Compatible' formats.

Understanding the Technical Behind MOV and MP4 Formats

It's important to understand the technical differences between MOV and MP4 formats:

1. MOV Format:

Based on Apple's QuickTime container format. Supports a wide range of codecs and additional metadata such as GPS coordinates.

2. MP4 Format:

Uses the MPEG-4 standard, which is a subset of the QuickTime format. Primarily uses H.264 or H.265 (HEVC) codecs for compression. For most purposes, MOV files can be treated as MP4 files as they are essentially the same format with some additional data.

Note: In newer devices and iOS versions, videos might be encoded using HEVC (h.265) which is not always fully supported by all MP4-handling software. If you encounter issues, you can change the settings to 'Most Compatible' in the Camera app to ensure compatibility.

For those who manually wish to convert MOV to MP4, you can rename the file extension, but it's crucial to use reliable software to ensure the video stays intact and maintains its quality.