Convert MP4 to 3GP Online Free
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Convert MP4 video to 3GP format for compatibility with older mobile phones, low-bandwidth sharing, or MMS messaging. 3GP produces compact files optimized for mobile devices.
By ChangeThisFile Team · Last updated: March 2026
ChangeThisFile converts your MP4 video to the compact 3GP format using FFmpeg on our secure servers. The 3GP format is designed for mobile devices with limited bandwidth or storage, producing much smaller files. Auto-deleted after processing, no signup required, entirely free.
MP4 vs 3GP: Format Comparison
Key differences between the two formats
| Feature | MP4 | 3GP |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | MPEG-4 Part 14 | 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) |
| Target device | Modern smartphones and devices | Older 3G mobile phones |
| Video codec | H.264, H.265 | H.263 or MPEG-4 Part 2 |
| Audio codec | AAC | AMR (Adaptive Multi-Rate) |
| File size | Moderate | Very small (low resolution) |
| Quality | High | Low (optimized for bandwidth, not quality) |
| Resolution | Up to 8K | Typically 176x144 or 320x240 |
When to Convert
Common scenarios where this conversion is useful
Older feature phone compatibility
Basic and feature phones from the 2000s–2010s only support 3GP video. Convert MP4 clips to 3GP to share videos with people using older devices.
MMS video messaging
MMS (multimedia messaging) has strict file size limits. 3GP files are very small, making them ideal for sending video clips via SMS/MMS on older carrier networks.
Low-bandwidth environments
In areas with very slow mobile connections, 3GP video loads faster than MP4. Convert for sharing in low-bandwidth environments where data is expensive or limited.
Video for embedded automotive systems
Some older car infotainment and navigation systems only support 3GP video format for USB playback.
Who Uses This Conversion
Tailored guidance for different workflows
Content Creators
- Convert MP4 footage to 3GP for playback in software and devices that expect the 3GP format
- Transform MP4 recordings to 3GP to match the format an existing workflow or player requires
Video Editors
- Convert MP4 footage to 3GP for importing into editing software like Premiere or DaVinci Resolve
- Transform MP4 project exports to 3GP for client delivery or final distribution
Social Media Managers
- Convert MP4 videos to 3GP for compatibility with legacy players or archival systems that use 3GP
- Transform MP4 source files to 3GP when a specific tool only accepts 3GP input
How to Convert MP4 to 3GP
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1
Upload your MP4 file
Drag and drop your .mp4 file onto the converter, or click to browse. The free tier accepts files up to 25MB; eligible paid browser access accepts up to 100MB.
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2
Server-side conversion
Your file is securely uploaded and re-encoded using FFmpeg into 3GP format with H.263 video and AMR audio. Processing typically takes a few seconds.
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3
Download the result
Click Download to save your converted .3gp file. The original and converted files are automatically deleted from our servers.
Developers: convert via API →
Frequently Asked Questions
Most modern Android and iOS devices can play 3GP, though quality will be low. On Android, use VLC. On iOS, use the Files app or VLC.
3GP uses lower resolution (typically 176x144 or 320x240) and less efficient older codecs. The small file size is intentional for bandwidth-constrained devices.
Yes. 3GP uses H.263 and AMR codecs optimized for tiny file size, not quality. Expect blocky video and lower-quality audio compared to the original MP4.
Yes. Files are transferred over HTTPS and automatically deleted from our servers after conversion.
The free tier accepts files up to 25MB; eligible paid browser access accepts up to 100MB.
Yes, completely free. No signup or subscription required.
Yes. Use the 3GP to MP4 converter on ChangeThisFile to convert in the reverse direction.
Most conversions complete in seconds. The output file is much smaller than the source, so processing is quick.
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Need to convert programmatically?
Use the ChangeThisFile API to convert MP4 to 3GP in your app or script. Free tier included.
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