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[Workable Ways] How to Record MP4 Directly on iPhone 15/16
Posted by Ethan Brooke to Record Video Mar 25, 2025
Recording videos in MP4 format on iPhone is a common preference among users due to its wide compatibility across devices and platforms. However, the default format of iPhone recordings sometimes causes compatibility issues. This guide will explore whether iPhone supports MP4 recording and how to adjust iPhone settings to ensure your recordings are saved in MP4 format, helping directly record MP4 videos on your iPhone without hassles.
Guide List
Does iPhone Support Recordings in MP4 Format? The Difference Between Recordings in MP4 and MOV How to Change iPhone Recordings to MP4 Format The Best Way to Record MP4 Directly on iPhoneDoes iPhone Support Recordings in MP4 Format?
Many people may wonder, does iPhone support saving recorded videos in MP4 format? When you record normally, you may usually find that recordings are saved in MOV format, which is optimized for Apple's ecosystem and can be seamlessly connected with applications such as iMovie and Final Cut Pro. Because iMovie and apps alike won’t import MP4.
However, iPhone does support MP4 format, but it cannot be used directly for native camera recording. The Camera application mainly uses HEVC (H.265) or H.264 codecs wrapped in MOV container to ensure better compression and quality when you use iPhone for screen recording. On the other hand, MP4 is a format that is widely compatible with different devices, platforms, and editing software.
Although you can't change the default format to MP4 directly in iPhone settings, you will change the default format of your screen recording to a more compatible format, which can adapt to most video playback and transmission needs. If you explicitly need to convert your recordings to MP4 format, you can use additional tools to export or convert videos to MP4. In addition, some screen recording or third-party camera apps allow you to save recordings directly to MP4 format.
The Difference Between Recordings in MP4 and MOV
Since the default format for screen recording on iPhone is MOV, what are the main differences between it and the MP4 format you would expect? For both MP4 and MOV, the main difference lies in their compatibility and intended use.
Developed by Apple, MOV is optimized for macOS and iOS devices, making it the default choice for iPhone video recording. It offers excellent quality and supports advanced video codecs like HEVC (H.265) and H.264, but it has poor compatibility outside of the Apple ecosystem.
MP4 is a widely used format that is supported by almost all devices, operating systems, and media players. Despite using the same codec as MOV, the MP4 format is more efficient in compression, resulting in smaller file sizes without noticeable quality loss. This makes MP4 ideal for sharing, uploading to platforms like YouTube or social media, and playback on non-Apple devices.
Overall, while both formats offer high-quality videos, MOV is better suited to Apple-specific workflows, while MP4 excels in versatility and cross-platform compatibility.
How to Change iPhone Recordings to MP4 Format
Although iPhone records videos in MOV format using HEVC or H.264 codec by default, there are some simple ways to convert these recordings to MP4 format. You don’t have to find an MP4 converter. Instead, the easiest way is to simply change the default output format of your screen recordings. They allow you to export videos to MP4 format when recording the screen on your iPhone.
However, it should be noted that after you have completed the changes in settings, the videos you record on your iPhone thereafter may take up considerable storage space. Therefore, make sure you have enough storage space before recording the screen to avoid your screen recording process being accidentally interrupted. Here is how to change the screen recording on iPhone to MP4 format:
Step 1Open Settings and scroll down to tap the "Camera" button.
Step 2Then, tap the "Formats" button to enter the new page.
Step 3Under the "CAMERA CAPTURE" tab, tap the "Most Compatible" button.
The Best Way to Record MP4 Directly on iPhone
When it comes to recording iPhone screen directly in MP4 format, 4Easysoft Screen Recorder, which works for recording screens on Android and iPhone, stands out as the most efficient and convenient way. Unlike iPhone's native screen recordings that are saved in MOV format, 4Easysoft Screen Recorder ensures that the recordings are saved directly in MP4 format, with no post-conversion required. It supports customizable settings, allowing users to adjust video quality, resolution, and frame rate to suit their needs. These advantages make iPhone screen activities recorded through 4Easysoft Screen Recorder compatible with multiple devices, while easier export flexibility makes sharing recordings across platforms effortless.
Upload your iPhone screen activity to your PC in real time.
Record your iPhone screen activity in MP4 format directly.
Record your iPhone screen activity in original quality.
A stable connection prevents screen recording interruptions.
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Step 1Launch 4Easysoft Screen Recorder and click the "Phone Recorder" button.
Step 2Follow the instructions to connect your iPhone to the computer. Tap the "Screen mirroring" button.
Step 3Click the "MP4" button to choose it as the output format. Then click the "Record" button to start recording.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although iPhone records videos in MOV format natively, you can still convert or export them to MP4 format for better compatibility with various devices and platforms. iPhone allows you to adjust the default recording format to the most compatible one through settings, but it may take up a considerable amount of storage space. If you want to record MP4 on your iPhone directly, you can try 4Easysoft Screen Recorder for free now.
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