MOV is the QuickTime File Format developed by Apple in 1991. It is the default video format on iPhone and Mac and the basis of the MP4 standard.
MOV containers can hold many codecs: iPhones record HEVC (H.265) or H.264, while professional cameras and editors use Apple ProRes in MOV for high-quality editing. Screen recordings on Mac are also MOV. Files from iPhones can include HDR Dolby Vision, spatial audio and location metadata.
| Extension | .mov |
|---|---|
| Full name | Apple QuickTime Movie |
| Type | Video |
| Typical size | about 60–100 MB per minute for 1080p HEVC; 170+ MB per minute for 4K; several GB per minute for ProRes |
How to open a .mov file
| Device | How to open it |
|---|---|
| Windows | Windows Media Player and Movies & TV play MOV with the HEVC Video Extensions for iPhone video; VLC plays it for free. |
| Mac | QuickTime Player, Photos and iMovie open MOV natively. |
| iPhone / iPad | Photos and Files play MOV natively. |
| Android | Google Photos and VLC play most MOV files; HEVC playback depends on device support. |
| Linux | VLC and mpv play MOV, including HEVC and ProRes. |
Converting .mov files
MOV is commonly converted to MP4 (H.264) for compatibility using HandBrake, ffmpeg or QuickTime's Export; changing the container from MOV to MP4 without re-encoding is often possible with ffmpeg's -c copy. iPhone users can set Camera > Formats > Most Compatible to record H.264 instead.
How to send a .mov file
- Open sendryo.com on the device that has the file and add it.
- Tap Get share code.
- On the other device, enter the code — the .mov file arrives directly, unchanged, at full quality.
Tips for sharing .mov files
- iPhone videos are HEVC by default; if the recipient uses an older Windows PC, send an H.264 MP4 or point them to VLC.
- Apps like WhatsApp and iMessage over cellular compress videos; send through Files or a direct transfer to keep 4K and HDR.
- ProRes MOV files are enormous; check free space on the receiving device first and use /tools/transfer-time-calculator/ to plan.
More: how to send mov files.
Frequently asked questions
How do I play MOV files on Windows?
Install the free VLC media player, which plays almost every MOV file. Alternatively, the built-in Media Player handles H.264 MOV, and iPhone HEVC videos play after installing the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store.
Should I convert MOV to MP4?
Convert when you need maximum compatibility, for example for Windows PCs, smart TVs, or some websites. Often you can simply change the container without re-encoding, which keeps quality. If the MOV contains ProRes, converting to H.264 MP4 makes it much smaller but lossy.
Why are iPhone MOV files sometimes dark or washed out on other devices?
iPhones record HDR video in Dolby Vision/HLG by default. Players and screens that do not handle HDR may show it washed out or too dark. Turn off HDR Video in Settings > Camera > Record Video, or export an SDR version when sharing.
How do I send a large .mov file?
Open Sendryo on both devices, add the .mov file and share the 6-digit code. It goes directly to the other device at original quality, with no size limit set by us and no upload to a server.