Apple QuickTime video
File type: Digital video and movie file
An mv4 file may be a legacy Apple QuickTime video file associated with video created for use on Apple iPod and iOS devices.
File type category:
Digital video and movie file
Date updated: October 9, 2026
The mv4 file extension is associated with Apple QuickTime and was used for video files distributed or played on iPod and iOS devices, including video podcast content.
The extension appears to be a legacy one associated with early device workflows. It is uncommon today and may also result from a mistyped or incorrectly renamed file extension. Later Apple video workflows more commonly used m4v video files, so an mv4 file may not be recognized automatically by current software.
QuickTime was supplied for Microsoft Windows as well as for Apple macOS and earlier Mac OS X systems. Apple no longer maintains QuickTime for Windows, and the format should be considered obsolete.
Try opening the mv4 file with Apple QuickTime on Microsoft Windows or with Apple QuickTime for Mac on macOS or an earlier Mac OS X system. Because the extension is uncommon and legacy software may be required, the file may not open automatically.
If QuickTime does not recognize it, make a copy and try changing only the file name extension to the extension documented by the source of the file. Do not rename the original file.
If Apple QuickTime can open the mv4 file, use its available export or conversion function to create a more widely supported video file. The available output formats depend on the QuickTime version and the video's codecs.
There is no generally reliable conversion method for an unreadable or incorrectly named mv4 file. If QuickTime cannot open it, the file may be incomplete, mislabeled, or dependent on obsolete codecs.
Apps designed for playing mv4 files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
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