Convert MP4 to 3GP with free tools
- 1
FFmpeg for old feature phones (H.263)
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v h263 -s 176x144 -r 15 -b:v 128k -c:a aac -ar 8000 -ac 1 -b:a 24k output.3gp. H.263 only allows a few fixed sizes (128×96, 176×144, 352×288 and larger), so 320×240 fails with this codec.
- 2
FFmpeg for later phones (H.264 Baseline)
Phones from the late 2000s on usually play H.264 Baseline in 3GP, which looks better at the same size: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 -profile:v baseline -s 320x240 -b:v 300k -c:a aac -ar 22050 -ac 1 -b:a 48k output.3gp.
- 3
Match the phone's limits
Check the phone's video specs (often in its manual): many old phones only play 176×144 H.263 with AMR or AAC sound, while later ones take 320×240 H.264. Pick the command above that fits. HandBrake can't write 3GP.
- 4
Copy it to the phone
Send the file over Bluetooth or USB and test it on the target phone. A 1-minute clip at the settings above is roughly 1–3 MB.
Why convert MP4 to 3GP?
3GP is the format that brought video to mobile phones in the early 2000s. It's still alive on millions of feature phones in emerging markets where bandwidth and storage are precious.
Frequently asked questions
FFmpeg command to convert MP4 to 3GP?
Why is my 3GP file blurry?
Can iPhones play 3GP?
No account. No upload. Works in any browser.