How to change file format on iPhone?

This tip is to change file formats or extensions, very useful since it is too fast without depending on external apps or tools on iPhone.

Sometimes we do not have to resort to external tools to achieve an objective within our devices. For example, changing the extension or format of a file can be somewhat complex, but it is easier than you might imagine. You can make it compatible with some type of specific software or app. You can also change the format to protect a file for security purposes. In this article we will teach you how to do it from an iPhone.

You don’t always have to have a Mac or PC on hand, you can also do it on an iPhone. Some users will already be used to using their iPhone to perform tasks that in the past could only be done on a Mac or computer. Fortunately, iOS has come a long way in terms of the features that can be done. Especially, the arrival of the Files app gives it a sense of computer since it is as if we had a kind of Finder. Thanks to this app, it is possible to transfer photos from iPhone to SD card.

If you haven’t used the Files app yet, here’s how to save files on iPhone. Meanwhile, we are going to see how to see all the extensions of the files that we have on the iPhone:

  1. Open the Files app and navigate to a file folder in question
  2. Tap the More icon (…) and tap View options –> Show all extensions.

This will help you to see the extensions or format of each file in a specific folder or in your general Files app. How do I change the file format?

  1. Locate the file to change the format or extension
  2. Tap and hold on said file and choose the “Rename” option
  3. Change the extension name with a new one and confirm Done from the keyboard
  4. You will notice a warning from Apple asking if you want to change the file extension, use the Use “chosen .extension” option.
  5. If you have an app that can open that extension, you won’t have any problem opening it.

You will be able to see the change immediately by having the option to show the extensions. Also if you hold down the file you can tap on the “Get info” option.

It is that simple to do it from an iPhone or iPad, so you won’t have to resort to a third-party app or online tool to change file formats or extensions.

A very important point to keep in mind: changing the extension of any file does not guarantee that it will open normally. This could happen with very specific files. For example, if you have a video in .m4a format and you want to change it to .mkv, you could have a problem playing it natively.

On the contrary, if a file has an error in the extension, if it was named .mp3 but it is not only audio but also video, changing it to .mp4 will make it compatible without any problem. These types of modifications should only be made between similar file formats. Text with text, image with image or video with video.