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M4V MP4
File conversion

Convert M4V to MP4

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Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jul 18, 2026
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Is it possible to convert M4V to MP4?
Yes - M4V converts to MP4.

You can do it right here with our free converter - no sign-up, and your file is deleted right after.

M4V and MP4 share the same container format, so a non-DRM file converts by renaming .m4v to .mp4 - no re-encoding, no quality change. Files purchased from the iTunes Store carry Apple FairPlay DRM, which blocks conversion; those can only be played in authorised Apple apps.

Also to MP4: AVCHD · USM · MXF

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Sep 2026

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Why convert M4V to MP4?

MP4 is accepted by virtually every video player, editor, and device, while .m4v is less widely recognised - Android devices, some smart TVs, and non-Apple editors may refuse the file or not list it in a media library, even though the content is identical. Renaming or converting to .MP4 makes the same video universally accessible without touching the encoded streams.

How to convert M4V to MP4

Rename the file BUILT-IN

For non-DRM files, rename .m4v to .mp4 - it takes one second and produces no quality change, because both formats share the same container structure.

Command line - FFmpeg CLI

Remux without re-encoding using ffmpeg -i input.m4v -c copy output.mp4 - video, audio, and chapter data are copied losslessly.

HandBrake FREE

Open the .m4v in HandBrake, set Format to MP4 in the Summary tab, choose a preset, and click Start Encode - useful when you also want to resize or change codecs.

VLC media player FREE

Use Media > Convert/Save, select MP4 as the output container, and save - note that VLC always re-encodes rather than remuxing.

Programs that convert M4V

Adobe Premiere Pro
Aimersoft DRM Media Converter for Windows
Apple TV Video Converter
Freemake Video Converter
MediaCell Video Converter
Movavi Video Converter Personal
SUPER
Aimersoft DVD Ripper for Mac

About these formats

.M4V iTunes Video File

An M4V file is an iTunes/Apple TV video - movies, TV shows, and music videos sold or rented through Apple's store. Non-DRM M4V files open in VLC, Windows Media Player, or QuickTime.…

Open .M4V details →
.MP4 MPEG-4 Part 14 Video File

An MP4 file is a video container (MPEG-4 Part 14, standardized 2003) that holds video, audio, subtitles, and chapters in one file. It plays on every phone, computer, browser, and smart TV…

Open .MP4 details →

Quality & what to watch

  • Renaming and FFmpeg with -c copy are lossless remux operations; HandBrake and VLC re-encode, which reduces quality to some degree even at high quality settings.
  • iTunes Store purchases carry Apple FairPlay DRM - renaming and converter tools will not work; these files can only be played in authorised Apple apps.
  • If a converted file is rejected by a device, an AC-3 audio track is often the cause - re-encode audio to AAC with ffmpeg -i input.m4v -c:v copy -c:a aac output.mp4.

Frequently asked questions

Can I just rename M4V to MP4?
Yes, for non-DRM files. M4V and MP4 share the same container, so renaming works instantly with no re-encoding or quality change. DRM-protected iTunes purchases do not respond to renaming.
How do I know if my M4V has DRM?
Open the file in VLC - if it plays normally, there is no DRM. If VLC refuses to play it or shows a blank screen, the file is DRM-protected.
Does converting M4V to MP4 reduce quality?
Not if you rename or use FFmpeg with -c copy, which copies the encoded data without touching it. Tools that re-encode (HandBrake, VLC) reduce quality to some degree.
Why does my M4V play in QuickTime but not in Premiere Pro?
Editing software cannot import DRM-protected files - only Apple-authorised apps can play them. If you exported the file yourself from iMovie or Final Cut Pro, rename it to .mp4 and it will import normally.