MPG4 file icon

MPG4 File Extension

MPEG-4 Video

What is MPG4 file?

Files with the MPG4 extension belong to the multimedia files category.

What do MPG4 files contain?

The content of files with the MPG4 extension is video content and accompanying audio tracks. This format was developed in 1998 by a working group composed of employees of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). ). The contents of files with the MPG4 extension include:

  • video sequences,
  • audio data,
  • interactive 3D graphics (VRML),
  • vector graphics,
  • elements of DRM technology.

Advanced image and sound compression algorithms are used to save the content of files with the MPG4 extension.

What are MPG4 files used for?

The standard use of MPG4 files is the transmission of multimedia content via a television signal. MPG4 files are also used in videoconferencing and as a format for recording films on optical discs, such as CDs or DVDs. The use of files with the MPG4 extension on the Internet includes, among others, image and sound streaming. Some models of telephones and smartphones save captured videos to MPG4 files. Advanced solutions implemented in the standard enable the insertion of computer-generated scenes into the content of MPG4 files in real time. This is used during videoconferencing to create the illusion of the presence of all participants in one place.

Programs which support MPG4 file extension

The following listing features MPG4-compatible programs. Files with MPG4 extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 03/25/2024

How to open file with MPG4 extension?

Being unable to open files with MPG4 extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to MPEG-4 Video files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install QuickTime Player software

Install software to open MPG4 file The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening MPG4 files is that no program that can handle MPG4 files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing QuickTime Player or different compatible program, such as VLC media player, Windows Media Player, ConvertXtoDVD. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit QuickTime Player website and download the installer.

Step 2. Update QuickTime Player to the latest version

Update software that support file extension MPG4If you already have QuickTime Player installed on your systems and MPG4 files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of QuickTime Player installed, it may not support MPG4 format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using QuickTime Player.

Step 3. Assign QuickTime Player to MPG4 files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate MPG4 files with latest version of QuickTime Player you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Associate software with MPG4 file on Windows

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

  • Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the MPG4 file
  • Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
  • To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the QuickTime Player installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open MPG4 files box and clicking OK button.
Associate software with MPG4 file on Mac

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

  • Right-click the MPG4 file and select Information
  • Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
  • From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
  • If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with MPG4 extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the MPG4 for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the MPG4 file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

Check MPG4 file for viruses
1. The MPG4 may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the MPG4 is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the MPG4 file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the MPG4 file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic MPG4 file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the MPG4 file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run QuickTime Player

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support MPG4 files. Close all running programs and try opening the MPG4 file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with MPEG-4 Video file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle MPG4 files.

Conversion of a MPG4 file

File Conversions from MPG4 extension to a different format
File conversions from other format to MPG4 file
Do you want to help?

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