How to Open a File With the MP4 File Extension

If you're looking to find out how to open the MP4 file extension, you've come to the right place. In most cases, Windows will open a file in the associated program, but some files fall outside of those parameters. Keep reading to find out how you can open your MP4 file on both Windows and Mac.

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Issue: You Can't Open MP4 Files

You might've double-clicked on the file, to be greeted with the "Choose a program to open the file" message. In some cases, you might be able to open the file, but the contents may seem garbled and that's because it was written to be opened in a specific program. Of course, you can't open a MP4 file with just any software. Not to worry - we have you covered!

Step 1: Find Out Which Software Uses MP4 Files

Computer Files

Opening your MP4 file starts with understanding which software uses a MP4 extension. In many cases, different types of software may use the same file extensions, also known as file associations.

MPEG-4 Video File and MP4 are the most popular software packages that use MP4 files. Therefore, your best bet would be to download one of these software packages and use one of them to open your file.

Lightbulb

Zipped files tend to require special handling and may require password access. Contact the file owner or the person who gave you the file for the password and unzip the file before attempting to open the contents.

Step 2: Learning More About MP4 "File Type"

If you can't download MPEG-4 Video File or MP4 software, or if neither of them work to open your MP4 file, you may be able to use the file type as a clue to finding out how you can open it. Using a Windows PC, you can right-click and navigate to "Properties" and then to "Type of file". On a Mac, select "More info" and "Kind".

Most likely, you will find that MP4 files are considered Video Files. Because many programs packages utilize Video Files, you might be able to find a program on your computer that handles those types of files.

If that still does not work, you may have to contact the associated software developer to find out how to open it. Unless you know the specific developer, you could contact one of these developers for assistance.

Please see our chart below of software titles and their developers:

Software Developer
MPEG-4 Video File Windows Programmer
MP4 Microsoft Developer

Solution: Use File Magic to Open Your MP4 File

Tools

Although some files must be opened in binary file format (ie. in the program or device for which it was developed), you might be able to open it with a universal software viewer. Depending on the exact file format, you could use a universal software viewer such as File Magic [download] to open your MP4 file. Download File Magic today to open your MP4 files and hundreds of other file types with one program.


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