Convert MKV to MP4 on iPhone or iPad
Follow a proven mobile workflow for turning high quality MKV videos into widely compatible MP4 files without leaving your iOS device. This guide covers quick browser conversion, time-saving Shortcuts automation, and reliable third-party apps.
iOS Conversion Quick Start
Get your first conversion done in minutes with Safari and the built-in Files picker.
Save the MKV file into Files, iCloud Drive, Dropbox, or Google Drive. Safari can open anything accessible through the Files picker.
Launch Safari, visit our MKV to MP4 converter, and tap Select File. Choose the MKV from Files. Keep Safari active for large files.
When conversion finishes, use Share to Save to Files, add to Photos, or AirDrop the MP4 to another Apple device instantly.
Method 1: Safari Browser Workflow
Ideal for one-off conversions or when you trust your mobile connection.
- Connect to a stable Wi-Fi or 5G network and disable Low Data Mode temporarily.
- Open mkv.to in Safari, scroll to the converter, and tap Select File.
- Choose Browse... to open the Files picker. Locate your MKV in iCloud Drive, On My iPhone, or another provider.
- Tap Start Conversion. Keep Safari visible; iOS may pause background tabs during large jobs.
- Download the MP4. If Safari opens it in a player, tap the share icon and choose Save to Files or Save Video to add it to Photos.
Method 2: Shortcuts Automation
Automate repeat conversions with the Shortcuts app and Files actions.
What the Shortcut Does
- Prompts you to pick an MKV file from Files.
- Uploads to our converter endpoint in the background.
- Downloads the MP4 and saves it to a specified folder.
- Optionally offers to open the MP4 in VLC or Infuse for playback.
Build It Yourself
- Create a new Shortcut and add Select File (Files only).
- Add Get Contents of URL with method POST to
https://mkv.to/api/convert. - Set the request body to the selected file as Form Data with key file.
- Append Save File to store the response in your Movies folder.
- Finish with Open In... if you want to pick a player automatically.
Method 3: Offline App Recommendations
Convert without uploading sensitive footage by using native iOS apps.
VLC Media Player
- Free and open source with native MKV playback.
- Supports local network transfers via Wi-Fi upload.
- Export MP4 using Share > Save Video after transcoding.
- Best for large libraries you manage locally.
Infuse Pro
- Premium playback engine with Dolby Vision and HDR support.
- Real-time remux to MP4-compatible streams via AirPlay.
- Syncs with iCloud, Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin.
- Use Convert to MP4 in share menu to export when needed.
Documents by Readdle
- File manager with integrated browser and converter plug-ins.
- Good for downloading MKV files directly to local storage.
- Automates moving completed MP4 files into Photos or Files.
- Optional in-app purchases unlock batch conversion.
FileBrowser Professional
- Connects to NAS, SMB, and cloud providers seamlessly.
- Server-side conversion triggered from the app interface.
- Great for workflows where raw footage stays on network storage.
- Includes preset export profiles for Apple devices.
Optimize for Long Conversions
Keep iOS conversions running smoothly when working with 4K or lengthy footage.
Power Management
- Keep the device plugged in or enable Low Power Mode only after conversion completes.
- Disable Auto-Lock temporarily via Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock.
- Close resource-heavy apps running in the background.
Connection Stability
- Prefer 5 GHz Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet via USB-C hub on compatible iPads.
- Disable VPNs that might throttle upload speeds during conversion.
- Use Airplane Mode with Wi-Fi enabled to prevent phone calls interrupting uploads.
Privacy & Security
- Always confirm SSL padlock in Safari before uploading private videos.
- Use offline apps when handling confidential footage or client work.
- Delete residual MKV files in Files once the MP4 is verified.
Troubleshooting iOS Conversions
Fix common pain points when working with large MKV files on iPhone or iPad.
Safari refreshes the tab mid-conversion
Disable Low Power Mode and switch Auto-Lock to Never. Stay on the page until the download prompt appears.
Files app will not open MKV
Install VLC or Infuse to preview MKV files quickly. You can still upload them to the converter directly from Files.
Converted MP4 has no audio
Ensure the original MKV audio track is AAC or AC3. Re-run the conversion and enable audio transcoding when prompted.
Cannot share large MP4 files
Move the MP4 into Files then upload to iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or send via AirDrop for faster transfers.
Convert MKV to MP4 Right on Your iPhone
Use our free web-based converter to process MKV files securely in Safari. Nothing leaves your device until you approve it.
100% browser-based - No account required - Works on iOS 16 and later