Open 3GP files

  • Full name
    Multimedia Files For Wireless Networks
  • Developer
    Third Generation Partnership Project
  • Popularity
Have you encountered a problem with a 3GP file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a 3GP file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your 3GP file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is 3GP file?

The extension 3GP marks video files that are mostly generated by or intended for mobile phones. This standard was developed by 3GPP for 3G UMTS phones.

More info

Like avi or Quicktime, 3GP is a container format. It is based on the MP4 container, but was adapted to the special conditions of mobile phones. So mainly the resolutions 128 × 96, 176 × 144, 220 × 176, 320 × 240 pixels are supported.

The video and audio data may be encoded in various compression methods. Subtitles are also supported.

The videos can also be protected with a DRM-like system. Then you need the respective, possibly paid license to view the content.

3GP files can only contain audio. For example, some phones use this format for ringtones. The Playstation 3 also generates this format for audio.

The support of the format by hardware players, be it phones or other devices, varies in severity. Most 3G-capable phones, but also some 2G and 4G phones support the format. How much depends on the capabilities of the hardware (storage space, display and camera resolution, etc.).

Many phones bring their own software for processing.

Programs which can open a 3GP file

How to open file with 3GP extension?

In order to open a file with 3GP extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening 3GP file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with 3GP files, follow the instructions below.
1
Install QuickTime Player or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening 3GP files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support 3GP files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of 3GP files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set QuickTime Player as the default program for opening 3GP files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate 3GP files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the QuickTime Player applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where QuickTime Player has been installed.

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Check the section that lists most common problems with 3GP files

Sometimes problems with opening 3GP files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

  • File data is corrupted
  • 3GP files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
  • Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open 3GP files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
  • 3GP file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)

Possible conversions of 3GP file

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