File Extension Database

Open 3GP File

File extension 3GP is most commonly used to refer to a multimedia file format typically used on 3G mobile phones. Though less common, the 3GP file extension is also used by a number of mobile phones, particularly Nokia devices, as the standard file format for recording video clips. This is a different file format and is not similar to 3GP files produced for use on 3G mobile phones.

The 3GP file format is a container for multimedia, and typically consists of an audio and a video stream. The format was defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and was specified for use on 3G devices using high-speed mobile broadband networks. 3GP files are similar in structure to MPEG-4 (MP4) files, though have a number of key differences which significantly reduce file sizes thus reducing the bandwidth required for the transfer of media between 3G devices.

Video streams within 3GP files are stored in either MPEG-4 Part 2 or MPEG-4 Part 10, more commonly referred to as H.263. Audio streams can be stored in a number of formats including AAC and AMR. 3GP files are used on GSM-based mobile phones, whereas CDMA-based devices use 3G2 files, though both formats contain video and audio streams stored in the same aforementioned formats. It is also worth noting that the equivalent 3GP file extension used on the Mac platform is extended to File extension 3GPP, though both formats are the same.

3GP files can be opened on most 3G mobile phones which support video playback, as well as a limited number of 2G and 4G devices. However, maximum file size and resolution limits may apply and vary between devices. 3GP files can also be opened using software such as RealPlayer, VLC media player, MPlayer and QuickTime on both the Windows and Mac platforms. Various third-party software developers also produce applications to convert 3GP files into other, more widely supported formats.

Typical 3GP application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime\QuickTimePlayer.exe "%1"
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe" /prefetch:6 /Play "%L"

Typical 3GP mime types:

video/3gpp

Frequently used application names to open 3GP files:

QuickTime
Windows Media Player

Frequently associated Windows objects:

QuickTime.3gp
WMP11.AssocFile.3GP

How Can I Open 3GP File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open 3GP file is to find a 3GP file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a 3GP file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open 3GP file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as 3GP file opener then try to search online for "3GP viewer", "application to open 3GP file" or "open 3GP file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open 3GP file

How Can I Open 3GP File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a 3GP file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a 3GP file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with 3GP file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as 3GP file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open 3GP file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open 3GP file then try to search for "3GP viewer", "application to open 3GP file" or "read 3GP file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read 3GP file

How Can I Open 3GP File on Android

If you downloaded a 3GP file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded 3GP file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "3GP".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "3GP viewer", "3GP file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open 3GP File on iPhone or iPad

To open 3GP File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the 3GP file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "3GP". This way you can find apps which can open 3GP files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "3GP viewer" or "3GP file" online in your favorite search engine.