Alex Ruben
How To Fix iPhone Recorded Video Not Playing on Windows PC and Convert with Ease
Dealing with iPhone screen recordings on Windows can be a bit of a headache, especially since these videos are often encoded in HEVC format, which Windows doesn’t handle natively. The resulting frustration? You record a cool demo, then can’t get it to play or edit without some workarounds. So, this guide is here to help you watch those videos without hassle or jumping through hoops. Basically, you’ll learn how to quickly open, play, and convert these recordings using tools like VLC and HandBrake — making sure they’re usable in your favorite editing apps. Once set up, you’ll be able to view and tweak your iPhone screen recordings almost effortlessly.
How to Fix iPhone Screen Recorded Videos Not Playing on Windows PC
Use VLC Media Player to Play HEVC Videos
VLC is a lifesaver because it supports all sorts of formats, including HEVC, which is probably why your videos aren’t playing in Windows’ default player. If you haven’t installed it yet, grab it from the VLC Media Player website. It’s free and reliable. On some setups, VLC might need to be updated, so double-check if videos don’t play after reinstall.
- Download and install VLC — just run the installer and follow the prompts.
- Right-click on your screen recording file, go to Open with, then pick VLC Media Player.
If the video plays fine here but not in other apps, that’s because VLC has built-in HEVC support. Win some, lose some, but at least you can see your recordings!
Convert HEVC to MP4 Using VLC’s Built-In Conversion
Sometimes the easiest fix is to change the video into a more compatible format, like MP4. VLC makes this super straightforward. It’s kind of weird, but on one setup it worked instantly, on another, it needed a reboot or a fresh install. Not always consistent, but hey, worth a shot.
- Open VLC, then go to Media > Convert / Save.
- In the window, hit Add and select your HEVC video file.
- Click on Convert / Save at the bottom.
- Under Profile, pick MP4 (H.264 + AAC).
- Choose your destination file by clicking Browse — name it, maybe
my_screen_recording.mp4. - Hit Start and wait for VLC to do its thing.
This can be a little slow, especially for large videos, but once done, you have a nice MP4 that works everywhere. Basically, converting is the most reliable way to ensure your videos are playable in other editors or players.
Use HandBrake for More Control and Options
If VLC’s conversion feels clunky or is giving errors, HandBrake is a solid alternative. It’s free, open-source, and handles HEVC pretty well. Download it from the official website. Setup’s pretty simple — just drag your clip into the window, pick a preset like “Fast 1080p30” or “Web,” set an output filename, then click Start Encode.
- Open HandBrake, drag your iPhone recording into the app.
- Select a preset—“Web” is generally good for quick conversions.
- Set your save location and filename.
- Click Start Encode. You might see some notifications about encoding progress.
Results are usually pretty quick, and the output is a widely compatible MP4. Because HandBrake gives a bit more control, it’s worth trying if VLC’s conversion doesn’t work perfectly.
Optional: Install HEVC Video Extensions for Direct Playback
If you’re doing this often, it might be worth installing the HEVC Video Extension from Microsoft Store, but heads up — it’s a paid app. Just open the Store, search for HEVC Video Extension, purchase it, and install. After that, Windows’ built-in players (like Movies & TV) will natively support HEVC videos.
- Open Microsoft Store.
- Search for HEVC Video Extension.
- Buy and install it — usually around a couple bucks.
This often resolves playback issues without needing third-party tools, but because of the cost and occasional bugs, many just prefer converting to MP4 instead.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
- Make sure Windows is up to date—outdated systems can cause weird playback glitches.
- If a video refuses to play even in VLC, double-check if the file is corrupted (try opening on another PC or with another player).
- Stability-wise, converting to MP4 is usually the smoother experience in editing programs.
Wrap-up
Making these HEVC videos playable on Windows is mostly about having the right tools and a bit of patience. VLC and HandBrake cover the bulk of the needs — whether you just want to watch or get them ready for editing. Sometimes, it’s weird how inconsistent these things can be, but in most cases, following these steps will save some headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if VLC doesn’t play my video?
If VLC refuses to open your recording, it could be corrupted or something’s off with the format. Try updating VLC or test the video on another device to rule out file damage.
Can I use other media players instead of VLC?
Yeah, players like MPC-HC, PotPlayer, or even Windows Media Player with the HEVC extension can handle these videos. But VLC tends to be the most straightforward for HEVC files, so it’s recommended.
Is HandBrake free?
Absolutely. HandBrake is open-source and free, making it a solid pick for converting videos without paying a dime.
Summary
- Download VLC or HandBrake if you haven’t already.
- Open your HEVC videos in VLC or convert them to MP4.
- If needed, install HEVC extension for native playback.
- Always keep your software up to date for smooth operation.
Hopefully, this shaves some hours off trying to get those recordings working. Good luck, and may your videos be forever playable!