Convert MP4 to MP3 on iPhone: The Easiest Shortcut Method

Updated at: 28/06/2025

Want to extract the audio from your favorite MP4 videos on your iPhone without complicated apps or computer transfers? This guide reveals the simplest method: using a powerful, built-in iOS shortcut. Learn how to quickly and easily convert your MP4s to MP3s, freeing up storage space and enjoying your audio anywhere. No technical expertise needed – just follow our easy-to-understand steps and start listening!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Create the Shortcut

    • Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone and tap the '+' button in the upper right corner.
    • Rename the new shortcut (e.g., 'Convert to MP3').
    • Press the info button, toggle off 'Show in share sheet', and click 'Done'.
    • Click the 'Any' button on the action card. Press 'Clear' to reset selections and activate only the 'Media' option.
    Click the 'Any' button on the action card. Press 'Clear' to reset selections and activate only the 'Media' option. Click the 'Any' button on the action card. Press 'Clear' to reset selections and activate only the 'Media' option. Click the 'Any' button on the action card. Press 'Clear' to reset selections and activate only the 'Media' option. Click the 'Any' button on the action card. Press 'Clear' to reset selections and activate only the 'Media' option.
    Create the Shortcut
    • Tap the 'Add Action' button, search for 'Encode Media', and activate 'Audio Only'.
    • Search for 'Save File', expand its menu, and toggle on 'Overwrite if file exists'.
    • Click 'Done' to save the shortcut.
    Click 'Done' to save the shortcut. Click 'Done' to save the shortcut. Click 'Done' to save the shortcut.
    Create the Shortcut

  2. Enable Shortcuts Settings

    • Open your iPhone's settings, go to Shortcuts > Advanced, and ensure 'Allow Untrusted Shortcuts' is activated.
    Open your iPhone's settings, go to Shortcuts > Advanced, and ensure 'Allow Untrusted Shortcuts' is activated.
    Enable Shortcuts Settings

  3. Convert the Video

    • Locate the video file you want to convert, tap the share button, and select your 'Convert to MP3' shortcut.
    • The shortcut will process the conversion and prompt you to save the MP3 file.
    The shortcut will process the conversion and prompt you to save the MP3 file. The shortcut will process the conversion and prompt you to save the MP3 file.
    Convert the Video

  4. Verify Conversion

    • Check the saved location for your new MP3 file.
    Check the saved location for your new MP3 file.
    Verify Conversion
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Tips

  • To change the MP3 filename, press and hold the file, tap 'Rename', and enter a new name.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Choosing the Wrong App

Reason: Many apps claim to convert MP4 to MP3 but are unreliable, may contain malware, or produce poor-quality audio.
Solution: Use a reputable and well-reviewed app from the App Store to ensure quality and safety.

2. Ignoring Audio Settings

Reason: Default settings may not always provide the best audio quality. Bitrate and sample rate are crucial for audio fidelity.
Solution: Adjust the bitrate and sample rate within the chosen app to achieve your desired audio quality.

FAQs

Can I use this method with all MP4 files?
While this shortcut generally works well, the success depends on the MP4 file's structure. Some heavily edited or protected files might not convert properly. If you encounter issues, try a different method or app.
What happens to the audio quality after conversion?
The audio quality will be similar to the original MP4's audio. The shortcut doesn't re-encode the audio, it simply extracts it. However, some minor loss is possible depending on the source file.
What if I don't have a shortcut app already?
The Shortcut app is pre-installed on most iPhones running iOS 13 or later. If you don't see it, search for 'Shortcuts' in the App Store and download it. Make sure to enable the necessary file access permissions within the app.