Play WMV Videos on iPad and iPhone

WMV files often will not play in the built-in iPhone or iPad video player because iOS does not support every Windows Media format. You can usually watch one by opening it in a compatible media-player app, or convert it to a format Apple devices handle more widely. Have the video saved or accessible in Files before you start.

What You’ll Need

Your iPhone or iPad, with enough free storage if you plan to download or convert the video.
The WMV file in the Files app, on a connected cloud drive, or available from a computer or network location.
Either a media-player app that supports WMV, or a computer or conversion app to make a compatible copy. Check the app’s current format support before relying on it.
A Wi-Fi connection if you need to download a large file or transfer it from another device.

Step-by-Step

Locate the video. Open Files and check Recents, Browse, On My iPhone or On My iPad, and any cloud-storage locations you use. If the video is attached to an email or message, save it to Files first. Tap and hold the attachment and choose the available save or download option.
Try a compatible player. Install a reputable media-player app from the App Store that explicitly lists WMV support. Compatibility can depend on the WMV video codec, audio codec, and file variant, so an app that plays one WMV may not play every WMV. Review the app description and permissions; avoid installing profiles or downloading apps from outside the App Store.
Open the file in the player. In Files, find the WMV and tap it. If iOS displays a preview that cannot play it, tap the Share button and look for the player under the app row or Open in options. You may need to tap More to reveal available apps. The exact wording differs by iOS version and app. Alternatively, open the player and use its file browser or import option to find the video.
Allow the file to finish downloading or copying. A cloud icon or incomplete download indicator means the file may not yet be stored locally. Connect to Wi-Fi, open the file’s cloud location, and wait for the download to finish. For a large video, keep the app open until import or copying is complete.
Check playback and sound. Start the video, raise the volume, and check that the iPhone or iPad is not muted or connected to an unexpected Bluetooth device. If playback stutters, wait for a streaming file to buffer or download it for offline playback. If the player reports an unsupported codec, use the conversion option below.
If needed, convert a copy to MP4. On a computer, use a reputable video-conversion tool and select MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio, a broadly compatible combination for Apple devices. Keep the original WMV unchanged. Conversion takes time and creates another file, so make sure the computer has adequate free space. Avoid online converters for private videos; uploading a file sends it to a third party.
Transfer the converted file to your device. Save or export the MP4 to iCloud Drive or another cloud location shown in Files, then open it on the iPhone or iPad. You can also use a cable and a computer’s supported file-sharing method, or send it using AirDrop between nearby Apple devices. If a transfer option does not show the video app, save the file to Files and open it from there.
Keep the version you need. Confirm the MP4 plays before deleting anything. If you need the original WMV for another device, retain it separately. Delete unneeded local copies from Files or the player app, then check the app’s recently deleted or trash area if you need to free space immediately.

Common Mistakes

Assuming every WMV uses the same codec. WMV is a family of formats, and a player may support some variants but not others. Try conversion if a specific file fails.
Renaming the extension instead of converting. Changing .wmv to .mp4 does not change the video or audio encoding. It can make the file harder to identify without making it playable.
Opening a cloud placeholder offline. A file visible in Files may not have downloaded to the device. Download it before trying to play without internet access.
Deleting the original too soon. Confirm the converted copy has both picture and sound, and that it is complete, before removing the source file.
Expecting a player to fix a damaged file. An incomplete or corrupted WMV may fail in multiple apps. Obtain a fresh copy before spending time changing player settings.

Tips

For a one-time attempt, try a compatible player first; it is usually quicker than converting. Convert when the player cannot handle the file or when you want a copy that works in more apps.
Keep the original filename or add a clear label such as “converted” to the new copy so you can tell them apart.
Use a computer for long videos or several files. It is generally easier to manage conversion, storage, and transfers there than on a phone.
Check available storage before downloading or converting. You may need room for both the original and the new video temporarily.
For repeated viewing, store the compatible copy somewhere easy to reach, such as Files or the player app’s library, and verify that it is available offline if needed.

Troubleshooting

The video will not open: Confirm the file has fully downloaded and that its name ends in .wmv. Try opening it from inside the player rather than from Files. If the app still rejects it, convert a fresh copy to MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio.
There is picture but no sound: Check the device volume, mute setting, and Bluetooth audio output. If sound is still missing, the source audio codec may not be supported; convert the file with AAC audio and test the result.
Playback is choppy: Download the video instead of streaming it, close other demanding apps, and check that the device has free storage. If a converted file remains choppy, try a lower resolution or bitrate in the conversion settings.
The video is missing from the player: Make sure it was imported or saved in a location the player can access. Return to Files, use Share or Open in, and select the player. Check the app’s Files access settings if prompted.
A transfer is unavailable or incomplete: Check Wi-Fi or cable connection, available storage, and whether the transfer finished. Try saving to Files or using another supported transfer method. For cloud storage, wait for upload on the sending device before opening the file on the iPhone or iPad.
Conversion fails: The source may be damaged, protected, or encoded in an unsupported variant. Re-copy or re-download it, then try a different reputable converter on a computer. Do not upload sensitive videos to an unknown conversion website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone or iPad play WMV files directly?
It depends on the file and the app. The built-in player may not support a WMV’s encoding; a compatible App Store player or an MP4 conversion is the practical alternative.

Do I have to convert WMV to MP4?
No. Try a player that supports the file first. Convert only if the player cannot handle its codecs or if you want broader compatibility.

Will changing .wmv to .mp4 make it work?
No. Renaming changes only the filename, not the file’s encoding. Use a converter to create a real MP4.

Can I play a WMV without internet access?
Yes, if the video is downloaded to the device and the player supports it, or if you have an offline MP4 copy. A cloud-only file needs to be downloaded first.

Will converting the video reduce its quality?
It can, depending on the conversion settings. Keep the original and choose a suitable resolution and quality setting; converting cannot restore detail that was absent in the source.

Can I use an online converter?
Some services convert video in a browser, but they require uploading the file. For private or sensitive videos, prefer an offline converter on a computer.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →