iPhone 8s Video Formats: A Simple Setup Guide

This guide walks you through the new video format options available on the iPhone 8s, specifically High Efficiency (HEVC) and the older High Compatibility (H.264) format. You’ll learn how to switch between them, when each is best, and how to avoid common pitfalls like files that won’t play on older devices.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone 8s (or any iPhone running iOS 11 or later, as these formats are standard from that version onward).
Enough free storage on your phone for the videos you plan to shoot.
Optional: A computer or device that supports HEVC playback, or a third-party video player app.

Step-by-Step

Open the Settings app on your iPhone’s home screen. It’s the gear icon.
Scroll down and tap “Camera.” This is where all camera-related settings live.
Tap “Formats” at the top of the Camera settings menu.
Choose your preferred format:
- High Efficiency: This is the default and uses the newer HEVC (H.265) codec. It produces files roughly half the size of the older format while maintaining similar visual quality. Choose this if you want to save storage space and are sharing videos primarily with other modern Apple devices.
- Most Compatible: This uses the older H.264 codec. Files are larger, but they play on virtually any device, computer, or media player without needing conversion or special software. Choose this if you frequently share videos with people on older devices or Windows PCs that lack HEVC support.
Exit Settings. Your choice is saved automatically. The next time you open the Camera app, it will use the format you selected.
Optional: Check your video resolution. Go back to Settings > Camera > Record Video. The format you chose applies to all resolutions. Note that 4K at 60 fps is only available in High Efficiency mode.
Shoot a test video to confirm everything works. Open the Camera app, switch to Video mode, and record a few seconds. Then check the file size in the Photos app to see the difference between formats.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to switch back to Most Compatible before sharing with someone using an older device or a non-Apple platform. They may receive a file they can’t open.
Assuming HEVC is always better. While it’s more efficient, it requires more processing power to encode and decode. On older devices or when editing on a low-spec computer, you might notice lag.
Not checking if your computer supports HEVC. Windows 10/11 users may need to install a free HEVC extension from the Microsoft Store, and older macOS versions might not play it natively.
Confusing the format setting with the resolution setting. Changing the resolution (e.g., from 1080p to 4K) does not change the codec. They are separate settings.

Tips

Use High Efficiency for personal storage. If you’re keeping videos on your phone or iCloud, the smaller file size is a huge benefit.
Switch to Most Compatible for important sharing. If you’re filming something you know you’ll send to a family member with an older phone, switch the format first to avoid a failed transfer.
Use AirDrop for Apple-to-Apple sharing. When sending HEVC videos between Apple devices via AirDrop, the system often converts the format automatically if the receiving device doesn’t support HEVC.
Check your iCloud storage. Even with High Efficiency, 4K videos eat up storage quickly. If you have iCloud Photos enabled, your phone will optimize storage by keeping smaller versions locally.
Test before you rely on it. Record a short clip in both formats and try playing each on the devices you use most. This will reveal any compatibility issues before you need to capture something important.

Troubleshooting

Video won’t play on my computer: Install the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store (for Windows) or update to the latest macOS. Alternatively, use a free video converter to change the file to H.264.
Video is blurry or pixelated: This is likely a resolution or bitrate issue, not a format issue. Check your Record Video settings and ensure you’re not shooting in a low-light environment where the camera automatically reduces quality.
Can’t send video via email or messaging: The file is probably too large. Use AirDrop, a cloud service, or share a link via iCloud instead of attaching the raw file.
My phone storage is still full despite using High Efficiency: Check if you have many old videos in the “Recently Deleted” album. Also, consider enabling “Optimize iPhone Storage” in Photos settings.
Format option is grayed out: This is rare, but if it happens, restart your iPhone. If the issue persists, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings (this won’t delete your data, but will reset preferences like wallpaper and Wi-Fi passwords).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the iPhone 8s actually support HEVC?

Yes. All iPhones running iOS 11 or later support HEVC, including the iPhone 8s. The setting is under Camera > Formats.

Which format is better for quality?

At the same bitrate, HEVC provides better quality. However, in practice, Apple uses a similar bitrate for both, so the visual difference is minimal. HEVC just does it with a smaller file.

Will HEVC videos play on Android phones?

Most modern Android phones (from around 2018 onward) can play HEVC, but it’s not guaranteed. If you’re sharing with someone on an older Android, use Most Compatible.

Can I change the format of an already-recorded video?

Yes, but not directly on the iPhone. You’ll need to use a video converter app on your computer or a third-party iOS app to transcode the video from HEVC to H.264.

Does the format affect video editing?

Yes. HEVC is more demanding on your computer’s processor. If you’re editing on an older Mac or PC, you may experience slower performance. You can convert to H.264 for editing and then export back to HEVC if desired.

Why is my video file still large in High Efficiency mode?

High Efficiency reduces file size, but 4K video at 60fps is still large. Also, if you’re recording with HDR enabled (on supported models), the file size increases further. Check your resolution and frame rate settings.

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

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