Not all devices play media the same way. Each platform — whether it is an iPhone, iPad, Android phone, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, iPod, or PSP — supports a unique combination of video codecs (H.264, H.265, VP9, MPEG-4), image formats (JPEG, PNG, HEIC, WebP, BMP), audio codecs (AAC, MP3, Opus, LPCM, Dolby Digital), container formats (MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI), and maximum resolutions. Playing a video encoded with an unsupported codec results in a black screen, no audio, or a "format not supported" error. Our comprehensive device optimization guide covers the exact specifications for each major device category, including maximum supported resolution, recommended container format, optimal video codec, best image format, preferred audio codec, and expert tips for getting the best playback experience. Use our free device presets to automatically convert your media files to the optimal format for any device — no technical knowledge required. Whether you are setting up media for your iPhone, preparing gameplay videos for PlayStation or Xbox, or converting legacy content for PSP or iPod, this guide ensures your content plays flawlessly.
Video, image, and audio codec support across popular devices
| Device | Max Resolution | Video Codecs | Image Formats | Audio Codecs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone | Up to 4K | H.264/H.265 | HEIC/JPG/PNG | AAC |
| iPad | Up to 4K (Pro) | H.264/H.265 | HEIC/JPG/PNG | AAC |
| Android | Up to 4K | H.264/VP9 | JPG/PNG/WEBP | AAC/Opus |
| PlayStation 5 | Up to 4K | H.264/H.265 | JPG/PNG/BMP | AAC/LPCM |
| Xbox Series X|S | Up to 4K | H.264/H.265 | JPG/PNG/GIF | AAC/Dolby |
| Nintendo Switch | 1080p | H.264 | JPG/PNG | AAC |
| iPod touch | 1080p | H.264 | JPG/PNG | MP3/AAC |
| PSP | 720×480 | H.264 | JPG/PNG | MP3/AAC |
Get the best playback experience on every device
Use H.265 (HEVC) codec for the best quality-to-size ratio. HEIC images offer 50% smaller files than JPEG with identical quality. MOV and MP4 containers work seamlessly with Apple's ecosystem.
H.264 codec offers the broadest compatibility across all Android versions and devices. WEBP images are natively supported and offer better compression than JPEG. VP9 video codec works on Android 4.4+.
PlayStation and Xbox both support MP4 with H.264. For 4K playback on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, use H.265. MKV containers work but may lack codec support for some audio formats.
These devices have strict format and resolution limits. PSP maxes out at 720×480. iPod classic supports MP3 and AAC audio but not FLAC. Always check device specifications before converting.
Convert files for specific devices and platforms
Choose a device preset below
Optimize media files for iPhone with correct resolution and format
Prepare media for Android devices with optimal settings
Optimize videos and media for PlayStation consoles
Prepare media for Xbox with correct format and settings
Optimize media for iPad with correct resolution and format for iPadOS
Prepare music and video for iPod classic, nano, touch
Optimize videos for Nintendo Switch media playback
Prepare legacy-format media for PlayStation Portable
Common questions about media formats, codecs, and device compatibility
Devices support different codecs, containers, resolutions, and file formats. Converting ensures your media plays back correctly, at the right resolution, with hardware-accelerated decoding for smooth performance and battery efficiency.
MP4 with H.264 video codec and AAC audio offers the broadest device compatibility. It plays on everything from modern smartphones to legacy consoles, smart TVs, and web browsers.
H.264 is compatible with virtually every device. H.265 offers 50% better compression but requires newer hardware (iPhone 6+, Android 5+, PS5, Xbox Series X, Apple TV 4K). Use H.264 for maximum compatibility, H.265 for space efficiency.
JPEG is universally compatible but larger. Consider WEBP which is supported on 96%+ of browsers and all modern smartphones. HEIC works great in Apple ecosystem but has limited support elsewhere.
PS5 and PS4 support MKV with H.264 and some H.265 content. Xbox supports MKV natively with H.264. Nintendo Switch does not support MKV — convert to MP4 instead.
AAC is the most universally supported audio codec across all devices. MP3 is compatible with everything but offers lower quality at equivalent bitrates. Opus offers the best compression but has limited hardware support.
4K video requires hardware decoding support. iPhone 6+ and later, iPad Pro, Android 5+ devices with appropriate chipsets, PS4 Pro, PS5, Xbox One S/X, and Xbox Series X|S support 4K playback.
MP4 is the safest choice for cross-device compatibility. MOV works best in Apple ecosystem. MKV supports advanced features like multiple audio tracks and subtitles but has varying device support.
Convert between all major file formats with our free online tools