Published on Jul 30, 2025 5 min read

Your Guide to MPG Files: How to Play or Convert Them on Any Device

You might have an MPG file sitting on your computer or phone and have no idea what to do with it. Maybe it’s a video from years ago or something you downloaded recently. Either way, you’re probably wondering: what is an MPG file, why is it different, and how do I open or convert it without jumping through hoops? These files have been around for a long time, and knowing how they work makes things a lot easier. Let’s break it down in plain terms.

What is an MPG File?

An MPG file is a type of video file that uses MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) compression. The extension .mpg usually refers to MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 formats. MPEG-1 was used mainly for video CDs and early online video clips, while MPEG-2 became common with DVDs and TV broadcasts.

These formats were developed to make large video files smaller without losing too much quality. That’s why MPG files often strike a good balance between file size and visual clarity. They aren’t as common today as MP4 or MKV, but they’re still widely compatible with many media players and devices. If you’ve come across old home recordings, educational videos, or archival footage, there’s a decent chance it’s in MPG format.

How to Play an MPG File

On Windows

The simplest way to open an MPG file on Windows is by using the built-in Windows Media Player. Right-click the file, select “Open with,” then choose Windows Media Player. In most cases, the file will play without needing extra software. If it doesn’t, your system might be missing a codec, though that’s less common on newer versions of Windows.

On Mac

Mac users can try QuickTime, but it may struggle with MPEG-2 files. If that’s the case, VLC Media Player is a better option. It’s free, open-source, and supports most video formats, including MPG. After installing VLC, open the file from the app or drag and drop it in.

Best Cross-Platform Option: VLC Media Player

VLC works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It handles MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 without needing any extra codecs or tweaks. Simply launch the app, select your file, and press Play. It’s often the easiest way to avoid compatibility issues.

Other Desktop Players

If you want more advanced playback settings or a different interface, KMPlayer and PotPlayer (Windows only) are both strong alternatives. They support MPG files and offer additional features, although VLC tends to be the most reliable and straightforward option for most users.

On Android Devices

Android phones typically come with a built-in video player that supports MPG. Suppose yours doesn’t. Install VLC for Android from the Play Store. Open the app, locate your file, and it should play without a problem.

On iPhone or iPad

Apple devices don’t always support MPG natively. VLC for iOS solves that. Download it from the App Store, open the app, and add your MPG file via Files, iTunes, or a cloud service like Dropbox. Once added, the file plays like any other video.

Converting MPG Files to Other Formats

HandBrake (Windows, macOS, Linux)

HandBrake is a free and open-source video converter that’s well-known for reliability and ease of use. You can convert MPG files to MP4, MKV, or WebM formats. Open your MPG file in HandBrake, select a preset or customize the settings, and click “Start Encode.” It’s especially useful if you’re converting multiple files in a batch.

VLC Media Player (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Most people know VLC as a video player, but it also includes a built-in conversion tool. To convert an MPG file, open VLC, go to Media > Convert/Save, add your file, and follow the prompts to select the output format, like MP4. It’s not as flexible as dedicated converters, but it’s good for quick conversions without installing extra software.

FFmpeg (Windows, macOS, Linux)

FFmpeg is a command-line tool that handles nearly every video format and conversion task. It’s extremely fast and efficient, especially for large files or batch processing. To convert an MPG file to MP4, a simple command looks like this:

ffmpeg -i input.mpg output.mp4

It’s best for users who are comfortable using the terminal or want full control over encoding settings.

CloudConvert (Web-Based)

CloudConvert is a web-based service that supports converting MPG files to MP4, AVI, MOV, and others. Upload your MPG file, select the output format, adjust the settings as needed, and then download the converted file. It works in your browser and doesn’t require installation, which is helpful for one-off conversions or when you’re using a public/shared computer.

Convertio (Web-Based)

Convertio is another online tool that supports many formats, including MPG to MP4. It works entirely through your browser and offers options to save files directly to Google Drive or Dropbox. Free users are limited by file size and the number of daily conversions, but it’s a good option for basic needs.

Any Video Converter (Windows, macOS)

Any Video Converter (AVC) has a free version that makes converting MPG files straightforward. It supports a wide range of formats and devices, and includes features like clipping, cropping, and merging files. The interface is simple, and it can handle batch conversion efficiently.

Conclusion

MPG files may not be the first format that comes to mind anymore, but they still hold up in terms of compatibility and function. They’ve been around since the early days of digital video and remain usable thanks to their efficiency and decent quality. Playing these files is simple with the right player, and VLC remains the top choice across devices. If you’d rather convert them to a more modern format, you have plenty of solid tools to choose from, both online and on your desktop. Whether you’re preserving memories or organizing your video library, knowing how to handle MPG files makes the job easier.