Home / Blog / Convert MKV to MP4 Easily – Video Converter Guide

How to Convert MKV to MP4 for Apple Devices

Josh Brown
Josh Brown
Published:

Yes, you can easily convert MKV to MP4 using WALTR PRO, which offers the fastest and most seamless way to transfer videos to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Unlike VLC or online converters, WALTR PRO automatically converts MKV to MP4 with no quality loss and direct playback in the native Videos app.

How to Convert MKV to MP4?

Let’s start by understanding what MKV and MP4 formats are. MKV (Matroska Video) is a powerful file format capable of storing multiple video, audio, and subtitle tracks. However, it is not natively supported on Apple devices, making it difficult to play on Mac, iPhone, or iPad without third-party apps. MP4, on the other hand, is widely compatible with Apple’s ecosystem and other devices.

Key Benefits of MP4 Over MKV:

  • Universal Compatibility – MP4 files work seamlessly on most devices, including iPhones, Android phones, Smart TVs, and video players like VLC and Windows Media Player.
  • Smaller File Size – Better compression (like MPEG4 and H.264) ensures high-quality videos with less storage.
  • Streaming-Friendly – Preferred format for YouTube, TikTok, and Vimeo.
  • Optimized for Apple Devices – Plays smoothly on QuickTime, without extra apps.

Now, let’s explore the best way to convert MKV to MP4 quickly and easily using WALTR PRO.

Method 1: Convert MKV to MP4 Using WALTR PRO

WALTR PRO is a powerful file transfer app for both macOS and Windows that supports all Apple devices. With a simple drag-and-drop mechanic, WALTR PRO makes it easy to transfer and convert files. You can play MKV, AVI, and other preferred formats on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod without extra apps. It even converts AVI to MP4, and even swaps MOV to MP4 for you.

With WALTR PRO, you'll even be able to convert WMV to MP4 and you can even turn RMVB into MP4 for optimal playback.

Other essential features that WALTR holds:

  • Seamlessly transfer MKV, AVI, MP4 for native playback on iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch.
  • Just drag & drop – it’s that easy!
  • Your videos appear directly in the native Videos app.
  • No iTunes needed – WALTR handles everything for you.
  • Fun fact: The name WALTR was inspired by Walter White from Breaking Bad!
Take a look at it in action!

Now, let's get to the process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Convert MKV to MP4 with WALTR PRO

Step 1: Download & Install WALTR PRO

Start by downloading WALTR PRO for free on your Mac or PC. You can do it by clicking the direct download button below.

logo-waltrpro

WALTR PRO

Convert & Push Any File into Any Apple Device

Free Download
  • Mac users: Open the downloaded .dmg file and install WALTR PRO into your Applications folder.
  • PC users: Run the .exe file and follow the installation process.
Waltr Pro 1

Step 2: Launch WALTR PRO & Connect Your Device

Open WALTR PRO and connect your iPad, iPhone, or any Apple device to your computer using a USB cable or Wi-Fi. A drop-zone will appear, allowing you to drag and drop any video file.

You can even set up an automatic Wi-Fi connection by heading to Settings in the menu bar > Wi-Fi and selecting your device. It’s that simple!

Connect Device Via Wi Fi

Step 3: Drag & Drop Your MKV Video File

WALTR PRO will instantly convert the MKV file to MP4, preserving the highest quality supported by your device. It ensures that both video and audio codecs remain intact throughout the process.

Waltr Pro 2

Step 4: Customize Your Media Download

Once you’ve selected your MKV file for conversion, you can personalize it before downloading:

Hold the Ctrl key (Windows) or key (Mac) to modify metadata, such as title, artist, or album information.

Hold the Alt key to choose a different application or destination for your download. This step ensures your media is organized exactly the way you want it.

Waltr Pro 3 2

(Optional) Step 4.5: Fill Metadata with AI

Use WALTR PRO's AI feature to automatically fetch and fill in the metadata, saving time and ensuring accuracy.

Waltr Pro 4

Step 4: Enjoy MP4 Video on Your iPad or iPhone

The conversion begins right away, and you’ll receive a notification as soon as it’s completed.

Once the transfer is complete, your MP4 file will be available in your default media player—no need for third-party apps. You can now play MKV videos natively on your Apple device.

How to Play Mkv on I Pad Natively Final

What are iPad Video File Formats?

Now that you know how to transfer videos from computer to iPhone or iPad, let’s go over supported iPad video formats. Apple devices support common formats like MP4, M4V, MOV, MPEG-4, and M-JPEG. MKV is one of the video formats that isn't natively supported, but WALTR PRO converts it to MP4 for smooth playback. You can even use WALTR to download movies on iPad and upload MKV files directly to your device, ensuring your videos are ready to play without any hassle.

Method 2: Convert MKV to MP4 Using VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player isn’t just a media player—it also functions as a video converter. Here’s how to use VLC to convert MKV files to MP4:

Steps to Convert MKV to MP4 Using VLC:

Step 1: Download & Install VLC Media Player

Play Mkv on iPhone With Vlc Step 1.png

Step 2: Locate the desired video file

Be sure to place the file in the directory where the iPhone's 'Files' app can locate it. For example, I've stored my video in the saved messages in Telegram. I need to go to saved messages, choose the file, and transfer it into the 'Files' app, from which VLC can locate it automatically.

Play Mkv on iPhone With Vlc Step 2.png

Step 3: Play it

Now, just tap on the MKV file and the playback will start.

Play Mkv on iPhone With Vlc Step 3.png

Pros & Cons of VLC for MKV to MP4 Conversion:

✅ Free to use and widely available. 

✅ Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

❌ Slower conversion speeds compared to dedicated software.

❌ No built-in optimization for Apple devices.

Conclusion: Which Method Should You Use?

  • For quick, high-quality conversions to Apple devices, WALTR PRO is your best bet. It’s fast, efficient, and eliminates the need for third-party apps, allowing for easy playback on your iPhone or iPad. You can quickly convert your MKV files to MP4 and enjoy video and audio formats without quality loss. MP4 is one of the most widely supported formats, making it perfect for your media needs.
  • For a free, cross-platform option, VLC Media Player works well, especially for non-Apple devices. Though the MP4 format is supported, the conversion speed might be slower compared to dedicated tools like WALTR PRO.

FAQ

How do I play MKV on iPad?

To play MKV files on an iPad, use WALTR PRO. It automatically converts and transfers MKV files, so they appear in the native Videos app on your iPad without needing a third-party player.

Can iPad play MKV files natively?

No, iPads don’t support MKV files natively. However, you can use WALTR PRO to convert MKV files to a compatible format for seamless playback in the native Videos app.

How to convert MKV to MP4 for iPad?

Use WALTR PRO to convert MKV to MP4. Just drag and drop the MKV file into the app, and it will automatically convert and transfer it to your iPad’s Videos app for native playback.

Is there an easy way to transfer MKV files to iPad without iTunes?

Yes, WALTR PRO lets you transfer MKV files to your iPad without using iTunes. Simply drag and drop the files into the app, and they’ll be converted and sent to your iPad.

What video formats does iPad support?

iPads support MP4, M4V, MOV, MPEG-4, and M-JPEG video formats. With WALTR PRO, you can easily convert and transfer unsupported formats like MKV for native playback.

logo-waltrpro

WALTR PRO

For Mac & Windows

Drag & drop any file into iPhone or iPad

Drag. Drop. Play. Effortlessly convert & transfer almost any music, video, book, photo, document or file and have it on your iPhone or iPad.

WALTR PRO for Mac Large Banner