How to view and change file extensions on iPhone and iPad

Want to use a file in a specific app on your iPhone but the format isn't supported? Don't worry! Using the built-in Files app on your iPhone, you can quickly view file extensions and save them to different formats. In this blog post, I will share how to view and change file extensions on iPhone and iPad.

Why do you need to change the file extension?

When transferring files between multiple devices, extensions can get messed up, causing the files to be unreadable on the iPhone. If you do not back up the file, you may lose the file permanently. Changing the extension to the correct type can retrieve the file. Make the file suitable for a specific application. For security reasons, you can save the file with a different extension. Once, I changed the extension of a sensitive PDF file to JPG. So every time someone opens it, my iPhone shows an error. However, I can open the file by simply changing the extension to PDF.

How to see file extensions in the Files app on iPhone

Most extensions (like .jpg, .png, .pdf, etc.) are hidden in the Files app. Therefore, before changing the extension, verify its existing type.

Launch the Files app → Select a folder. Tap and hold on the desired file → tap "Get Info". Check the filename suffix or file type next to "Kind" under "Info." Click Done.

Set the Files app to show extensions for all files

Open the folder in the Files app. Click on the three dots → View options Select Show all extensions. All filenames will now have an extension

How to change file extensions in the Files app on iPhone and iPad

Extensions are crucial on iPhone , because the file can only be opened using the application suggested by the extension. Therefore, you need to be extra careful while performing these steps. Also, you must turn on the "Show all extensions" feature first.

Open the Files app → Find the file you want to change the extension of. Click and hold on the file → select Rename. Select the extension and delete it. Now, enter your desired extension. Click Done → Choose to use [.extension]

That’s it! You have successfully changed the file extension of a file using the Files app on your iPhone. Check that new files open correctly before sharing. It can help prevent compatibility issues and ensure that the file is correctly recognized by the intended recipient.

How to fix file not opening after changing extension on iPhone

After changing extension, file may not open for the following reasons:

Your extension is incorrect, e.g. Use audio extensions for document files. You entered the wrong extension. This file format is not supported on iOS. The file is corrupted.

Try renaming the file again or re-downloading the file and changing its extension. If that doesn't seem to work, you can use an online file converter.

FAQ:

Can I open any unsupported files by changing the extension on my iPhone or iPad?

Can't. Files in different formats are encoded in a certain way, and merely changing their extension does not convert the file data. I tried playing an MKV movie on my iPhone by changing its extension from .mkv to .mp4. But it doesn't work because MKV is not supported by Photos, Files or QuickTime Player itself. If the file was originally in MP4 format and was accidentally changed to MKV, renaming it can help.

Get the file type you want!

Using the Files app on your iPhone or iPad to view and change file extensions is useful for making sure everything is saved in the correct format. Additionally, it gives you greater control over your files and makes it easier to work with them on the go. If you encounter any problems with the steps, please let me know in the comments!

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