How To Play Mts Files On Ipad

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Playing MTS files on your iPad can be a bit of a challenge because the iPad doesn't natively support the MTS format. MTS (MPEG Transport Stream) files are typically produced by AVCHD camcorders (like those from Sony, Panasonic, Canon, JVC) and are designed for high-definition video. While they offer excellent quality, their unique structure isn't readily recognized by Apple's iOS.

But don't worry! With the right approach, you can absolutely enjoy your MTS videos on your iPad. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step.

Why Won't My iPad Play MTS Files Directly?

Before we dive into the solutions, let's quickly understand why your iPad is giving you the cold shoulder when it comes to MTS files.

MTS files are part of the AVCHD (Advanced Video Coding High Definition) format, which uses a specific video codec (usually H.264 or MPEG-2) and audio codecs (like Dolby Digital AC-3 or LPCM) within a MPEG-2 Transport Stream container. While iPads support H.264 and other common codecs, the container itself and the specific way MTS files are structured can be incompatible with iOS's native media player. Essentially, the iPad's built-in Photos or Videos app doesn't know how to "unwrap" the video and audio streams from an MTS file.

What Formats Does iPad Support?

Your iPad is quite happy with these video formats:

H.264 video: Up to 1080p, 30 frames per second, High Profile level 4.1 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats.

MPEG-4 video: Up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps per channel, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats.
M-JPEG (Motion JPEG): Up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, stereo audio in .avi file format.
HEVC (H.265): Supported on newer iPad models, offering better compression for high-quality video.

As you can see, MTS isn't on that list. This is why you'll either need to convert the files or use a third-party app that can handle the MTS format.

The Ultimate Guide to Playing MTS Files on iPad

There are two primary methods to get your MTS videos playing on your iPad:

Converting MTS to an iPad-compatible format (Recommended for long-term use and wider compatibility).
Using a third-party media player app on your iPad (Quick and easy for direct playback).

Let's break down each method in detail.

Method 1: Convert MTS to an iPad-Compatible Format (e.g., MP4)

This is generally the most reliable method as it ensures your videos will play seamlessly on your iPad's native video player and can be easily shared or edited later. MP4 (H.264 codec) is the universally recommended format for iPad compatibility.

Step 1: Get Your MTS Files Off Your Camcorder

First things first, you need to get your MTS files from your camcorder to your computer.

Hey there! Before we move on, have you already transferred your MTS files to your computer? If not, let's start there! Most camcorders come with a USB cable. Connect your camcorder to your computer and look for the folder containing your video files. They might be in a folder named AVCHD, BDMV, or STREAM. Copy these files to a convenient location on your hard drive.

Step 2: Choose and Download a Video Converter Software

To convert your MTS files, you'll need a reliable video converter. There are many options available, both free and paid. Here are a few popular and effective choices:

HandBrake (Free & Open Source): A powerful and highly recommended option for both Mac and Windows. It offers excellent control over conversion settings.
VLC Media Player (Free & Open Source): While primarily a media player, VLC also has a built-in conversion feature that works well for MTS files.
Movavi Video Converter (Paid, Trial Available): User-friendly interface with fast conversion speeds and many presets for Apple devices.
Any Video Converter (Free & Paid versions): Another popular choice that supports a wide range of formats.
Online Converters (e.g., FreeConvert.com, CloudConvert, Zamzar): Convenient for smaller files and one-time conversions, as they don't require software installation. Be mindful of file size limits and internet speed.

For this guide, we'll focus on HandBrake as it's a fantastic free tool.

Sub-step 2.1: Download HandBrake Navigate to the official HandBrake website (handbrake.fr) and download the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows or macOS). Follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

Step 3: Convert Your MTS Files Using HandBrake

Now that you have HandBrake installed, let's convert those MTS files:

Sub-step 3.1: Open HandBrake and Load Your MTS File(s) Launch HandBrake. You'll see a window pop up prompting you to select a source.
- Click on "File" (to select a single video) or "Folder" (to select a folder containing multiple MTS videos for batch conversion).
- Browse to the location where you saved your MTS files and select the one(s) you want to convert. Click "Open."
Sub-step 3.2: Choose Your Output Settings Once your file is loaded, you'll see a lot of options. Don't be overwhelmed! We'll focus on the essentials for iPad compatibility.
- Summary Tab:
  - Format: Make sure "MP4" is selected from the dropdown menu. This is crucial for iPad playback.
  - Web Optimized: You can check this box if you plan to stream the video from a server or if file size is a major concern.
  - Align A/V Start: Leave this checked.
- Dimensions Tab:
  - Generally, you can leave these as default unless you want to specifically reduce the resolution (e.g., from 1080p to 720p) to save space, but this will reduce video quality.
- Filters Tab:
  - You can experiment with filters like "Denoise" or "Deblock" if your source video has artifacts, but for a standard conversion, you can leave these off.
- Video Tab:
  - Video Codec: Select "H.264 (x264)". This is the standard for iPad.
  - Framerate (FPS): Set it to "Same as Source" or choose 30 FPS if your source is higher and you want to maintain broad compatibility.
  - Quality: This is important. You can use the "Constant Quality" slider (RF). A value between 18 and 22 usually provides a good balance between file size and quality. Lower numbers mean higher quality but larger files.
  - Encoder Preset: A slower preset (like "Medium" or "Slow") will result in better quality for the same file size but will take longer to convert. "Fast" or "Very Fast" will be quicker but might compromise a little quality.
- Audio Tab:
  - Codec: Choose "AAC (CoreAudio)" or "AAC (avcodec)".
  - Bitrate: 160kbps or 192kbps is usually sufficient for good audio quality.
- Subtitles Tab:
  - If your MTS file has embedded subtitles and you want to keep them, you can select them here. You can also "burn them in" (make them a permanent part of the video) or save them as a separate track.
- Browse/Save As:
  - At the bottom, click "Browse..." to choose where you want to save the converted MP4 file on your computer. Give it a descriptive name (e.g., "MyVideo_iPad.mp4").
Sub-step 3.3: Start the Conversion Once all your settings are configured, click the "Start Encode" button (usually a green "Start" button) at the top of the HandBrake window. The conversion process will begin. This can take some time depending on the length and quality of your video and your computer's processing power.

Step 4: Transfer the Converted MP4 File to Your iPad

Now that your MTS file is a friendly MP4, it's time to get it onto your iPad!

Sub-step 4.1: Using iTunes (for Windows or older macOS) If you're on Windows or an older macOS version (pre-Catalina):
- Connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open iTunes.
- Click on the device icon (looks like an iPad) near the top-left corner.
- In the sidebar, click on "Movies" (under "On My Device" or "Settings").
- Drag and drop your converted MP4 file from your computer's folder directly into the iTunes "Movies" section.
- Click "Sync" or "Apply" at the bottom right to transfer the movie to your iPad.
Sub-step 4.2: Using Finder (for macOS Catalina and newer) If you're on macOS Catalina or newer:
- Connect your iPad to your Mac using a USB cable.
- Open a Finder window.
- Your iPad should appear in the sidebar under "Locations." Click on it.
- At the top of the Finder window, click on "Movies."
- Drag and drop your converted MP4 file from your Mac's folder into the "Movies" section within Finder.
- Click "Sync" at the bottom right to transfer the movie to your iPad.
Sub-step 4.3: Using Cloud Storage (Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud Drive, etc.) This is a convenient method if you have enough cloud storage:
- Upload your converted MP4 file to your preferred cloud storage service from your computer.
- On your iPad, open the respective cloud storage app (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive, Files app for iCloud Drive).
- Locate the MP4 file and you should be able to play it directly from the cloud or download it to your iPad's "Files" app for offline access. From the Files app, you can often "Share" and "Save Video" to your Photos app.
Sub-step 4.4: Using a Third-Party Transfer Tool (e.g., WALTR PRO, AnyTrans) Some third-party tools offer simpler drag-and-drop interfaces for transferring files directly to your iPad, bypassing iTunes/Finder complexities. These often handle the conversion automatically if needed.
- For example, with WALTR PRO: You simply connect your iPad, drag the MTS file onto the WALTR PRO window, and it will automatically convert and transfer it in a compatible format to your iPad's native Photos/Videos app. This is a premium solution but incredibly convenient.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Video on Your iPad!

Once the transfer is complete, open the "TV" app (formerly "Videos") or "Photos" app on your iPad. Your converted MP4 video should now be available for smooth playback!

Method 2: Use a Third-Party Media Player App on Your iPad

If you don't want to go through the conversion process, or if you only need to play MTS files occasionally, installing a third-party media player app on your iPad is a great solution. These apps often have built-in codecs that allow them to play a wider variety of formats, including MTS.

Step 1: Choose and Download a Media Player App

Head over to the App Store on your iPad and search for media players that support a wide range of formats. Here are some of the best:

VLC for Mobile (Free): Highly popular and well-regarded for its extensive format support, including MTS. It's often the first choice for many.
Infuse (Free with In-App Purchases/Pro Version): A beautiful and powerful player that handles almost any video format, including 4K HDR. The free version is good, but the Pro version unlocks more features like cloud streaming and advanced library management.
nPlayer (Paid): Another excellent, feature-rich player with broad format support, network streaming, and subtitle options.
KMPlayer (Free): A versatile player that supports various codecs and formats.

For this guide, we'll focus on VLC for Mobile due to its popularity and free nature.

Sub-step 1.1: Download VLC for Mobile On your iPad, open the App Store. Search for "VLC for Mobile" and tap "Get" to download and install it.

Step 2: Transfer Your MTS Files to the App

This is where it gets a little different from the previous method. You'll transfer the MTS files directly to the VLC app's internal storage.

Sub-step 2.1: Using Wi-Fi Sharing (Recommended for convenience) VLC offers a fantastic Wi-Fi sharing feature, allowing you to transfer files wirelessly from your computer to your iPad.
- Open the VLC for Mobile app on your iPad.
- Tap the network icon (looks like a Wi-Fi symbol) in the top-left corner.
- Toggle on "Wi-Fi Sharing."
- VLC will display an IP address (e.g., http://192.168.1.5:8080).
- On your computer, open a web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.) and type this IP address into the address bar.
- You'll see a simple web interface. Drag and drop your MTS files from your computer directly into this web page.
- The files will upload to your iPad's VLC app. You'll see a progress bar. Once complete, the files will appear in your VLC library on the iPad.
Sub-step 2.2: Using iTunes File Sharing (for Windows or older macOS)
- Connect your iPad to your computer via USB.
- Open iTunes.
- Click on the device icon.
- In the sidebar, click on "File Sharing."
- Select "VLC" from the list of apps.
- In the "VLC Documents" section, click "Add File..." and select your MTS files from your computer. Or, drag and drop the MTS files directly into this section.
- The files will be copied to VLC on your iPad.
Sub-step 2.3: Using Finder File Sharing (for macOS Catalina and newer)
- Connect your iPad to your Mac via USB.
- Open Finder.
- Select your iPad in the sidebar.
- Click on the "Files" tab at the top.
- Locate "VLC" in the list of apps.
- Drag and drop your MTS files from your Mac into the "VLC Documents" section.
Sub-step 2.4: Using Cloud Storage (with VLC's integration) Many third-party players like VLC and Infuse can directly connect to your cloud storage accounts (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.).
- Upload your MTS files to your cloud storage from your computer.
- On your iPad, open VLC (or Infuse).
- Navigate to the "Network" tab or "Cloud Services" section.
- Sign in to your cloud storage account.
- Browse for your MTS files and select them. VLC will either stream them directly or offer to download them to the app for offline viewing.

Step 3: Play Your MTS Video!

Once the MTS files are transferred to the VLC app, simply open VLC on your iPad, go to the "Videos" section, and tap on the MTS file to start playing it. You'll find that VLC handles it beautifully, often with full audio and video sync.

Which Method Should You Choose?

For occasional viewing and quick access: The third-party media player app (Method 2) is ideal. It's fast, doesn't require converting the file, and lets you play the original MTS file.
For long-term storage, sharing, or editing: Converting to MP4 (Method 1) is the better choice. MP4 files are universally compatible, take up less space (after good compression), and can be used with other apps or platforms easily. If you want to put the videos into Apple's Photos app or edit them in iMovie on your iPad, conversion is a must.

10 Related FAQ Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions to further assist you:

How to transfer MTS files directly to an iPad without a computer?

While direct transfer without a computer is tricky due to the iPad's limitations, you can use cloud storage services. Upload your MTS files from a device (like your camcorder if it supports direct cloud upload, or another computer) to a service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud Drive. Then, on your iPad, use the respective cloud app or the "Files" app to access and play the MTS files via a compatible third-party media player like VLC.

How to choose the best video converter for MTS to MP4?

Look for converters that:

Support MTS (AVCHD) as input.
Offer MP4 (H.264/HEVC) as output.
Provide options for quality settings (bitrate, resolution, frame rate) to balance file size and visual fidelity.
Have a user-friendly interface.
Are reliable and don't introduce malware. (HandBrake, Movavi, Any Video Converter are good starting points).

How to reduce the file size of MTS videos for iPad without losing much quality?

When converting to MP4, adjust the quality settings (e.g., Constant Quality in HandBrake) rather than simply targeting a specific bitrate. A Constant Quality (CRF) of around 20-22 for H.264 usually provides a good balance. Also, if your original MTS is 4K but you only need 1080p on your iPad, downscale the resolution during conversion.

How to play MTS files on an iPad if they are stored on an external hard drive?

You'll need a compatible USB-C hub for newer iPads or a Lightning to USB Camera Adapter for older iPads, plus a powered external hard drive (or a drive that doesn't draw too much power). Connect the drive to your iPad, then use the "Files" app to browse the drive. From there, you can open the MTS file with a third-party media player like VLC that you've installed on your iPad.

How to ensure audio and video sync after converting MTS to MP4?

Good quality conversion software (like HandBrake) generally handles A/V sync well. If you notice issues, try:

Using a slower encoding preset in your converter.
Checking the "Align A/V Start" option if available.
Experimenting with different audio codecs (e.g., AC3 instead of AAC, if supported by the iPad player).

How to troubleshoot if VLC isn't playing MTS files on iPad?

Ensure VLC is updated to the latest version.
Try restarting the VLC app or your iPad.
Check if the MTS file itself is corrupted by trying to play it on a computer with VLC.
Ensure the MTS file was transferred completely.
Consider converting the MTS file to MP4 if persistent issues occur, as it removes the dependency on the app's specific codec support.

How to stream MTS files from my computer to my iPad?

You can use media server software like Plex or Kodi.

Install Plex Media Server on your computer and add your MTS video library.
Install the Plex app on your iPad.
Ensure both are on the same Wi-Fi network. Plex will often transcode MTS files on the fly to a format compatible with your iPad, allowing you to stream them. VLC's Wi-Fi sharing also allows streaming for immediate playback.

How to edit MTS files on my iPad?

Since iPads don't natively support MTS for editing, you must convert the MTS files to an iPad-compatible format like MP4 (H.264) first. Once converted, you can import these MP4 files into video editing apps like iMovie or LumaFusion on your iPad.

How to convert MTS files to MP4 online for free?

Several websites offer free online conversion services, such as FreeConvert.com, CloudConvert, and Zamzar. You simply upload your MTS file, choose MP4 as the output format, and then download the converted file. Be aware of file size limits, upload/download speeds, and potential privacy concerns with very sensitive videos. These are best for smaller files.

How to play MTS files from an SD card directly on my iPad?

You'll need an SD card reader that connects to your iPad (either Lightning or USB-C, depending on your iPad model). Once connected, open the "Files" app on your iPad. Navigate to the SD card, find your MTS files, and then tap on them to open with a compatible third-party media player app like VLC.

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