iMovie Can't Import Video
Quick answer
Some iPhone clips will not import because of HEVC, HDR or variable frame rate. Switch the iPhone camera to Most Compatible or convert the clip to constant frame rate H.264.
Most likely fix: Change iPhone format
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. Change iPhone format
- Open Settings > Camera > Formats
- Choose Most Compatible for new clips
Did this fix it?2. Check the clip
- Open it in QuickTime Player
- Choose Window > Show Movie Inspector to see codec and frame rate
Did this fix it?3. Convert the file
- Re-export from QuickTime Player or use HandBrake for constant frame rate H.264
- Import the converted file
Did this fix it?
Symptoms
Import fails, clip is greyed out or looks too bright.
Why it happens
- HEVC or HDR iPhone footage
- Variable frame rate
- Unsupported codec or container
This guide also covers
- imovie can't import video
- imovie unsupported format
- imovie iphone video not importing
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