May 29, 2025Posted by Kevin Miller to Rip DVD
Before we get into the topic, let’s first briefly understand what a 3GP format is. The 3GP format is a multimedia container made specifically for mobile devices. It was developed to save storage and maintain reasonable video and audio quality. These lightweight formats make them ideal for playback on older phones and devices with limited storage. Since DVDs are large, they aren’t directly compatible with 3GP-supported devices. This post will show two ways to rip DVDs to 3GP format. This way, you can make your collections more portable and accessible on mobile phones.
- Preparation for Converting DVD to 3GP
- Way 1. Rip DVD to 3GP with Blu-ray Master Free DVD Ripper
- Way 2. Rip DVD to 3GP with DumboFab DVD Ripper
Preparation for Converting DVD to 3GP
Choose the Right Software
Not all DVD ripping tools provide 3GP as an export option. So, choosing software that allows DVD conversion to 3GP is essential. In addition, it should also offer customization of profile settings. Look for tools that can handle different types of DVD content. It includes those DVDs with encryptions, copy-protections, and region restrictions.
Prepare Hardware
Before starting the conversion, ensure your hardware setup is ready. It includes having a DVD drive, which can be built-in or external, to read the disc. Also, you need a computer with enough storage for the output files. DVDs can be large, and even compressed 3GP files require space during intermediate steps.
Check DVD Condition and Compatibility
Before inserting your DVD, it’s essential to check the condition of the disc. Damaged DVDs can cause read errors, skipping, or failed conversions. Also, ensure the DVD format is compatible with your software. Consider software that supports DVD Navigator Mode to avoid interruptions and handles copy-protected DVDs.
Adjust Profile Settings
Since 3GP is often used on older mobile devices, it’s essential to configure the profile settings. This way, you can match the playback compatibility of your target device. Customize settings such as encoder, resolution, bitrate, frame rate, sample rate, channel, etc. Many DVD-ripping tools allow you to configure these settings.
Way 1. Rip DVD to 3GP with Blu-ray Master Free DVD Ripper
Compatibility: Windows 7 to 11 | macOS 10.12 or later
Output Quality: Up to 352×288
Price: Free
Blu-ray Master Free DVD Ripper is an efficient DVD to 3GP converter that operates for free. It lets you rip DVDs to over 500+ digital and device presets, including 3GP format. It supports DVDs from Regions 1 to 6 and even handles discs with encryption and copy-protection. Additionally, it has a built-in editor with essential tools for enhancing and applying video effects. Plus, its Preview function lets you see the applied effects before the conversion.
Step 1.Get the free download of Blu-ray Master Free DVD Ripper. Install the free DVD-ripping software on your computer and finish the installation process. Once completed, put the DVD into the external drive’s disc tray and open the software.
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Step 2.Click Load Disc to import the DVD into the software. Or, from the pulldown menu, choose Load DVD Folder to add a VIDEO_TS folder or Load IFO Files to load IFO files. Then, select a loading mode in the popup window:
- DVD Navigator Mode: This mode is recommended for commercial DVDs. It detects the main title automatically and efficiently handles encryptions/copy-protection/region locks.
- DVD Parser Mode: This is a fallback mode for damaged, incomplete, or non-standard DVDs. It is best for homemade and custom-burned DVDs.
Step 3.As the disc loads successfully, select the titles you want to convert. Move to the Profile pulldown menu and use the search bar to enter 3GP. It will then display all device presets supporting this format and other available profiles.
For better video playback quality, consider adjusting the profile settings. Click Settings next to the Profile field and apply the following:
Video Encoder: H.263 (3GP compatible)
Resolution: 176×144 (common for mobile compatibility)
Video Bitrate: 256 kbps
Frame Rate: 15 fps
Aspect Ratio: Auto
Audio Encoder: AMR
Channel: 1 Channel Mono
Sample Rate: 8000 Hz
Audio Bitrate: 7.4 kbps
Important Note: Set lower resolutions and bitrates for older phones and higher compression.
Step 4.Next to the Destination field, click Browse to set an output directory. After all the settings, click Convert to rip the disc to the selected 3GP profile and preset. The software will then encode it into the 3GP format, ready for mobile usage.
What Users Say:
After testing, I appreciated that it’s free and easy to use. It is the best free DVD ripper I’ve ever used! It lets me rip my collections to 3GP format without any difficulties. I was also amazed at how this software automatically removes the region locks and copy-protections.
Way 2. Rip DVD to 3GP with DumboFab DVD Ripper
Compatibility: Windows 7 to 11 | Apple M2 and macOS 15
Output Quality: Up to 352×288
Price: $25.95 starting price
DumboFab DVD Ripper is another reliable DVD-ripping software built to convert a DVD to 3GP. Apart from digital formats, it also provides pre-configured device profiles for iDevices, Android, smart TVs, etc. However, customization of the profile settings is a bit limited compared to other dedicated DVD-ripping software.
Step 1.Grab your DVD, place it on your computer’s DVD drive, and launch the DumboFab DVD Ripper. Click File and select Load From Disc to import the source from DVD-ROM. Afterward, the software will detect and display all available titles from the disc.
Step 2.Proceed to the Format field and click the Common Video category. Select the 3GPP (H.263/AMR)(*.3gp) option as your output format. If needed, click Settings to configure profile settings like codec, size, bitrate, etc.
Step 3.In the Output field, click Browse to specify the destination path of the converted file. Once the output directory is set, click the Refresh button to rip the disc. It will now extract the selected DVD title and convert it into the 3GP format you chose.
What Users Say:
DumboFab DVD Ripper impressed me with effortlessly converting a DVD to digital 3GP format. It automatically detected the main movie, and the ripping process was fast. Unfortunately, it has a 3-minute restriction, which makes it impossible to test a full conversion without upgrading.
Wrapping up
In conclusion, converting DVDs to 3GPs is a smart move for enjoying DVD movies on older phones. It offers a lightweight and efficient way to compress files without compromising quality. From preparation to the actual process, this post has guided you through everything you need to know for a successful conversion. We highly recommend using Blu-ray Master Free DVD Ripper for this purpose. It is a reliable and completely free tool that supports 3GP output.
