How to Sort Videos by Size on iPhone

Managing video files on your iPhone can be challenging, especially when storage space runs low. Many developers and users struggle to quickly identify large video files to free up space or organize their media efficiently.

This guide explains how to sort videos by size on your iPhone using built-in tools and third-party apps. You'll learn practical methods to view, sort, and manage video files based on their size, helping you optimize your device storage effectively.

How can I view video file sizes on my iPhone?

By default, the iPhone's Photos app does not display the size of individual video files directly. However, you can check video sizes using the Files app or third-party apps that provide detailed file information.

To view video sizes in the Files app, you first need to ensure your videos are saved or accessible through the Files app, such as in iCloud Drive or local storage. Once located, the Files app shows file sizes next to each video, making it easier to identify larger files.

Alternatively, some third-party apps like "File Manager" or "Documents by Readdle" provide detailed file size information and sorting options. These apps scan your device storage or cloud accounts and list videos with their sizes, enabling you to sort and manage them efficiently.

Using these methods, you can get a clear idea of how much space each video occupies on your device, which is essential before sorting or deleting files.

What prerequisites are required for sorting videos by size on iPhone?

• iOS version: Ensure your iPhone runs iOS 13 or later to access the Files app with full functionality for file management.
• Storage access: Videos must be saved locally or accessible via the Files app or compatible third-party apps.
• Third-party app installation: For enhanced sorting features, install trusted file manager apps from the App Store.
• Basic navigation skills: Familiarity with iPhone apps like Photos, Files, and Settings is helpful for managing files effectively.

How do I sort videos by size using the Files app on iPhone?

The Files app on iPhone allows you to view and sort files by size, including videos stored locally or in cloud services like iCloud Drive.

First, open the Files app and navigate to the folder containing your videos. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the upper-right corner, then select "Sort By." Choose "Size" from the options. This will reorder the files, showing the largest videos at the top or bottom depending on your selection.

Note that videos stored only in the Photos app might not appear in the Files app unless you export or save them there. You can share videos from Photos to Files to manage them this way.

This sorting method helps you quickly identify large video files and decide which to keep or delete to free up space.

How can I sort videos by size directly in the Photos app?

The Photos app does not provide a built-in feature to sort videos by size. However, you can identify large videos by checking their details individually.

To check a video's size, open the Photos app, select the video, tap the info (i) icon, and scroll to see file details including size. This process is manual and time-consuming for many videos.

To work around this limitation, you can export videos to the Files app or use third-party apps that integrate with Photos to list videos with size information and sorting capabilities.

While the Photos app is great for viewing and editing videos, it lacks advanced file management features like sorting by size, so combining it with other tools is necessary for efficient management.

Step-by-step guide to sort videos by size on iPhone

Step 1: Export videos from Photos to Files app

Since the Photos app does not support sorting by size, export your videos to the Files app where sorting is possible.

Open Photos app → Select videos → Tap Share icon → Choose Save to Files → Select folder → Tap Save

This action copies the selected videos to the Files app, making them accessible for sorting and management.

Step 2: Open the Files app and locate your videos

Launch the Files app and navigate to the folder where you saved the videos. This folder contains the exported video files ready for sorting.

Open Files app → Browse → Select folder with exported videos

Here, you can see all your videos listed as files, each with size information displayed.

Step 3: Sort videos by size

Use the Files app sorting feature to order videos by size.

Tap the three-dot menu (top-right) → Tap Sort By → Select Size

The videos will reorder, showing the largest files first or last depending on your selection, making it easier to identify space-consuming videos.

Step 4: Manage your videos

After sorting, you can delete, move, or share large videos directly from the Files app to optimize your storage.

Tap and hold a video → Choose Delete, Move, or Share

This lets you free up space or organize your videos based on their size.

Step 5: Use third-party apps for advanced sorting

If you want more features, install a file manager app like "Documents by Readdle" that can scan your device and show videos sorted by size.

Download and open Documents app → Scan device or cloud storage → Navigate to Videos folder → Sort by Size

These apps provide enhanced sorting, filtering, and batch management options for videos.

What are common errors when sorting videos by size on iPhone and how do you fix them?

• Videos not appearing in Files app: Videos stored only in Photos won’t show in Files. Export them to Files or use third-party apps to access size info.
• Sorting option missing: Ensure your iOS is updated to the latest version. Older versions may lack sorting features in Files.
• Third-party app permissions denied: Grant storage and Photos access permissions in Settings to allow apps to scan and sort videos.
• File size not displayed: Some file managers may not show size for cloud-only files. Download files locally to view sizes.

What are best practices when sorting videos by size on iPhone?

• Backup before deleting: Always back up important videos to iCloud or a computer before removing large files to avoid data loss.
• Use trusted apps: Install file manager apps from reputable developers to ensure security and reliability when managing videos.
• Regularly check storage: Periodically sort and review video sizes to keep your iPhone storage optimized and prevent unexpected full storage issues.
• Organize videos in folders: Use the Files app to create folders and categorize videos by size, date, or project for easier access.
• Keep iOS updated: Updates often improve file management features and fix bugs related to sorting and file access.

What third-party apps can help sort videos by size on iPhone?

Several third-party apps provide enhanced file management features, including sorting videos by size. Popular options include:

These apps scan your device and cloud storage, list videos with size details, and provide sorting and batch management tools to help you organize your media efficiently.

Conclusion

Sorting videos by size on iPhone is essential for managing storage and keeping your device organized. While the Photos app lacks direct sorting features, using the Files app or trusted third-party file managers enables you to view, sort, and manage videos based on their size effectively.

By exporting videos to the Files app and leveraging sorting options, you can quickly identify large files and optimize your storage. Regularly managing video sizes helps maintain device performance and ensures you have space for new content.

FAQ

Can I sort videos by size directly in the iPhone Photos app?

No, the Photos app does not support sorting videos by size. You need to export videos to the Files app or use third-party apps for this functionality.

How do I check the size of a video on my iPhone?

You can check video size by exporting it to the Files app or using third-party file manager apps that display detailed file information including size.

Are there risks to deleting large videos from my iPhone?

Yes, deleting videos permanently removes them unless backed up. Always back up important videos to iCloud or a computer before deleting.

Which third-party apps are best for sorting videos by size?

Apps like Documents by Readdle, File Manager & Browser, and FileExplorer offer sorting by size and advanced file management features on iPhone.

Does sorting videos by size help improve iPhone performance?

Sorting and managing large videos frees up storage space, which can improve overall device performance and prevent storage-related issues.