Convert Video for Motorola Xoom: 9 Simple Methods

The Motorola Xoom doesn’t support every video file you throw at it. If you try playing an MKV, MOV, or even an improperly encoded MP4, you’ll likely encounter silence or a black screen. To fix that, the file needs to be converted into a format the tablet understands—usually MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio. Here’s a collection of different ways to get that done, each with its own approach.

How to Convert Video to Motorola Xoom

Converting Directly with a File Manager That Includes Encoding Tools

Some file managers, like Total Commander with a codec plugin on Windows, allow direct conversion within the file browser. Simply right-click the video, choose the plugin action, and adjust output settings to something Xoom- friendly. It bypasses the need for opening a dedicated video tool and is especially efficient when batch-converting folders of files. It saves time if your workflow involves sorting files manually, and everything stays in the same window.

Screen Recording and Playback as an MP4

If your video player doesn’t allow conversion or you’re hesitant to mess with formats, just play the video full-screen on your computer and use a screen recorder like OBS Studio or Xbox Game Bar. Set the output to record as MP4 in H.264, which most screen recorders support.

This method essentially captures the video again, ensuring the output is exactly what your tablet can handle. It’s useful when a file refuses to convert properly due to encryption, corruption, or unsupported features. You can then trim or compress the result before sending it to the Xoom.

Using a Video Editing App with Export Options

Even basic editors like iMovie (on Mac) or Clipchamp (on Windows) can serve as converters. Load the original video and export it as a project; the software handles everything. These tools are built for compatibility, so the default export is usually a high-quality MP4 in the exact format Xoom prefers. While not designed as converters, they’re often the easiest option when you’re already trimming, resizing, or adding captions.

Recording from a Phone or Camera in a Xoom-Compatible Format

Instead of converting a file after it’s created, you can set your phone or camera to record directly in a format the Xoom supports. Most modern phones let you choose MP4 with H.264 and AAC in their camera settings. So, if the video is yours (e.g., you’re recording an event, a tutorial, or personal footage), just shoot in the right format to begin with. That way, no conversion is needed later. Just transfer and watch.

Using Plex or Kodi to Auto-Transcode in Real-Time and Record It

This one’s for people who use media servers. Plex and Kodi can transcode video in real time to match device compatibility. While their goal is streaming, you can also record or capture the transcoded output using screen capture software or by downloading the optimized version from Plex if available. You’re not converting manually; you’re letting the media server handle it in the background, then pulling the version that’s already tuned for mobile playback.

Using FFmpeg to Strip Unnecessary Audio Tracks and Subtitles

Instead of full conversion, sometimes the file just won’t play because it has multiple audio tracks, embedded subtitles, or chapters. FFmpeg lets you strip these extras without re-encoding the video. Here’s a sample command:

ffmpeg -i input.mkv -map 0:v:0 -map 0:a:0 -c copy output.mp4

This keeps the original video and audio streams but removes everything else. You get a clean file that’s more likely to play on the Xoom without needing full reprocessing.

Using a USB OTG Stick That Handles Format Conversion On the Fly

Some smart OTG USB drives come with built-in media apps. These apps detect the connected device (like the Xoom) and convert or stream in a supported format automatically. This isn’t universal, but brands like SanDisk and Kingston sometimes bundle this functionality.

Plug it in, choose the video, and the app takes care of resolution and format compatibility. It’s a plug-and-play solution that works well for people who don’t want to install converters or clutter up internal storage.

Renaming File Extensions (Only for Certain Cases)

This doesn’t work on every file, but occasionally a video might be properly encoded but mislabeled. For instance, an .m4v or .mov file that uses H.264 video can sometimes work on the Xoom simply by renaming it to .mp4.

This doesn’t change the contents—just the file’s label. The tablet might read it differently after the rename. Of course, this won’t fix incompatible formats, but it’s a quick fix for borderline cases.

Emailing a Video to Yourself with Automatic Compression

When you email a video to yourself (e.g., Gmail or Outlook), many clients automatically compress the file if it’s too large. If you open the email on your computer and download the attached video, you might find that it’s already converted to MP4 or downscaled.

This isn’t reliable for everything, but it’s one of those passive ways where compression and format changes happen without direct user input. You just use what your email provider already does in the background.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single right way to convert videos for the Motorola Xoom. What matters is getting the file into a format it can read—usually MP4 with H.264 and AAC. Some people go with software like HandBrake. Others find their solution in screen recordings, video editors, or media server tricks.

If your video won’t play, chances are at least one of these methods will fix the problem without needing to buy anything or spend hours adjusting settings. Use the method that fits best with your habits and devices. The result? A playable video and a bit more use out of your Xoom.