.AMR file extension
To open .AMR files on Windows, right-click the .AMR file and select 'Open with'.
.AMR files are audio files commonly used for voice recordings. Use a compatible media player or app to open them on your device.
Last updated: March 19, 2026 · Reviewed by Julian Stricker
Open on your device
Choose your operating system for a dedicated step-by-step opening guide.
How to open .AMR files
Use these platform-specific instructions to open .AMR files safely.
Windows
- Right-click the .AMR file and select 'Open with'.
- Choose a media player like VLC or Windows Media Player.
Mac
- Control-click the .AMR file and select 'Open With'.
- Choose QuickTime Player or VLC.
Linux
- Right-click the .AMR file and choose 'Open With'.
- Select VLC or another compatible media player.
iOS
- Open the .AMR file in the Files app and tap 'Share'.
- Select a compatible app like VLC or use Quick Look if supported.
Android
- Tap the .AMR file in your file manager.
- Open it with a media player like VLC or MX Player.
Security notes
- Only open .AMR files from trusted sources.
- Scan files with antivirus software before opening.
- Avoid executing any embedded scripts in .AMR files.
Recommended antivirus software
Scan files before opening them. These antivirus tools help protect against malware and viruses.
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Can't open this file?
These are the most common causes and fixes when .AMR files fail to open.
Common reasons
- File won't open
- Poor audio quality
Fix steps
- Ensure the file is fully downloaded and not corrupted.
- Try opening the file with a different media player.
- Update your media player to the latest version.
OS-specific troubleshooting
Convert .AMR to other formats
Use conversion tools to change .AMR files into formats your software supports.
- .AMR → .AA
- .AMR → .AAC
- .AMR → .AAC
- .AMR → .AAX
- .AMR → .AC3
- .AMR → .AC3
- .AMR → .AIF
- .AMR → .AIFF
- .AMR → .AIFF
- .AMR → .ALAC
- .AMR → .APE
- .AMR → .AU
- .AMR → .AU
- .AMR → .CAF
- .AMR → .CUE
- .AMR → .F4A
- .AMR → .FLAC
- .AMR → .FLAC
- .AMR → .M4A
- .AMR → .M4A
- .AMR → .M4B
- .AMR → .M4B
- .AMR → .M4R
- .AMR → .M4R
- .AMR → .MKA
- .AMR → .MKA
- .AMR → .MP2
- .AMR → .MP3
- .AMR → .MP3
- .AMR → .MPA
- .AMR → .OGG
- .AMR → .OGG
- .AMR → .RA
- .AMR → .RAM
- .AMR → .WAV
- .AMR → .WAV
- .AMR → .WMA
- .AMR → .WMA
What is a .AMR file?
.AMR stands for Adaptive Multi-Rate, a format optimized for speech compression. It is widely used in mobile telephony for storing voice recordings.
Background
The AMR format was developed by Ericsson in the 1990s and has become a standard for voice recordings due to its efficient compression algorithms. It is primarily used in mobile phones for storing spoken audio, such as voice memos and call recordings. AMR files are smaller in size compared to other audio formats, making them ideal for devices with limited storage capacity. Despite being optimized for speech, AMR files may not provide the best quality for music or other complex audio types. The format is supported by a variety of media players and applications, making it accessible across multiple platforms.
Common MIME types: audio/AMR
Further reading
Authoritative resources for more details on the .AMR format.
Common .AMR issues
File won't open
The file may be corrupted or the app may not support the format.
- Ensure the file is fully downloaded and not corrupted.
- Try opening the file with a different media player.
- Update your media player to the latest version.
Poor audio quality
AMR files are optimized for speech, not high-quality audio.
- Use a player with good codec support to improve playback.
- Convert the file to a different format for better quality.
FAQ
Can I convert a file by renaming it to .AMR?
No, renaming does not convert the file format. Use a conversion tool.
Is .AMR safe to open?
Yes, if the file is from a trusted source and opened with reputable software.
Why is the audio quality low?
AMR is designed for voice, not high-fidelity audio, which may affect quality.
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