3GA File Extension

What is 3GA file?

Files with the 3GA extension are multimedia files containing audio data stored in the 3GPP format. 3GA files are usually encountered on mobile phones, and they are used while recording, playing or sending audio data.

Additional information about 3GA files

3GA files have many similarities to the 3GP files, however, the former store only sound while the latter – additionally video. Audio codecs utilised for storing audio tracks in the 3GA format are:

• AMR-WB +,
• AMR-WB,
• AMR-NB,
• HE-AAC v2,
• HE-AAC v1,
• AAC-LC

Due to its characteristics and structure, the 3GA files use less disc space than the standard audio files, which gives them an advantage in mobile device usage – the memory of a device is less affected.

Programs which support 3GA file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support 3GA files. Files with 3GA extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 08/16/2019

How to open file with 3GA extension?

Being unable to open files with 3GA extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to 3GPP Audio Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install QuickTime Player

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening 3GA files is that no program that can handle 3GA files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select QuickTime Player or one of the recommended programs (for example, VLC media player, FFmpeg, Free 3GP Converter) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support 3GA files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download QuickTime Player installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Apple, Inc. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of QuickTime Player

If you already have QuickTime Player installed on your systems and 3GA files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. This can be one of the causes why 3GA files are not compatible with QuickTime Player. The latest version of QuickTime Player should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate 3GPP Audio Format files with QuickTime Player

After installing QuickTime Player (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open 3GA files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the 3GA with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where QuickTime Player is installed, check the Always use this app to open 3GA files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected 3GA file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with 3GA extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the 3GA for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the 3GA file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the 3GA in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the 3GA is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the 3GA file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the 3GA file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with 3GA extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the 3GA file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the 3GA file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the 3GPP Audio Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle QuickTime Player

If the systems has insufficient resources to open 3GA files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with 3GPP Audio Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle 3GA files.

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