How to Open DAT File: Complete Guide for Windows, Mac, and Mobile Devices

Have you ever stumbled upon a strange-looking file with a .dat extension and wondered what it is and how to open it? If so, you’re not alone. Many users encounter DAT files and aren’t sure what to do with them. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to open DAT files on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.

By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the tools and knowledge to open DAT files safely and effectively, whether they contain text, video, configuration data, or something else entirely.

What Is a DAT File?

A DAT file is a generic data file that contains information specific to the application that created it. These files are not meant to be opened manually in most cases, but sometimes they contain readable content or media like videos or emails.

Common Uses of DAT Files

• Configuration files for software programs
• Video files, particularly VCD video
• Email attachments (often from Microsoft Outlook)
• Game save data or cache
• Log files used by software for internal operations

Why Are DAT Files So Confusing?

Unlike .docx or .jpg files, which have well-known formats, DAT files don’t follow a single standard. The content can be plain text, binary code, or media—depending on the source program. That’s why simply clicking on a DAT file doesn’t always tell you much.

How to Open DAT Files on Windows

Opening a DAT file on Windows involves figuring out what kind of data it holds. Follow these steps to safely open a DAT file on your PC:

1. Identify the Source Program

Before attempting to open a DAT file, ask yourself: Where did this file come from? If it came from a specific program, try opening it with that software first.

For example:

• If it’s related to a video, use VLC Media Player.
• If it’s related to an email, try Outlook.
• If it’s a configuration file, Notepad may show its contents.

2. Use Notepad or Notepad++

If you’re unsure what’s inside the DAT file, try opening it with Notepad or Notepad++.

How:

• Right-click the DAT file
• Select “Open with” > Choose another app
• Select Notepad or Notepad++

If you see readable text, great! If you see symbols or gibberish, it’s likely a binary file meant for a specific application.

3. Use VLC Media Player for DAT Video Files

If you suspect the file contains a video (especially if it came from an old CD or DVD), try opening it in VLC Media Player.

How:

• Open VLC
• Click Media > Open File
• Browse and select the .dat file

4. Rename the File Extension (Cautiously)

Sometimes, the file is actually a different type, just mislabeled as .dat. You can try renaming it to a common extension like .mpg, .mp4, or .txt.

Example:

• video.dat → video.mpg
• document.dat → document.txt

Warning: Always make a backup before renaming file extensions.

How to Open DAT Files on Mac

Mac users can also open DAT files using built-in or third-party tools.

1. Use TextEdit

If you think the file may contain text, try TextEdit:

• Right-click on the DAT file
• Select Open With > TextEdit

Like with Notepad, if the file contains text, it will display normally. If it shows random characters, it’s likely binary.

2. Use VLC for Video Files

If the DAT file is a video, VLC Media Player is your best option on macOS too.

• Download VLC from videolan.org
• Open VLC
• Drag and drop the DAT file into the player

3. Use Terminal (Advanced Users)

If you’re comfortable with the command line, you can use the file command in Terminal to identify the content type.

file filename.dat

This command attempts to guess the file type based on its content, not its extension.

How to Open DAT Files on Mobile Devices (Android & iOS)

DAT files can also appear on smartphones, especially when downloading files or receiving email attachments.

On Android:

• Use a file manager app (like Files by Google) to locate the DAT file
• Try opening it with VLC if it might be a video
• Use QuickEdit or Jota Text Editor for text-based DAT files

On iPhone/iPad:

• Use the Files app to locate the DAT file
• Try VLC for Mobile from the App Store
• For text files, use Textastic or Pretext

Note: iOS may restrict access to unknown file types. You might need to transfer the file to a PC or Mac for full access.

Best Software to Open DAT Files

Here are some of the most popular programs to help you open DAT files:

Can I Convert a DAT File?

Yes, in many cases you can convert a DAT file to another format, but only if you know what type of data it contains.

Common Conversions:

• DAT to MP4 – if it’s a video
• DAT to TXT – if it’s plain text
• DAT to DOCX or PDF – use a text converter if it’s readable

Tools to Use:

• Zamzar or CloudConvert (online converters)
• VLC Media Player (for video conversion)
• Microsoft Word (to open text and save as .docx or .pdf)

How to Open a DAT File from an Email

Email attachments with a .dat extension—especially winmail.dat—are a common issue for Mac users receiving emails from Outlook.

How to Fix:

Use TNEF’s Enough on Mac or Winmail.dat Reader on Windows.

These tools decode the proprietary Microsoft email formatting.

Troubleshooting DAT Files That Won’t Open

If your DAT file won’t open, try the following steps:

1. Check File Origin – Know where it came from (email, software, media).
2. Try Multiple Programs – Use text editors, VLC, Outlook, etc.
3. Scan for Viruses – DAT files can hide malware. Use antivirus software.
4. Use Online Tools – Sites like checkfiletype.com can analyze file contents.

Are DAT Files Dangerous?

Not all DAT files are safe. Malicious software can disguise itself with a .dat extension to avoid suspicion. Always:

• Avoid opening unknown DAT files from emails
• Scan them with antivirus software
• Don’t rename or run DAT files unless you trust the source

FAQs About Opening DAT Files

What if my DAT file is too large to open in Notepad?
Use Notepad++ or a hex editor like HxD, which can handle larger files.

Can I create a DAT file myself?
Yes. Save any text file with a .dat extension. For example, sample.dat.

Can VLC convert DAT to MP4?
Yes. Use VLC’s Convert/Save function under the Media menu.

Why do Outlook emails include a winmail.dat file?
This happens when the sender uses Microsoft Outlook’s Rich Text Format. Ask them to switch to HTML or plain text format.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to open DAT files doesn’t have to be complicated. By identifying the source, using the right tools, and applying a bit of trial and error, you can safely access the contents of almost any DAT file. Whether it’s video, configuration data, or a hidden email attachment, this guide gives you the clarity you need to get the job done.

Read Also: How to Open DLL File: A Complete Guide for Beginners and Experts