Video File Cannot Be Played? Fix Different Video Error Codes

Summary: Video files that refuse to playback are annoying. There are many reasons why video file cannot be played correctly or stall completely. Whether the video is online, e.g. YouTube, Vimeo, and other broadcast services, or offline, such as an MP4 file, we provide a solution. Stellar Repair for Video is a top-notch software that fixes video playback problems. If you regularly watch video playback on your PC or laptop, you will eventually find the “cannot playback video” error. If video files cannot be played, do not worry. It rarely means something is wrong with your device (we shall cover that).

We have sorted through the different reasons video files cannot be played.

Table Of Content: 

• Reasons Why Video File Cannot Be Played
• Why You Cannot Playback Offline Videos?
• Stellar Repair for Video – Key Features and Functions
• FAQ

Reasons Why Video File Cannot Be Played:

We indulge in two kinds of playback—online and offline.

We discuss each separately to lend greater clarity to the problem and the solution.

Why You Cannot Playback Online Videos?

1. Connection speed- Video File Cannot Be Played

The speed needed for 1080p streaming is 5 Mbps (Mbps stands for megabits per second) and for 4K that is bumped up to 20 Mbps.

While 4G promises speed up to 100 Mbps and the speed of fiber optics is between 3X and 10X, that is largely theoretical. In real life, speeds rarely exceed 16 Mbps in India.

To playback the video, you might need to adjust the video resolution down to 480p or 720p.

2. Router issue

Wi-Fi routers have become the norm. They are powered by cable or optical fiber. The ones provided by the telecom companies are usually 2.4 GHz variants (802.11b standard).

The 2.4 GHz band covers a longer distance but has a slower speed. 5 Ghz (802.11a) band covers short distances but has a higher speed.

It is better to obtain an 802.11n that can offer both as required.

3. Clear cache – Video File Cannot Be Played

Over time, the browser gets clogged with cookies, website URLs, and prefetch data. The browser hogs memory and does not work too well. As a result, video files cannot be played. Clear the browser history. In modern browsers, you can clear data using a checkbox (leave login info untouched).

Now reload the video streaming site and find out if it works perfectly.

4. Check DNS

DNS is a registry that converts website name to IP address and vice versa.

Such as the IP addresses of YouTube.com is:

• 208.65.153.253
• 208.117.236.69
• 208.65.153.238
• 208.65.153.251

If the DNS provided by your telecom service provider has failed, you can try to access YouTube (and any other site) directly by typing https:// 208.117.236.69

Otherwise, you can use a public DNS, such as Google DNS.

Why You Cannot Playback Offline Videos?

1. Codec issue- Video File Cannot Be Played

A video codec (short for video encoder and decoder) is software that compresses the video file. It is encoded using the codec and has to be decoded using the same codec.

Some of the modern codecs are:

• HEVC (H.265)
• H.264
• VP9
• AV1

Also Read: Guide to Fix a Corrupt H.265/ HEVC Video File

These have containers such as MP4, 3GP, MPEG, Matroska, and many more.

When you use a popular video player such as KM Player, GOM Player, or Windows Media Player, they might not have the exact updated codec. This is often the reason offline video files cannot be played. Download the K-Lite Codec Pack and install it. It is updated with the latest codecs and has been the go-to codec pack for almost 20 years.

The best alternative to installing a codec pack is to download and use VLC Media Player. it is open-source, frequently updated, and free.

2. Hard drive issue

A choppy video might be a sign of a failing hard drive. The telltale sign is video pixelation that does not happen again at the same timestamp. For this reason, if you ever see a downloaded video getting pixelated, hit rewind and observe carefully.

Does pixelation happen again at the same spot? If it does, you are safe. The hard disk is not malfunctioning. But if there is no pixelation at the same spot, it means the actuator arm or read/write head is not working as it should.

Back up your data immediately.

3. Video file corruption- Video File Cannot Be Played

File corruption is a common issue due to which video files cannot be played. Video file corruption can happen due to a number of issues such as errors during encoding, hardware issues, and problems with copying.

Issues related to encoding and errors can be rectified by using video file repair software.  An obvious choice is Stellar Repair for Video, a robust software with an easy-to-use interface.

Also Read: Stellar Repair for Video – A Complete Solution for Corrupted Video File Repair

Stellar Repair for Video – Key Features and Functions

Stellar Repair for Video is a powerful video repair software that can fix corruption during the shoot, editing, copying, or playback.

Download the demo version. It previews repaired files up to 20% of the total video size. This ensures you purchase a license only when you know your video will be effectively repaired.

Features of Stellar Repair for Video:

• Can repair all types of videos—HD, 4K, UHD, 360 degrees.
• Can repair videos from any source—drone, security camera, smartphone, DSLR, or video camera.
• Stellar Repair for Video is perfect for repairing videos that were on corrupt SD cards, USB sticks, and hard drives.
• Uses advanced algorithms to fix file header, data, and sound.
• Stellar Repair for Video can repair any video format—MOV, MP4, AVI, MKV.

Also Read: How to Fix/Repair Unplayable or Corrupted AVI File?

• The software can repair multiple videos of different formats at the same time.
• Offers a Preview mode to save time.
• An intuitive and user-friendly UI guides the user.

How to use Stellar Repair for Video?

• Download and install Stellar Repair for Video.

• Run the video repair software using the desktop shortcut.
• Click Add File and include the video files to be repaired.
• Select Repair.
• Select Save Repaired Files to save all repaired videos.

Also Read: How to Get Activation Key of Stellar Repair for Video?

Stellar Repair for Video software is available in three editions—Standard, Premium, & Technician.

A word on compatibility

Stellar Repair for Video works for all major OS, photography device types, and file formats. Here’s the complete list.

Mac Version

• Fixes corrupt videos recovered from MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac Mini, & Mac Pro.
• Supports all storage drives/ media-Mac volumes, Time Machine, Fusion drive, SD card, USB flash drive, etc.
• Repairs videos created from iPhone, DSLR, Drones, Dash Cam, Point and Shoot Camera, Mirrorless Camera, Android Phones, etc.

Windows Version

FAQ- Video File Cannot Be Played

1. How long does Stellar Repair for Video software take to repair videos?

The video repair process depends on multiple factors like the size of the video file, the number of video files, and the severity of corruption of the video file. We cannot predict the exact time for a particular file type, it can take a few minutes to a couple of hours.

2. Is Stellar Repair for Video safe software?

Stellar Repair for Video is completely safe software and installing it will never cause you any problems.

3. How does Stellar Repair for Video work?

Using state-of-the-art technology and advanced algorithms the software can scan the video file and repair the header and file data.

4. I cannot download the preview files in Stellar Video Repair Software.

Stellar Video Repair tools offer a “Preview” feature for repair files. The reason for the preview feature is to allow users to check if their files have been repaired. For the Demo version, only the preview feature is allowed and no provision for downloading preview video files is offered. Those who have purchased the licensed version, once satisfied by the preview can “Save Repaired Files”.

5. Does Stellar Repair for Video software work on Mac?

Of course. There is a separate download for the Mac version, but it works in the same way.

Conclusion

If you want to repair videos with minimum fuss, opt for Stellar Repair for Video. It can accommodate a vast number of formats and is quick. Stellar Repair for Video software is efficient and available at a highly affordable price point.