VLC media player is known as a cross-platform media player that supports playing files in various formats. Additionally, it can function as a file converter to convert video and audio files. It supports converting to MP4, WebM, MKV, ASF, OGG, and other formats. But I find some of you encountered the VLC not converting to MP4 error. Do you know what factors cause that error? How to resolve the error? In this useful post, let’s explore that’s why and find workable solutions to troubleshoot it.
Why VLC Not Converting to MP4
Recognizing the cause of a problem can help us solve it efficiently. What are the factors that cause VLC not converting to MP4? Many factors can cause VLC to fail to convert files to MP4. For instance, if the video file you fail to convert in VLC uses the codecs that VLC doesn’t support, it can cause the VLC not converting to MP4 error.
Meanwhile, the error can also be generated by the incorrect MP4 output settings like incompatible video codec or bitrate. Also, the corrupted video file and insufficient system resources can make VLC fail to convert the file to MP4. How to fix VLC not converting to MP4? Keep reading.
5 Targeted Solution for VLC Not Converting to MP4
You can try the 5 targeted solutions listed below to fix VLC not converting to MP4 error. Let’s try them one by one.
Fix 1. Check the Original File
First, you need to check the codec of the source file and whether it is damaged. To check its codec, you can refer to this post: How to Check Codec of Video File with 2 Essential Tools
Once you know the codec of the source file, just compare it with the supported codecs of VLC. If the codec is one of VLC’s supported codecs, the next step you need to do is check whether the file is corrupted. If it is, you need to use a video repair tool to repair it. For Windows users, MiniTool Video Repair is a free tool that can help you repair corrupted MP4, MOV, M4V, and FLV videos.
MiniTool Video RepairClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Fix 2. Adjust the Output Parameters
If the source file is in the right codec and not damaged, you need to check whether the output settings are wrong. If so, you need to adjust the output settings. For example, the recommended video codec and audio codec are H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC) and AAC. Furthermore, in case your computer’s hardware is underpowered, you’d better reduce the resolution and bitrate. After importing your source file and setting MP4 as the target format, follow the below steps to adjust the output settings.
1. Click the wrench icon next to the target profile.
2. Go to the Video codec tab to set Codec to H.264 and then switch to the Audio codec tab to choose MPEG 4 Audio (AAC) as the target audio codec.
3. Click the Save button to confirm the changes. Then you can try to restart the conversion process.
Fix 3. Update VLC or Reset Configuration
Besides, if you use the outdated version of VLC and encounter that error, just try to update VLC to its latest version. Additionally, you can try to reset the configuration of VLC. Just click the Tools tab from the top menu and choose the Preferences option. Next, click the Reset Preferences button at the bottom.
Fix 4. Check the Saving path
In addition, you need to make sure you have enough storage space to save the converted file. If there is no sufficient system resource, you need to free up it or change a saving path.
Fix 5. Try VLC Alternatives to Convert to MP4
From the name of VLC media player, we know that it is a media player. Though VLC can convert video files, it does not specialize in file conversions. To convert video and audio efficiently, you’d better use a dedicated file converter, such as MiniTool Video Converter and HandBrake. Both of them are free file converters. If you want to convert audio files and convert files to a wide range of formats, MiniTool Video Converter is a better choice.
MiniTool Video Converter supports converting various formats and offers a batch file conversion feature to convert several files at the same time. Furthermore, it provides you with advanced options to adjust format parameters, like video codec, resolution, and others. With its user-friendly interface and simple operation, you can easily master how to use it to convert a video to MP4. Here’s how:
1. Download, install, and enable MiniTool Video Converter.
MiniTool Video ConverterClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
2. Click the Add Files option to import the target file and then click the diagonal arrow circled in the below screenshot to open the output format window.
3. Switch to the Video tab, choose MP4, and select a preferred video quality.
4. Click the Convert button to initiate the conversion process. When the process is finished, go to Converted and click Show in folder to locate and check the MP4 file.
To Wrap Things Up
Many factors can cause VLC to fail when converting to MP4. You can try the above 5 solutions to fix VLC not converting to MP4 error. I hope you can enjoy this post.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Olivia is always full of enthusiasm for life and loves to record. She often records beautiful and memorable moments of life with her camera and then uses some editing tools to put the photos, videos and audio together. She also has a passion for writing and offers suggestions to readers on images, audio, videos and news. To provide more professional articles and solve problems for readers, she is continuing to learn multimedia as well.