Can Kodi play MKV files? Yes, but sometimes MKV files may fail to be played on Kodi due to incompatible codecs or file corruption. This article covers three ways to fix Kodi MKV playback issues: converting MKV to MP4 with MiniTool Video Converter or WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro, repairing corrupted MKV files with EaseUS Fixo Video Repair, or using another media player like VLC.
MKV, also known as Matroska, is an open-source multimedia container format that can store multiple video, audio, subtitle, and image tracks in one file. This format is suitable for high-quality multimedia content.
Can Kodi Play MKV Files?
Yes. Kodi supports MKV files for video playback.
Kodi Supported Formats
- Video Formats: MKV, AVI, MPEG, WMV, ASF, FLV, MOV, MP4, OGG H .263, H.264, H.265, etc.
- Audio formats: MP3, AAC, AC3, M4A, DTS, etc.
- Digital picture/image formats: BMP, JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIFF, MNG, ICO, PCX, etc.
- Subtitle formats: AQTitle, ASS/SSA, CC, JACOsub, MicroDVD, MPsub, OGM, PJS, RT, SMI, SRT, SUB, etc.
Why Kodi Might Fail to Play MKV Files
Although Kodi supports MKV, playback can still fail for two main reasons:
- Incompatible codecs: MKV can contain different video and audio codecs. If Kodi doesn’t support the codecs used in the file, it may not play.
- Corrupted files: A damaged MKV file caused by an interrupted download, storage issues, or conversion errors may freeze, crash, or fail to play.
3 Easy Methods to Fix the Kodi Can’t Play MKV File Issue
- Convert MKV to MP4
- Repair corrupted MKV File
- Try Another Media Player
Method 1. Convert MKV to MP4
How to play MKV files on Kodi when their codecs don’t get along with Kodi?
Well, one way to address this is by changing the codec to a Kodi-supported one while keeping MKV as the container format. However, I’d highly recommend converting MKV to MP4 encoded with H.264. Here are two tools that can help you.
Tool 1. MiniTool Video Converter
MiniTool is a free file converter that supports multiple input and output formats. You can use this converter to convert MKV to Kodi in several steps.
MiniTool Video Converter-
Batch convert video/audio files among 1000+ formats. - Quickly compress videos for easy storage and transfer.
- Accurately extract subtitles from video/audio files.
- Effectively enhance video quality.
Here are the fast steps:
- Get the converter ready.
- Import the MKV file.
- Choose MP4 as the output format.
- Start the conversion.
- Find the converted file.
1. Get the converter ready.
Download and install MiniTool Video Converter. Then open it.
2. Import the MKV file.
Click the Add Files option to load the MKV file.
3. Choose MP4 as the output format.
Click the gear icon to open the output format window. In the following pop-up, go to the Video tab, select MP4 from the left sidebar, and pick your desired profile on the right.
The tool sets H.264 as the default video codec for MP4 by default. So, you don’t need to set the codec manually.
4. Start the conversion.
Click the Convert option to convert MKV to MP4.
5. Find the converted file.
Once finished, go to the Completed tab and click the folder icon to locate the converted file.
Reasons Why You Should Try MiniTool Video Converter:
- Easy to Use: Simple interface for quick file conversion.
- Flexible Settings: Customize video/audio codecs, resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and more.
- Wide Format Support: Supports MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, WebM, MP3, AAC, AC3, and more.
- Device Presets: Provides presets for devices and platforms such as Android, Samsung, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Batch Conversion: Converts up to 5 files simultaneously.
Tool 2. WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro
WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro is also a great option to convert MKV to Kodi. This tool is super easy to use yet quite professional!
Fast steps:
- Open the converter.
- Import the MKV file.
- Choose a save location.
- Select MP4 as the output format.
- Start the conversion.
Let’s see how to convert MKV to Kodi with WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro:
1. Open the converter.
Download, install, and launch WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro.
2. Import the MKV file.
Click Converter and click Add Files to add the target MKV video.
3. Choose a save location.
Click Output folder to customize the output folder.
4. Select MP4 as the output format.
Click the Click to change output format area on the right, go to Video, and choose MP4 as the output format.
5. Start the conversion.
Click Run to start the conversion.
Method 2. Repair the Corrupted MKV File
If your MKV file is corrupted, you can use EaseUS Fixo Video Repair to fix it.
1. Download and install EaseUS Fixo Video Repair. Then, open it.
2. Click Video Repair and click Add Videos to add the corrupted MKV file.
3. Click the Repair button behind the file to start the repair process. If you have added multiple MKV files, click Repair All.
4. Once finished, click Save or Save All.
Method 3. Try Another Media Player
Fast steps:
- Open VLC.
- Open the media menu.
- Play the MKV file.
If neither of these 2 methods works, don’t worry! You can give another media player a shot, such as VLC media player.
VLC media player is a popular and powerful player that can run on Windows, Mac, and Linux. With its wide format compatibility, it can play almost any video or audio file. The interface is clean and intuitive. Even if you’re new to using media players, you can quickly figure out how to play, pause, skip, or adjust the volume.
1. Open VLC.
Download and install VLC media player. Then, run it.
2. Open the media menu.
Click Media on the top menu bar and select Open File.
3. Play the MKV file.
In the following file window, choose the MKV file you want to play and click Open. After that, the tool will automatically start playing it.
Conclusion
Can Kodi play MKV files? Yes, Kodi supports MKV playback. When an MKV file won’t play, converting it to MP4, repairing file corruption, or using another media player can help resolve the issue.
If you have any issues while using MiniTool Video Converter, please email support@minitool.com for assistance.
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