In this article, let’s explore the 9 reasons for videos are not playing, such as internet connection issues, a lack of codec support, and so on. More importantly, this article provides you with 29 solutions for videos not playing on a computer, browser, or social application, such as restarting the device, changing the video format, and more.

Recently, more and more users are complaining that the videos will not play on computers, browsers, or social applications. Failing to view these videos may bring you a headache. Don’t worry. The following content will walk through the reasons for videos not playing and show you how to solve this problem.

Why Videos Not Playing

Here are the possible reasons for the videos not playing error.

Reason 1. A Weak Internet Connection

A stable internet connection has much to offer in sustaining smooth video playback. In essence, the process of playing videos means a continuous delivery of data streams. As such, when the internet connection is poor, it is difficult to download the necessary data for video playback. Eventually, your device can’t play this video.

Reason 2. Incompatible Video Formats

The compatibility issue is one of the most common factors that lead to videos not playing. For example, some media players may not support some unpopular video formats, such as TS, M2TS, VOB, and more. To solve that problem, it is an ideal choice for you to convert your videos to a format with better compatibility.

Reason 3. File Corruption

Before playing videos on your computer, you need to ensure that the videos are not damaged. Specifically, a normal video file contains all the data that can sustain the video playback. However, when the video file is broken, the data can be incomplete, which causes your computer to not play videos.

Reason 4. Damaged Cache and Cookies

Damaged cache and cookies also mean a lot. The browser cache can save parts of websites, including portions of video files, code, and images, on your PC/devices locally, which enables faster loading. However, due to various system crashes, these files and data may be corrupted. This way, as long as the browser keeps using the data from the cache, videos not playing will always happen.

Cookies refer to small files that store your preferences and browsing data, like site settings, login status, and more. Sometimes, a damaged cookie or a cookie conflict may cause a problem with the video player functionality.

Reason 5. Lack of Codec Support

Some media players can’t play video codec not supported. Strong codec support is indispensable for video playback. Necessary codecs ensure the decoding/decompression of the video data, which offers you a smooth watching experience. Hence, if the media players that you are using lack the corresponding codecs, the video playback can be a problem.

Reason 6. Limited Storage Space

Although you have transferred a video to your device, enough temporary storage space and available memory are also essential for the system. Without them, the smooth operation is impossible.

For example, playing a long or high-resolution video needs sufficient space to temporarily store or download the upcoming video segments. If the space is limited, the video may stutter, pause, or stop.

Reason 7. Outdated Graphics Drivers

Serving as a communication bridge between the graphics processing unit (GPU) and the operating system of the computer, the graphics drivers are an integral part of video playback. However, as the graphics drivers become outdated, there will be many problems.

For instance, the video playback technology and codecs develop rapidly over time. As they update, the outdated graphics drivers may not be compatible with the newer applications anymore.

In addition, for efficient video playback, hardware acceleration is often applied by modern computers. Unfortunately, outdated graphics drivers may prevent it from being used. Finally, the CPU has to be under full load, leading to bad video playback.

Reason 8. An Outdated Operating System

An outdated operating system is also a reason for videos not playing. For example, graphics card drivers mean a lot for video playback. However, the latest drivers may not be available on older operating systems. As such, when the new video technologies require the latest drivers, it is common to see the videos unplayable on old operating systems.

Reason 9. Unnecessary Extensions/Add-ons

Undoubtedly, extensions and add-ons enable you to enjoy more new functions. Some of them, including script blockers, ad blockers, and VPN add-ons, play a role by blocking some data packets, requests, or scripts.

However, those blocked things are indispensable for some websites to load and play a video. Therefore, when the extensions or add-ons on your PC block some important things automatically, it is common to see videos not playing.

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How to Fix Videos Not Playing on Android Phone [Ultimate Guide]

Have you encountered issues with videos not playing on Android phone? Why are videos not playing on Android phones? How to fix videos not playing on Android?

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How to Fix Videos Not Playing on Computer

The following content will offer you 10 videos not playing on computer fixes.

#1 Refresh/Restart the Computer or the Media Player

One of the most effortless methods to fix videos not playing on a computer is to refresh or restart the computer or media player. Generally speaking, running a background process or app causes system memory (RAM) consumption. If you try to refresh or restart the computer or media player, enough resources can be saved, which empowers the player to function smoothly.

#2 Reinstall the Media Player

Influenced by incomplete updates, system errors, or malware, the software files may be damaged. Reinstallation enables recovery of these files. In addition, if the application settings are changed incorrectly, there will also be something wrong with the media player. In this context, reinstallation will reset the settings to the default ones. This way, the media player can work well again.

#3 Use a Third-Party Player

To fix the issue of videos not playing on system built-in media players, you can also try some third-party players. Here, I highly recommend 3 reliable players, including VLC Media Player, PotPlayer, and Kodi. Among them, the VLC is more popular for its wide format support. If you want more advanced customization, try PotPlayer. On condition that you emphasize media library management, never miss Kodi.

#4 Change Video Format

MiniTool Video Converter is a free video converter that allows you to convert up to 5 videos simultaneously. Meanwhile, it doesn’t set any file size limit for free users. Moreover, MiniTool Video Converter features an intuitive interface and supports a wide range of video formats, including MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV, and more.

Below is a detailed guide on how to change the video format using MiniTool Video Converter.

Step 1. Download and Install MiniTool Video Converter

MiniTool Video ConverterClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Download MiniTool Video Converter by clicking on the download button above. Then, follow the on-screen prompts to install this video converter on your PC. Then, run this application.

Note:
By default, MiniTool Video Converter will convert 2 videos at the same time. If you want to convert more videos at a time, click on the bottom-left Settings option to enter the Settings window. There, switch to the Convert tab and customize the maximum conversion tasks. Finally, click on the OK button to apply the settings.
MiniTool Video Converter interface that shows how to customize the maximum conversion tasks.

Step 2. Import the Video Files

Click on the upper-left Add Files option to upload the videos that you want to convert.

MiniTool Video Converter interface with the upper-left Add Files option selected to import the video files.

Step 3. Set MP4 as the Output Format

Expand the bottom Convert all files to option to enter the output format window. There, switch to the Video tab and click on MP4. Then, choose the resolution you want. Here, I select MP4 HD 1080P as an example.

MiniTool Video Converter interface that shows how to set output format as MP4 HD 1080P.

Step 4. Set an Output Folder and Start Conversion

Expand the bottom Output option to choose a destination folder for the output files. Next, begin the conversion process by clicking on the bottom-right Convert All button.

MiniTool Video Converter interface that shows how to choose a destination folder and start the conversion process.

Step 5. Check the Converted Videos

When the file conversion process ends, this video converter will automatically switch to the Completed section. There, click on the Play icon to view the output videos. If you want to locate them, click on the Folder icon.

MiniTool Video Converter interface with the Play icon or the Folder icon clicked to view or locate the output videos.

MiniTool Video Converter is a can’t-miss choice to change video/audio format without any payment.Click to Tweet

With MiniTool Video Converter, you can handle the videos not playing error effortlessly. More than a video converter, this program is also a one-stop solution for video compression and video/audio to text conversion.

#5 Install More Video Codecs

To get stronger codec support for the video playback, the K-Lite Codec Pack is highly recommended. As a powerful codec provider, it offers Windows users a wide range of audio and video codecs. Supporting both 32-bit and 64-bit systems, the K-Lite Codec Pack is available on Windows 7, XP, 8, 10, and 11.

There are 4 different versions of the K-Lite Codec Pack:

  • Basic: This version of K-Lite Codec Pack offers you a few codecs and filters to play common videos/audio, such as MP4, AVI, MP3, and MKV. However, a media player is not included in it.
  • Standard: With all functions of the Basic version, the Standard version provides you with Media Player Classic Home Cinema (MPC-HC). By the way, this version is the most popular among users.
  • Full: Based on the Standard version, the Full version K-Lite Codec Pack gives you decoding plugins for MadVR and 3D videos.
  • Mega: Equipped with all features of the Full version, the Mega version enables you to enjoy more advanced filters, codecs, and tools, including GraphStudioNext and ffdshow.

Just visit https://codecguide.com/download_kl.htm to install the K-Lite Codec Pack version you want.

#6 Repair Corrupted Videos

Since video corruption will also trigger the problem of videos not playing, it is advisable for you to repair your video files. To facilitate your video repair tasks, MiniTool Video Repair can help. It has a well-organized interface and supports multiple video formats, including MP4, MOV, M4V, and F4V. More importantly. MiniTool Video Repair never costs you a dime.

Step 1. Download and Install MiniTool Video Repair

MiniTool Video RepairClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Click on the download button above to download and install this video repair tool on your computer.

Step 2. Import the Video Files

After launching MiniTool Video Repair, click on the Add video(s) and start repairing area to import the videos that you want to repair.

MiniTool Video Repair interface with the Add video(s) and start repairing area selected to import the videos.

Step 3. Start Repairing

Click on the bottom-right Repair button to begin the video repair process. When the video repair completes, click on the OK button to close the pop-up window.

MiniTool Video Repair interface with the bottom-right Repair button selected to start the video repair process.

Step 4. Preview the Output Files and Set an Output Folder

To preview the repaired videos, click on the Preview button. To choose the saving path for the repaired files, click on the bottom-right Save All button.

MiniTool Video Repair interface that shows how to preview the files and set an output folder for them.

When the video saving process finishes, you will see a pop-up window. There, click on the Click here area to locate the repaired files.

MiniTool Video Repair interface with the Click here option selected to locate the output videos.

With the above-detailed steps, it is more possible for you to cope with the problem of videos not playing on your computer.

#7 Trim the Video

Videos will not play if they contain a problematic part. To fix that issue, you can use a video editor to remove the broken part from your video file. Here, I highly recommend MiniTool MovieMaker. As robust video editing software, it empowers you to speed up, trim, merge, crop, flip, rotate, or reverse the video with simple clicks.

Even if you want to change the volume or aspect ratio of your videos, MiniTool MovieMaker can also meet your needs. Below is a detailed guide on how to trim the video using MiniTool MovieMaker.

Step 1. Get MiniTool MovieMaker on Your PC

MiniTool MovieMakerClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Download MiniTool MovieMaker by clicking on the download button above. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to install this video trimmer on your PC.

Step 2. Import the Video

After launching MiniTool MovieMaker, click on the New Project option to enter the main interface. There, click on the Import Media Files area. Then, drag the video onto the timeline below.

MiniTool MovieMaker interface with the Import Media Files area selected to import the video file.

Step 3. Trim the Video

To trim an unwanted part not in the middle of the video, mouse over the beginning/end of the video clip until you see an arrow. Next, drag the arrow rightwards/leftwards to the start/end of the wanted part.

MiniTool MovieMaker interface that shows how to trim the video with the arrow icon on the timeline.

If you want to trim the middle part of the video, move the playhead to the start of the unwanted part and click on the scissors icon. Next, drag the playhead to the end of the unwanted clip and click the scissors icon again. Then, click on the unwanted part to highlight it. Finally, right-click on the clip and choose the Delete option.

MiniTool MovieMaker interface that shows how to remove a video clip.

Step 4. Specify the Output Settings and Start Video Exporting

Click on the Export icon at the upper right of the Player section to enter the Export window. There, expand the Format option to configure an output format. Here, I select MP4 for universal compatibility. Also, you are free to choose an output folder for the exported video. Finally, click on the bottom-right Export option to save the output video.

MiniTool MovieMaker Export window that shows how to select MP4 as the output format and save the edited video.

Step 5. Check the Output Video

When the video saving process completes, click on the Find Target button in the pop-up window to locate the trimmed video.

MiniTool MovieMaker interface with the Find Target button selected in the Export popup to locate the output video.

As a feature-rich application, MiniTool MovieMaker also provides you with various elements, including motions, transitions, filters, captions, credits, and more, to optimize your videos.

#8 Check Storage Space

To fix the videos not playing error caused by limited storage space, you can try to extend the partition or use a space analyzer.

8.1 Extend Partition

If you have downloaded or stored large video files on a partition with limited space, you can’t save the entire video, which eventually leads to the issue of videos not playing. By adding adjacent unallocated space, partition extending helps increase the size of an existing partition. This way, you can get a smoother video playback experience.

8.2 Space Analyzer

Using a space analyzer is another effective method to help you gain more storage space. As a standout tool, a space analyzer enables the scanning of your hard drive. Meanwhile, it offers you a detailed breakdown, walking you through how the space is used. In addition, some large files can be identified, which offers you a comprehensive guide to managing the storage space.

#9 Update Graphics Drivers

Updating graphics drivers enables better hardware acceleration. Meanwhile, newer drivers give more support for new codecs, which allows video playback on more media players. In addition, such an update leads to more efficient power usage. Below is a detailed guide on how to update graphics drivers on Windows.

Step 1. Access the Device Manager panel.

Press the Windows + R key to open the Run window. There, type devmgmt.msc and click on the OK button to enter the Device Manager panel.

Windows Run window with devmgmt.msc typed and the OK button selected.

Step 2. Enter the driver update interface.

Expand the Display adapters option and right-click on the graphics card. Next, choose Update driver to enter the next interface.

The Device Manager window that shows how to enter the driver updating interface.

Step 3. Start the driver update.

Click on Search automatically for drivers to begin the update process.

The Device Managers interface with the Search automatically for drivers option selected.

Follow the steps to finish updating the graphics driver.

With the above-detailed steps, you can update the outdated drivers without hassle.

#10 Update Operating System

An old operating system brings you many limitations that frustrate video playback, such as security restrictions, missing drivers, and more. Ensure that you have updated the operating system to the latest version. You can also follow the guidance below to update your Windows system.

Step 1. Enter the Settings window.

Click on the Start menu and choose the Settings option to enter the Settings window.

Windows homepage with the Start menu expanded and the Settings option selected.

Step 2. Enter the update panel.

In the Settings window, choose the Update & Security option to enter the update page.

The Windows Settings window with the Update and Security option chosen.

Step 3. Check for and start the update.

Under the Windows Update tab, click on Check for updates. If the update is available, click on Download & install to begin the update process.

The Windows Settings window with the Check for updates option selected under the Windows Update section.

Currently, you must grasp how to update your operating system.

The Best Methods that Help to Fix Windows 10 Can’t Play MP4
The Best Methods that Help to Fix Windows 10 Can’t Play MP4

These days, the issue that Windows 10 can’t play MP4 has bothered users. With this article, they can get the best ways to solve the problem.

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How to Fix Videos Not Playing on Browsers

If your browser can’t play video, the following content can help.

#1 Refresh/Restart/Update/Reinstall the Browser

Before trying other methods below, refresh or restart the web browser. If this method doesn’t work, follow the guidance below to check for the update. Here, I will take Chrome as an example.

Step 1. Open Chrome and Enter the Settings Interface

Open Chrome on your PC and click on the upper-right More icon to enter the Settings interface.

Google Chrome interface that shows how to expand the option menu and enter the Settings interface.

Step 2. Go to the About Chrome Tab

In the Settings interface, switch to the About Chrome tab.

Step 3. Check the Update

Check whether the update is available. If yes, follow the on-screen prompts to update the browser.

Google Chrome Settings interface with the Chrome update and version info displayed in the About Chrome tab.

If you have updated the browser, but there is still a problem, just reinstall the web browser.

#2 Check Network Connection and VPN/Proxy

Internet connection and VPN/Proxy are also influential factors for video playback on Browsers. In the following paragraphs, I will show you how to check them on computers and mobiles.

2.1 Check internet speed (PC/Mobile)

Speedtest by Ookla is a powerful online tool that enables you to measure the internet connection. Working well with both PC and mobile users, it walks you through the latency, download speeds, upload speeds, and other relevant parameters. Below is a detailed guide on how to check the internet speed with Speedtest by Ookla.

Step 1. Go to the website of Speedtest by Ookla.

Visit https://www.speedtest.net.

Step 2. Start the speed test.

Click on the central GO button to begin the test process.

Speedtest by Ookla interface with the GO button selected to start the test process.

Step 3. Check the test results.

When the test process finishes, this tool will automatically switch to the result interface. There, check whether the internet speed is OK or not.

If you are skeptical about the test results, you can take several more tests.

2.2 Restart your home network: modem and router (PC/Mobile)

On condition that there is something wrong with the internet connection, try the steps below to restart your home network.

Step 1. Power down the modem and router.

Unplug the router and modem from power. Then, wait for 2 minutes.

Step 2. Power up the modem and router in order.

Plug the modem into the power first. Once all the modem lights are stable, plug the router into the power.

Step 3. Connect and test the internet connection.

When the router lights are stable, reconnect your computer or mobiles to the Wi-Fi network. Next, check whether the internet connection is stable by visiting a website or conducting a speed test.

2.3 Toggle off Airplane Mode (PC/Mobile)

Airplane mode is an optional setting on your computer or mobile device. If you turn it on by accident, all the wireless connections, like Wi-Fi and cellular data, will be disabled. To toggle off airplane mode on a PC, just follow the instructions below. Here, I take Windows 10 as an example.

Step 1. Enter the Settings window.

Click on the bottom-left Start menu and choose the Settings option to access the Settings window.

Step 2. Access the Internet panel.

Click on the Network & Internet option to enter the next panel.

Step 3. Turn off the Airplane mode option.

At the left-side bar, switch to the Airplane mode tab. There, check whether the Airplane mode option is turned off. If not, toggle it off.

If you are a mobile user, just go to the Settings app on your device. There, you can toggle off the Airplane mode option directly.

2.4 Switch between Wi-Fi and Cellular Data/Ethernet (PC/Mobile)

To get a more stable internet connection, it is also effective for mobile users to switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data. When it comes to PC users, switching between the Wi-Fi network and Ethernet is feasible.

2.5 Use a VPN/Proxy or Disable Your VPN/Proxy (PC/Mobile)

A VPN or proxy helps optimize routing and address intentional slowdowns by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you want to use a VPN on a mobile/PC, just download a VPN application. Then, follow the on-screen prompts to connect to a server. On condition that you want to use a proxy on a PC, try the instructions below.

Step 1. Enter the Settings interface.

Click on the bottom-left Start menu and choose the Settings option to enter the Settings window.

Step 2. Access the Network & Internet module.

Then, choose the Network & Internet option to enter the next interface.

Windows Settings window with the Network and Internet option selected.

Step 3. Toggle on the proxy.

Navigate to the Proxy tab. Under the Manual proxy setup section, turn on the Use a proxy server option.

Windows Settings window that shows how to turn on the proxy.

If you want to use a proxy on a mobile, here are the methods.

Step 1. Enter the Settings App.

After unlocking your mobile, tap on the Settings app.

The phone homepage with the Settings app selected.

Step 2. Turn on the proxy option.

Choose the Wi-Fi option.

The Settings app interface with the Wi-Fi option selected.

Tap the specific Wi-Fi network that you have connected to.

The Settings app interface with the Wi-Fi network connected.

Scroll down and hit the Proxy option.

The Settings interface with the Proxy option selected.

Next, choose Manual.

The Settings interface with the Proxy option selected.

However, since using a VPN/proxy may generate extra activities, like data encryption and decryption, it sometimes increases latency, which may eventually negatively affect the internet speed and stability. Hence, if you want to disable the VPN or proxy, go back to the VPN app or the settings page to turn them off.

#3 Clear Cache and Cookies

As I mentioned before, cache and cookies will also lead to videos not playing. To solve that problem, you can clear the cache and cookies of the browser. Here, I will choose Chrome as an example and show you how to do that.

Step 1. Open Chrome and Enter the Data Delete Window

After launching the Chrome browser, click on the upper-left More icon to expand the option menu. There, choose Delete browsing data… to access the next page.

Google Chrome interface with the More icon expanded, and the Delete browsing data option chosen.

Step 2. Configure the Data Deletion Settings and Start Deletion

In the pop-up Delete browsing data window, choose the time range you want. Here, I select Last 24 hours. Next, check the Cookies and other site data option and the Cached images and files option. Finally, click on the Delete from this device button to begin the deletion process.

Delete browsing data window of Google Chrome that shows how to clear the cache and cookies of the last 24 hours.

Step 3. Check the Result

When the data deletion process ends, play the video on Chrome again to check whether the method is effective.

With the guidance above, you can clear cache and cookies without hassle.

#4 Disable Extensions/Add-ons

If extensions/add-ons trigger the problem of videos not playing on browsers, follow the guide below to disable them. Here, I still select Chrome as the example.

Step 1. Open Chrome and Enter the Extension Tab

Open Chrome on your PC. Click on the upper-right More icon to access the drop-down option menu. There, choose the Extensions option and then click on Manage Extensions to enter the Extension module of Chrome.

Google Chrome interface that shows how to access the Extension module.

Step 2. Turn off the Extensions

In this interface, you can view all the extensions/add-ons that are running on Chrome. Next, turn them off based on your needs. If you want to delete some extensions or add-ons, click on the Remove button.

Google Chrome interface that shows you how to turn off or remove the extensions.

Step 3. Check the Video Playback

When the extensions/add-ons are disabled completely, play the video on Chrome again to see whether the method works.

With the above solution, the extensions/add-ons will never bring an obstacle to the video playback.

#5 Disable Hardware Acceleration

Disabling hardware acceleration has many benefits. It solves the problems such as glitches, crashes, and compatibility issues generated by outdated drivers or older hardware. Meanwhile, it also enables the performance improvement of less powerful systems. Below are the detailed steps to disable hardware acceleration on Chrome.

Step 1. Launch Chrome and Enter the Settings Interface

After opening the Chrome browser, go to its Settings interface.

Step 2. Disable the Hardware Acceleration

Switch to the System tab. There, turn off the Use graphics acceleration when available option. Next, click on the Relaunch button to restart Chrome.

The Settings page of Google Chrome that shows how to disable the hardware acceleration.

Step 3. Check the Video Playback

Play the video on Chrome again to check whether the method is workable or not.

Currently, you have grasped how to disable hardware acceleration.

#6 Enable JavaScript

JavaScript offers many features for creating interactive elements in video players, including volume sliders, play buttons, and more. In other words, it supports the smooth operation of a video player. Hence, if you have disabled JavaScript accidentally, videos may not play in the browser. To enable JavaScript again, you can follow the steps below.

Step 1. Enter the Settings interface of Chrome

Go to the Settings page of Google Chrome.

Step 2. Access the Site Settings Tab

Switch to the Privacy and security module. There, select the Site settings option.

The Settings page of Google Chrome with the Site settings option selected under the Privacy and security tab.

Step 3. Go to the JavaScript Panel

Scroll down to the Content tab. There, click on JavaScript to enter the next panel.

The Settings page of Google Chrome with the JavaScript option selected under the Content section.

Step 4. Enable JavaScript

Under the Default behavior tab, check the Site can use JavaScript option.

The Settings page of Google Chrome with the Sites can use JavaScript option selected under the Default behavior section.

After enabling JavaScript, try to play a video in the web browser.

#7 Enable Digital Rights Management (DRM) Content

Essential DRM components and permissions enable a web browser to decrypt the protected video content. Without them, it is impossible to view some videos on popular platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Below is a step-by-step tutorial on how to enable Digital Rights Management (DRM) Content on Chrome.

Step 1. Access the Settings Page of Chrome

Enter the Settings interface of Google Chrome.

Step 2. Enter the Site Settings Panel

Navigate to the Privacy and security tab. There, click on Site settings.

Step 3. Go to the Digital Rights Management Panel

Expand the Additional content settings drop-down menu and click on Protected content IDs.

The Settings interface of Google Chrome that shows how to access the Protected content IDs panel.

Step 4. Enable Digital Rights Management Content

Enable the Digital Rights Management content by checking the Sites can play protected content option.

The Settings page of Google Chrome that shows how to enable the Sites can play protected content option.

With the tutorial above, you can have more chances to fix the issue of videos not playing.

#8 Try Incognito Mode

As a private browsing feature in web browsers, the incognito mode allows video playback without referencing the problematic cache and cookies. In addition, its running often doesn’t rely on extensions/add-ons. Therefore, nothing will be blocked to prevent the video from playing.

To enable incognito mode on Chrome, just launch the browser and click on the upper-right More icon and choose New Incognito window.

Chrome interface with the More icon selected and the New Incognito window option chosen.

#9 Reset Browser Settings

Resetting the browser settings empowers you to revert the configuration that may be problematic. For example, if you reset a browser, the extensions that conflict with a video player can be removed. Taking Chrome as an example, I will show you how to reset its settings below.

Step 1. Go to the Settings Page of Chrome

Access the Settings page of Google Chrome.

Step 2. Enter the Reset Settings Panel

Switch to the Reset settings tab. There, click on Restore settings to their original defaults to enter the pop-up window.

The Settings page of Google Chrome that shows how to enter the Reset settings module.

Step 3. Start the Resetting Process

Begin the resetting process by clicking on the Reset settings button.

The Settings page of Google Chrome with the Reset settings button selected in the Reset settings window.

With the above-detailed steps, you can reset the browser settings with simple clicks.

#10 Check for Browser Restrictions

Ensure that the browser has the necessary permissions (like network access) in your computer’s settings. To do that, you can follow the guidance below.

Step 1. Go to the Site settings section of Google Chrome.

Enter the Settings page of Google Chrome. Switch to the Privacy and security tab. There, click on Site settings.

Chrome Settings interface with the Site settings option selected under the Privacy and security.

Step 2. Check the browser permissions.

Scroll down to the Permissions section. There, you can check various browser permissions.

The Permissions section of the Chrome Settings page.

This way, you can check for browser restrictions effortlessly. Also, check if you have any data-saving modes enabled, which might restrict background data and video loading. If the restriction happens, remember to follow the steps below and disable the data-saving modes.

Step 1. Go to the Mobile network section.

After entering the Settings app, choose the Mobile network option.

The Settings app interface with the Mobile network option selected.

Step 2. Access the Data management panel.

Tap on the Data management option.

The Settings app interface with the Data management option selected.

Step 3. Turn off the Data-saving mode.

Hit the Data-saving mode option.

The Settings app interface with Data-saving mode selected.

Toggle off the Data-saving mode option.

The Settings app with the Data-saving mode option turned off.

With the above-detailed instructions, you are more likely to avoid the restriction.

#11 Try a Different Browser

If the methods above don’t work, it means that there may be something wrong with your web browser. Given this, try using another web browser. You can choose Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Brave, Firefox, and more.

#12 Download the Video to Play Offline

For those who still can’t view the video on a web browser, it is suggested that you get the videos with third-party video downloaders. This way, even if the videos are not playing on browsers, you can view them anytime or anywhere.

7 Helpful Methods to Fix Android Videos Not Playing on Windows
7 Helpful Methods to Fix Android Videos Not Playing on Windows

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How to Fix Videos Not Playing on Social Apps

Here are 7 detailed methods to fix videos not playing on social applications.

#1 Restart/Update/Reinstall the APP

Restarting the app enables clearing temporary data, which offers you a better environment for video playback. Meanwhile, ensure that you have updated the app to the latest version, which helps fix existing bugs that prevent the video from playing. In addition, reinstalling the app is also a viable solution.

#2 Clear App Cache and Data

When using a mobile to play videos on a social app, it is advisable to clear the app cache and data to ensure a robust video playback environment. Taking YouTube as an example, below are the detailed steps to clear the app cache and data on a phone.

Step 1. Enter the Settings App

Go to the Settings app.

Step 2. Access the Apps Panel and App Manager

Scroll down and hit the Apps option.

The Settings app interface with the Apps option selected.

Select the App manager option.

The Settings app interface with the App manager option selected.

When you see an app list, scroll down and find the YouTube app. Then, hit it.

The App manager interface that shows how to access the App info page of YouTube.

Step 3. Clear YouTube Cache and Data

In the App info interface, choose the Storage option.

The App info interface with the Storage option selected.

Hit the Clear data option to delete the app data. If you want to remove the cache from your device, tap the Clear cache option.

The App Info interface that shows how to clear YouTube cache and data.

As you can see, you can clear the app cache and data in 3 simple steps, which helps you to solve the problem that videos are not playing on YouTube easily.

#3 Sign out and Sign in Your Account Again

You can also sign out and in to your account again to fix the video playback issue on the social application. Such a method enables the clearing of temporary glitches and the refreshment of the account session. In addition, with this solution, there will be a forced reconnection to the service, helping handle an erroneous login state or corrupted data.

#4 Check for App Restrictions

Ensure that the app has the necessary permissions (like network access) in your device’s settings. Also, check if you have any data-saving modes enabled, which might restrict background data and video loading. To check the app permissions, follow the guidance below.

Step 1. Go to the App info interface.

Go to the App info interface of the Settings app.

Step 2. Access the permission management interface.

Scroll down to the Permissions section. There, hit View all permissions to enter the permission management interface.

The Settings app interface with the View all permissions selected.

Step 3. Manage the permission options.

Based on your needs, enable or disable the permission options.

The YouTube permission management interface of the Settings app.

#5 Check If the Social Platform Is Down

Another method is to check the social platform’s server status. To do that, try Downdetector (https://downdetector.com). It aims to collect and analyze the outage reports from all kinds of users. With Downdetector, you can receive a lot of real-time information about the status of different services, such as YouTube, Discord, Roblox, and so on.

Also, you can visit the official Twitter or other accounts of the social apps to check whether there are announced outages. If there is no issue report, just try other methods.

#6 Unavailable Videos

Check whether the videos you want to play on the social app are unavailable. Here, I will select YouTube as an example.

6.1 Private Videos

You can’t view private videos on social media apps. For instance, a private video on YouTube is only available for the uploader and the invited users. Hence, if you want to view these videos on YouTube, ensure that you have been invited by the video uploaders. On condition that you are not invited, contact the video uploaders.

6.2 Age or Region Restriction

Some videos on social apps are unplayable due to age or region restrictions. If you want to view YouTube videos without those limitations, you can try turning off the Restricted Mode. Also, you can update your birthday in your Google account.

6.3 Copyright Issue

Due to the copyright issue, not playing video on YouTube will also happen. Specifically, video uploaders may block certain videos in some regions. To fix that issue, you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). This way, your virtual location can be changed to the place where these blocked videos are available. In addition, if you believe that you can view the videos, please dispute the claim.

Note:
MiniTool VPN is an ideal choice for you to change your virtual location.

6.4 Deleted Videos

YouTube not loading videos if they have been deleted. For example, you are unable to watch the videos that have been deleted from YouTube. Once the video is deleted, the original video URL doesn’t work anymore.

To solve that problem, you can use the original URL to check an archived version on the Wayback Machine. It is also feasible to look for the video on other platforms.

6.5 Member-only Videos

Member-only videos refer to exclusive videos for those who have paid to be a channel member. To view such videos, ensure that you have paid for the membership of specific channels. If you have done that but are still unable to view the videos, try to check the internet connection, toggle off the Restricted Mode, or contact creator support.

#7 Contact Social Platform Support Center

If the above solutions don’t work, please contact the support centers of specific social platforms, like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and more. Remember to share your problems with the workers in detail; they will help you as quickly as possible.

To Wrap Things Up

This article has summarized 9 possible reasons for videos not playing, like internet connection issues, incompatible video formats, file damage, and more. No matter whether you want to play videos on computers, browsers, or social apps, this post has summarized 29 methods that can help. If you have any problems when using MiniTool products, please ask for help by sending an email to [email protected].

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