I am facing problems while playing MP4 video files. The media player displays an error message with a black screen when I try opening the video clip. Is there any video repair method available to fix the issue?
In today’s digital world, several video file formats are available in which you can save and play your videos, MP4 being the most popular one. The versatile MP4 video file format is known for its compatibility, efficiency, and high quality. However, many users sometimes experience issues while playing MP4 video files on their devices. You might encounter a situation when your video either won’t play at all, freezes midway, or displays an error message.
Usually, such video-related issues occur due to missing codecs, corrupted files, outdated software or improper settings. Irrespective of these causes, there are several video repair methods available to fix the issue. In this guide, we will explore different methods on what to do when your MP4 video stops playing suddenly. Let’s get started!
Common Reasons for MP4 Playback Errors
Before you use any video repair software or manual workaround to fix unplayable video files, it is important to understand the potential reason for the same. Some main reasons why an MP4 video may stop playing include:
- Corrupt MP4 Video: Your MP4 video might be partially downloaded or corrupted, which occurs due to improper transfers or interruptions.
- Incompatible Media Player: The video player you are using might not be compatible with certain codecs within the MP4 file.
- Outdated or Missing Codecs: If the required codecs are not installed or outdated on your system, it may cause problems while playing videos properly.
- Software Glitches or Bugs: The media player or your device OS may have a bug, rendering video playback errors.
- Corrupt Metadata or Header Files: The metadata within the MP4 file structure may be damaged, which makes it unreadable for the player.
How to Fix MP4 Playback Issues? [Quick Methods]
Now that you’ve identified the possible reasons for MP4 playback issues, it’s time to explore various solutions to resolve the problem.
Method 01: Try Different Media Player
Before you proceed with any technical video repair workaround, it is important to check if your video is playing normally in a different media player. Some MP4 files may have codecs that are not supported by the default player. In such cases, you can try different media players, such as:
- VLC Media Player: It is a Windows built-in versatile media player that supports almost all video formats.
- MPC-HC (Media Player Classic – Home Cinema): A popular, lightweight alternative with extensive format support.
- KMPlayer: It can play high-resolution videos and has built-in codecs.
Steps to play MP4 video using VLC media player:
- Download and install VLC Media Player from its official website.
- Launch the VLC player and go to Media > Open File.
- Select the MP4 video you need to play and check if it plays correctly.
If you can play video with another player, the issue may be related to your default media player. Consider updating or reinstalling it.
Method 02: Change Your Video File Format
Sometimes, the problem is with the MP4 video file format which stops it from playing on your default media player. In such cases, you can change the file format of your video from MP4 to AVI or MOV to see if the video is working fine. VLC not only allows you to play video files but also to repair them in certain ways. You can follow the below steps to convert your MP4 video to another file format:
- Launch the VLC media player on your Windows PC or Mac.
- Go to Media, and select the Convert/Save option from the context menu.
- Click the Add button to insert the MP4 video file you need to convert.
- Click the Convert or Save
- Now, from the Convert window, select a file name and browse a location in the destination file option.
- Also, choose the desired input codec from the profile list.
- Lastly, click the Start button to initiate the conversion process. Once done, check if you are able to play your MP4 video.
Method 03: Update Video/Media Player
If your video is not playing due to an outdated media player installed on your device, try updating it to its latest version. Here is the update process for a few widely used media players:
To Update Windows Media Player:
Press the Windows + I keys to launch Settings. Go to Update & Security, and then click Check for Updates. If any update is available, wait till the process is completed.
To Update the VLC Player
Launch VLC Media Player, and click on the Help button from the menu bar located at the top. Choose the Check for Updates option within the app.
If installing the latest version doesn’t resolve the issue, try repairing your MP4 video using a professional video repair software.
Method 04: Use a Professional Video Repair Software
If all fails, it’s time to use a video repair software to fix your damaged or corrupt video files. Stellar Repair for Video is a versatile tool which allows you to repair videos with all levels of corruption, such as video playback issues, videos not playing, videos in low quality, etc. You can easily fix damaged video files of several formats, including MP4, MOV, M4V, MKV, 3GP, etc.
Key Features:
- It can repair multiple video files of the same or different formats in one go
- Supports repairing of HD, 4k, 8k, 12k, 16k & VR video footage.
- Fix video files stored on any internal or external storage devices, including memory cards, USB drives, SSDs, etc.
- Allows you to preview the repaired video files before saving them on your device
- The software is available in multiple versions, varying in features and prices.
3-Steps to Repair MP4 Videos Using Stellar Repair for Video Tool:
Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Repair for Video tool on your Windows PC or Mac. Launch the software and from the homepage, click the Add Videos button to upload the MP4 video files that you need to repair.
Step 2: Click the Repair button and wait till the repairing process is complete.
Step 3: After completion of the repair process, preview the repaired video files and click the Save Repaired Files button to save your videos at the desired location on your device.
What if All Video Repair Methods Fail?
If all the above solutions fail to fix your unplayable MP4 video file, try restoring the video from a previous backup. You can check any of the following backup sources:
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox)
- External hard drives
- Previous copies stored on your computer
However, if you don’t have any previously-created backup, consider professional data recovery services. There are several professional experts, such as Stellar Data Recovery, Ontrack Data Recovery, EaseUS Data Recovery Services, etc. which can easily repair or recover your severely damaged data in return for some charges.
Conclusion
When your MP4 videos stop playing suddenly, it can be frustrating, but there are several video repair methods available to fix the problem. By trying different media players, changing your video file format, and updating the player itself, you can restore your video playback. If all else fails, try using a professional video repair software like Stellar Repair for Video or seek professional help to restore severely damaged video files. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and uninterrupted video-watching experience.
