Best 6 Ways to Fix MP4 Files that Won't Play: Step-By-Step Guide

It can be frustrating when you try to play an MP4 file but find it can't play. This experience is all too familiar for many users, as MP4 files can sometimes become unplayable due to various reasons. But fear not, for this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary on how to fix MP4 files that won't play.

Part 1: Why Do MP4 Files Not Play?

Before we know how to fix MP4 files that won't play, it's essential to understand the potential causes behind it. There are some common reasons why the MP4 files not playing:

• The media player you used doesn't support the MP4 format or lacks the necessary codecs.

• Your codecs are missing or outdated.

• The MP4 files you played may be corrupted due to virus infections, incomplete downloads, or other causes.

• Your video drivers that are responsible for communicating with your computer's graphics hardware are outdated.

• There are conflicts between your software and malware.

With an understanding of these potential causes, you can now explore the solutions tailored to address each scenario.

Part 2: How to Fix MP4 Files that Won't Play?

After you understand the underlay reasons why the MP4 files not playing, you can better know how to fix it, here are 6 methods on how to fix MP4 files that won't play:

Solution 1: Use a Professional Video Repair Tool – AnyRecover AIRepair

If your MP4 file is corrupted or damaged, using a dedicated video repair tool like AnyRecover AIRepair can be a game-changer. This powerful software is equipped with advanced algorithms and AI technology to analyze and repair corrupted video files, restoring them to a playable state.

AnyRecover AIRepair supports a wide range of video formats, including MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, and more. It can handle various types of corruption, such as header damage, missing frames, or audio-video desynchronization.

Here's how to fix MP4 files that won't play using AnyRecover AIRepair :

Step 1: Download and install AnyRecover AIRepair on your computer.

Step 2: Launch it and select the "Video Repair" option.

Step 3: Click the "Add video" button to add the unplayable MP4 file(s) you want to repair.

Step 4: Click the "Repair" button to start repairing.

Step 5: After the repairing process is finished, you can preview the video to ensure it plays correctly and save it.

AnyRecover AIRepair offers an intuitive interface and straightforward process, making it an excellent choice for users of all skill levels.

Solution 2: Update the MP4 Media Player to the Latest Version

If you're experiencing issues with playing MP4 files in a specific media player, updating to the latest version can often resolve the problem. Software updates frequently include bug fixes, performance enhancements, and support for new file formats and codecs.

For example, if you're using Windows Media Player, ensure you have the latest version installed. Older versions, such as Windows Media Player 10 and below, are incompatible with MP4 files. To update Windows Media Player, follow these steps:

Navigate to "Control Panel" and open it, go to "Programs" > "Programs and Features".

In the programs list, find "Windows Media Player" and click on it.

Select the "Uninstall" option to remove the current version.

After uninstalling, restart your computer.

Reinstall the latest version of Windows Media Player on your computer.

Now your MP4 files should be able to play without issues.

Remember to keep your media player updated regularly to ensure compatibility with the latest file formats and codecs.

Solution 3: Install a Relevant MP4 Codec

If your media player supports MP4 files but is still unable to play them, you may need to install the appropriate codec. Codecs are software components that enable media players to decode and encode specific file formats.

Many media players, such as VLC Media Player and KMPlayer, come bundled with a wide range of codecs. However, if you're using a different player or encounter codec-related issues, you can install a dedicated codec pack.

Popular codec packs include the K-Lite Codec Pack, CCCP (Combined Community Codec Pack), and Media Player Codec Pack. These packages offer a comprehensive collection of codecs for various video and audio formats, including MP4.

Here's how you can install a codec pack:

Open "Windows Media Player" on your computer.

Choose "Tools" > "Options".

Select the "Player" tab, find the "Automatic updates" section, and choose "Once a day" or "Once a week".

Click "OK" to save your configuration, and the Windows Media Player codecs will be updated to the latest version automatically.

Installing a codec pack can resolve compatibility issues and enable your media player to play a wider range of file formats, including MP4.

Solution 4: Check the Windows Troubleshooter

Windows 10 and Windows 11 come equipped with built-in troubleshooters designed to diagnose and resolve various issues, including video playback problems. If you're experiencing difficulties playing MP4 files on your Windows computer, running the Video Playback Troubleshooter can be a helpful step.

Here's how to access and run the Video Playback Troubleshooter in Windows 10 and Windows 11:

For Windows 10:

Open the "Start" menu at the left-bottom corner and click on the "Settings" icon.

Type "troubleshoot" in the search bar and access the "Troubleshoot settings" from the search result.

Click on "Additional troubleshoots", scroll down to find "Video Playback", and click on it.

Click "Run the troubleshooter" and follow the on-screen instructions.

For Windows 11:

Press the Windows key + I to access the "Settings" menu.

Choose "System" > "Troubleshoot".

Click on the "Other troubleshoots" option.

Scroll down, find "Video Playback" in the list.

Click the "Run" button.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

The Video Playback Troubleshooter will scan your system for potential issues related to video playback, such as missing codecs or outdated drivers, and provide recommendations or automatic fixes if possible.

Solution 5: Convert MP4 Files to Other Formats

If you're unable to play MP4 files due to compatibility issues or codec-related problems, converting the files to a different format supported by your media player can be a viable solution.

You can directly modify the file extension or use a converting video files tool, such as CloudConvert, HandBrake, or WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe. These tools allow you to convert MP4 files to various formats like AVI, WMV, MOV, or others that your media player can handle.

Here's a general process for converting MP4 files using an online converter like CloudConvert:

Visit the official website of a file-converting tool and install it on your computer.

Launch the tool and import the MP4 file(s) you want to convert.

Choose the desired output format (e.g., AVI, WMV, MOV).

Adjust any additional settings, such as video quality or resolution, if needed.

Start the conversion process.

Once the conversion is complete, download or save the converted file(s) to your computer.

Open the converted file(s) in your media player, and they should play without issues.

While converting files can be a temporary solution, it's essential to address the underlying compatibility or codec issues to ensure smooth playback of MP4 files in the future.

Solution 6: Play MP4 Files with Other Media Players

If none of the previous solutions work, you can try using a different media player that is known to handle MP4 files effectively. Some popular and reliable media players that support MP4 playback include:

• VLC Media Player: A free and open-source media player renowned for its ability to play a wide range of video and audio formats, including MP4.

• KMPlayer: A versatile media player with built-in codecs and support for various file formats, including MP4.

• 5KPlayer: A lightweight and user-friendly media player that can handle MP4 files, including 4K and HDR content.

• PotPlayer: A highly customizable media player with support for a vast array of video and audio formats, including MP4.

Conclusion

There are 6 solutions on how to fix MP4 files that won't play, from the professional video repair tool to other alternatives, you can try them these methods based on your needs.

However, if you're seeking a straightforward and comprehensive way to fix your unplayable MP4 files, the dedicated MP4 files repairing tool is your best choice, as it's easy to use and doesn't require users to have any technological knowledge.