Why is the MP4 Video Not Playing in VLC? Troubleshooting Steps and Solutions

Have you encountered the frustrating issue where an MP4 video fails to play in VLC Media Player? Fear not, as this article will guide you through several effective troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem.

Identifying the Root Cause

There are several possible reasons why an MP4 video may not play in VLC. Some of these issues can be fairly straightforward to address, while others may require some more extensive troubleshooting. The following sections outline detailed steps to help you resolve the issue.

Common Troubleshooting Steps

Corrupted File

One of the most common reasons why a video may not play in VLC is a corrupted file. To check if the issue is with the MP4 file:

Try playing other MP4 files to see if the issue persists. If the issue is isolated to a specific video file, you can attempt to repair or re-download the file if possible.

Outdated VLC Version

Your version of VLC Media Player might be outdated, which can cause compatibility issues. Ensure that you are using the latest version of VLC:

Go to the Help dropdown menu. Select Check for Updates.

Codec Issues

VLC supports a wide range of codecs, but in rare cases, a specific codec in the MP4 file might not be supported. Here’s what you can do:

Try converting the file to a different format using a video converter. Check if VLC supports the specific codec used in the MP4 file. You can refer to VLC's codec support list.

Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration can sometimes cause playback issues. Disable it in VLC to test:

Go to Tools Select Preferences. Navigate to Input/Codecs. Set Hardware-accelerated decoding to Disable.

File Permissions

An issue with file permissions might be preventing VLC from accessing the video file. Ensure that:

VLC has the necessary permissions to access the video file. If the file is on an external drive, make sure it is properly connected and accessible.

VLC Preferences Reset

If none of the above solutions work, you can reset VLC preferences:

Go to Tools Select Preferences. Click on Reset Preferences at the bottom left.

Try a Different Player

If VLC still fails to play the video, consider using a different media player. Other options include:

Windows Media Player MPC-HC (Media Player Classic - Home Cinema) PotPlayer

Testing with a different media player can help determine if the issue is specific to VLC.

Through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most issues related to playing MP4 videos in VLC. If you continue to experience problems, consider checking online forums or VLC's support resources for more specific solutions.

Consider Switching to Aix Video Player

If you encounter specific issues with unsupported formats, file corruption, or codec limitations in VLC, consider transitioning to the 2024 top-rated Aix Video Player. Aix excels in supporting diverse video formats and codecs, offering an enhanced viewing experience with a user-friendly interface and customizable audio-video settings. Explore Aix's comprehensive features for optimal enjoyment of your videos.