Error code 232404 is a general error message that can occur when you are trying to play a video on a website or in a video player.
This is the message format of the error — Error loading media: File could not be played or This video file cannot be played. (error code: 232404).
If you are one of the many people who are getting this error, don’t worry as we have got you covered. In this article, we’ll explain the reasons for the error code 232404 and will also give you a few quick fixes so that you can resume watching your favourite videos.
What are the reasons for error code 232404?
Error code 232404 is usually caused by a problem with the streaming service you are trying to access on your browser. It can occur due to several reasons, including:
- Connection issues: If your internet connection is weak or damaged, you may encounter this error message.
- Browser issues: Sometimes, there may be some issues with your browser such as cache build-up or faulty extensions leading to this error.
- Server issues: The streaming service you are trying to access may be experiencing some server issues.
- Geolocation issues: If the streaming service is restricted in your area, you will be experiencing error code 232404.
- Problem with the video file itself: If the video file is damaged or corrupt, you will see this error.
- Ad blocker: Many streaming services will not work if you have an ad blocker extension installed on your browser.
Also read: How to fix Err_Cache_Miss in Google Chrome?
Error code 232404: 10 possible fixes
Now that we have understood the reasons behind the error code 232404, let us head to the fixes. Most of the fixes are easy and require little technical knowledge:
Check the video file
You should start by first checking the video file and making sure that it is not damaged or corrupted. You can try to download the video again or try to play it on a different device. You can also use VLC or any other software to repair the file.
Restart your computer
Sometimes, the easiest solutions are the best ones. In this case, what can be easier than just restarting the device to fix the error? When you restart the device, it clears the RAM of the corrupt data and the device starts afresh. So, give it a try. If nothing, you will at least erase the corrupt RAM data.
Check the streaming service’s servers
The first step that you should take is to check the streaming service’s servers. Visit Downdetector or any other third-party website to assess the server situation. If the servers are down for some reason, you can easily see them on these websites.
You can also visit the social media page of the streaming service to keep a tab on any emergency server situation that may arise.
Fix your internet issues
Poor internet connection is often the cause of apps not working properly on your device. There can be many reasons why there is no internet connection at your home or device. There might be an internet outage in your area or some issues with your Internet Service Provider.
Another reason for bad internet connectivity is faulty hardware — router, modem and ethernet cables, among others.
Here are some points to remember and check if you are trying to fix your internet:
- First, make sure that there isn’t any internet outage in your area. You can ask your Internet Service Provider for the information or you can visit their website.
- If there is no outage, then it is time to check the hardware to make sure that they are not damaged. Check all the hardware associated with the internet connection. That includes your router, modem, power cable, and the main power source, among others. Ensure that all the hardware is undamaged and working properly. If you notice any damage, change it asap.
- If the hardware is fine, then it is time to check the connections. Make sure that the cables are secured firmly in the proper ports.
- Sometimes, there is too much distance between the WiFi and the receiving device. Make sure that the distance is less. Or, you can directly connect the internet to your computer as it provides a more stable speed compared to WiFi.
- Also, remove any other electronic appliances that might interfere with the WiFi signals. While you are at it, place the WiFi on a raised platform so that the devices catch signals seamlessly.
- If there are many devices connected to your network, remove them before playing games on the internet as the devices share the limited bandwidth of the plan. You can also think of upgrading your existing internet plan.
Resolving your internet will help in fixing the error code 232404.
Flush DNS
Flushing DNS resolves many internet connectivity issues. Here’s how you can flush DNS using the command prompt in Windows:
Step 1: Press Windows key + R and type in cmd.
Step 2: Use the commands ipconfig /flushdns to reset DNS settings to default.
If the above command doesn’t help, enter the following commands one at a time.
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip resetIf you suspect an issue with your router’s DHCP assignment, use these commands to release your old IP and request a new one.
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renewIf the above solution didn’t work, use the following commands to reset your network stack.
ipconfig/flushdns
nbtstat -R
nbtstat -RR
netsh int ip reset C:\resetlog.txt
netsh winsock resetIf you are a Mac user, head to the Terminal and then type in sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder. Next, type in your password when prompted, and try re-accessing the internet.
We hope that by following the instructions above, you will certainly fix error code 232404.
Clear browser cache
Another way to resolve error code 232404 is to clear the browser cache.
A cache is a storage tool that temporarily stores data. Storing data in a cache makes it readily available for the client to access and saves time. For this purpose, web browsers use the cache functionality for faster and more seamless browsing. However, it also causes some problems. So, you should clear the browser’s cache once in a while.
Clear cache on Chrome
Here are the steps to clear the cache on Google Chrome:
Step 1: Open Chrome and then click on the three-dot button > More tools > Clear browsing data.
Step 2: Check on Browsing history, Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Also, select the time range to All time. You can also select a particular time range, but we advise you to clear all your data. Next, click on Clear Data to finalise the process.
You can visit this article to find out another, more direct method to clear the cache on Chrome.
Clear cache on Edge
Here are the steps to clear cache and cookies on Edge:
Step 1: In the Settings option, go to Privacy, search and services.
Step 2: Next, click on Choose what to clear.
Step 3: Tick all the options and then click on Clear Now.
Update your browser
Developers regularly release patches to fix several minor bugs in Chrome. Therefore, make it a habit to regularly update the app.
To update Chrome, Go to Help > About Chrome from the drop-down menu. You will see updating Chrome tab on your screen.
Disable the browser extensions
As we have mentioned earlier, faulty browser extensions can cause problems with websites and cause them to crash. However, it is difficult to exactly pinpoint which browser extension is at fault here. One way is to disable all the extensions and then re-enable them one by one. On the other hand, you can disable the extensions while using the website and then turn on each extension after you are done.
Want to know some of the most useful Chrome extensions? Check out our list of the most useful Chrome extensions.
In both cases, you need to know the steps involved in disabling the extensions in Chrome. To disable extensions in Chrome, go to the three-dot menu and then click on More tools > Extensions. Next, turn off the toggle in front of the extension.
Disable ad-blocker
As the news services like Fox News and others rely on ads for revenue, they usually do not work if you have turned on ad-blockers. For Fox News to run smoothly, you should turn off the ad-blocker.
Here’s how to do that:
On Chrome
Step 1: Head over to chrome://extensions/. This method also works on Edge as well. Just type Edge instead of chrome. Take a look at the screenshot below.
Step 2: Toggle off your adblocker.
On Safari
Step 1: Click on Safari and then go to Preferences.
Step 2: Find your adblocker extension in the Extensions tab and then disable it.
Turn on hardware acceleration
Hardware acceleration boosts the computer’s performance and programs perform much better. We have covered hardware acceleration in this article. Make sure to read it to understand what is hardware acceleration and how to turn it on or off.
Update video driver
Outdated video drivers can sometimes cause various errors including the error code 232404 on your computer. So, make sure to update the video driver regularly.
Also read: Google Chrome critical error: 4 Fixes
Frequently answered questions (FAQs)
Let us dive into some of the FAQs on this topic:
Why does it keep saying this video file cannot be played?
If you are seeing the error message that says this video file cannot be played, you may be using an outdated browser or your internet connection may not be working properly. Other reasons include faulty browser extensions, ad blockers, geo-restricted videos, outdated video drivers, and corrupt browser cache, among others.
How do I play corrupted video files?
You can use any third-party software like VLC to repair the video files.
Also read: Crunchyroll not working on Chrome: Quick Fix
