Unable to play video error: 5 is a common error that can occur on many platforms like Google Slide or Google Drive. Users have also reported seeing this error while playing videos on Google Chrome.
If you are facing the unable to play video error: 5, don’t worry as we have got you covered. In this article, we’ll provide a few fixes to resolve this error quickly and easily.
Common reasons for unable to play video error: 5
Here are some common reasons why you might get the ‘Unable to play video error: 5’ when trying to play a video in Google Slides:
- Corrupted video file: If the video file is corrupted, it may not be able to play on Google Slide or any other platform.
- Unsupported video format: Software utility programs like Google Slides only support a limited number of video formats. If the video file is in an unsupported format, it will not play.
- Poor internet connection: If you are trying to play a video that is stored online, you should have a good internet connection in order to do so. A slow or weak internet connection will definitely cause problems.
- Incompatible browser extensions: Some browser extensions can interfere with the ability to play videos.
- Hardware problems: If your computer’s hardware is not up to the task of playing videos, you may experience payback issues.
- Browser cache issues: Over time, cache accumulates and can become faulty or corrupted causing various errors, including this one.
Also read: How to fix error code 232404?
How to fix the unable to play video error: 5?
Now that we have understood the reasons behind the error, it is time for us to dive into the fixes:
Fixing your internet connection
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.
- You can also flush the DNS cache to reset the internet connection.
Try a different browser or device
If possible, try to run the video from a different browser or device to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is specific to your current browser or device.
If you were able to run the video from a different browser, move on to the next steps which are more browser oriented.
Clear browser cache and cookies
Another way to resolve the unable to play video error: 5 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.
Disable the browser extensions
As we have mentioned earlier, faulty browser extensions can cause problems with playing videos. 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 playing the video 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.
Update the browser
Developers regularly release patches to fix several minor bugs in the browsers. Therefore, make it a habit to regularly update it.
To update Chrome, Go to Help > About Chrome from the drop-down menu. You will see updating Chrome tab on your screen.
Reset Google Chrome
When you reset the browser, you are diverting it back to the default setting. It is akin to the factory setting on your mobile. All the data, saved settings and bookmarks will be erased from your browser.
To reset Chrome, go to Settings > Reset and cleanup > Restore Settings to their original default. Then confirm the process by clicking on Reset Settings.
Turn off sync on Google Chrome
A few users have reported that by turning off sync on Chrome, they were able to resolve the error easily. So, here’s how you can turn off sync on Chrome:
- Click on the three-dot icon and then click on Settings.
- Now, click on Sync and Google services under the You and Google section.
- Click on the Turn off button.
Use incognito mode
You can use the incognito mode to run the video if it isn’t working in the normal mode. Several users have said that they were able to run videos without any interference in the incognito mode.
Also read: Unable to connect to Google chat: 6 Fixes
