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Why won’t videos play on my Android phone?

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  • 3 min read

In today’s digital age, videos have become integral to our online experience. Whether it’s streaming movies, watching entertaining clips or catching up on the latest viral trends, videos are a significant source of entertainment and information.

However, it can be frustrating when videos fail to play on your Android phone. If you are encountering the same issue, then you’re not alone. Many Android users encounter issues that prevent videos from playing smoothly on their devices.

In this article, we have discussed the causes of videos not playing on Android phones and a few ways to help you fix the issue.


What are the causes of videos not playing on Android phone issue?

Below we have discussed a few possible causes that might prevent videos from playing on your Android phone.

  • The video is corrupted.
  • Using an outdated media player.
  • Android phone is not up-to-date.
  • The video was not downloaded completely.
  • Downloaded an insecure app.

Also read: Android error: USB settings greyed out: Quick Fix 


How to fix the issue?

If you are unable to play videos on your Android phone then we have explained a few ways that will help you fix the issue.

Restart the device

Restarting your device is the best solution for any problem, and it also works most of the time in resolving the issues. If the errors are being caused by some minor bugs or glitches or interference by other apps on your device, then it might solve them.


Clear app cache

The corrupted cache memory might interfere with the proper functioning of the apps and might be a reason that is causing issues when you are trying to play the videos. Clear the cache memory of the apps and then try playing the video again.

Click here to know how to clear the app cache

Install a compatible video player

If your Android phone’s media player encounters compatibility problems with an unsupported video codec, the video you’re attempting to play won’t be able to play. To resolve this, you can download and install compatible video players such as VLC player, MX player, BS player, and others available in the play store.


Uninstall the unsecured apps

If you have installed an untrustworthy app that poses a potential threat to your device and operating system, it can result in improper functioning, including the inability to play mobile videos. Additionally, it might corrupt the video files. In such cases, you should remove any app that you have downloaded from an untrusted source.


Update your Android phone

Update your Android operating system to the latest version and ensure that your video player app is up to date from the Google Play Store. This can often resolve compatibility problems and enable smoother video playback.

  • Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
  • Scroll down and tap on System.
  • On the next screen, tap on the Check for updates.

Your phone will check for the latest updates and update it.

Also read: ‘Err_unknown_URL_scheme’ in Android Webview: 3 Fixes

Akash Singh

Akash Singh

Akash is a law graduate who likes to go for bike rides on the weekends soul-searching for answers to his many existential questions. You can contact him here: singhakash95@pm.me

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