“the file isn’t compatible with QuickTime player” this kind of issue is commonly talked in QuickTime users. Apple developed QuickTime Media Player, and it is used on both windows and mac for its extraordinary movie editing features like trimming, rearranging, and rotating. However, sometimes things go out of hand, and your QuickTime video won’t play on the player. Do not worry; this article will help you to fix the issue. The following section discusses why your video file isn’t compatible with the QuickTime Player.
Why is the Video File Isn’t Compatible With the QuickTime Player?
- Outdated QuickTime Player – An outdated player will be the primary and most common cause for the QuickTime player can’t open an mp4 file, as an outdated player can’t read the video data you want to play. Upgrade to the latest version to avoid this issue.
- Corrupted Video File – The file may get corrupted for many reasons like missing Codec, wrong file extension, etc. Due to this, your QuickTime is not playing MOV file error occurs. Repair the corrupt video to access your video back.
- System Issues – If you play your MOV or MP4 in a Windows or Mac OS, if there is a virus on your system, it won’t allow your video file to play and cause MOV files not to play in QuickTime on mac issue.
How to Make a File Compatible With QuickTime Player?
Below you will notice seven possible methods to fix the QuickTime video won’t play error. If you want to fix your QuickTime player, immediately jump to the last solution – the Yodot MOV Repair tool.
Table of contents:
Method 1: Make Use of Other Apps to Open MP4 Files on Mac – QuickTime
Method 2: Use VLC Media Player to Fix QuickTime Player Can’t Open MP4 File
Method 3: View video codec in the VLC player
Method 4: Use A Different Codec
Method 5: Transcode MP4 to a MOV Format
Repair Corrupt MOV/MP4 using Yodot Video Repair Software
Here are some tips to avoid video file compatibility issues with QuickTime Player:
Method 1: Make Use of Other Apps to Open MP4 Files on Mac – QuickTime
Try using the video player’s applications like VLC or Mplayer whenever you’re facing the QuickTime can’t open mp4 file error. For example, here we used the VLC player to open the MP4 file; follow the steps on how to do the same:
Step 1: Select the video and right-click on it and then click on Get info
Step 2: After clicking on get info, a dialog box will open; choose VLC.app, then click on Change All. By clicking this, your file will open on VLC.
Step 3: Later in the next screen, click on Continue.
The QuickTime not opening mp4 file will now play in VLC.
Method 2: Use VLC Media Player to Fix QuickTime Player Can’t Open MP4 File
VLC has built-in index repair tools. So that it can repair your video that is not playing in QuickTime, follow the steps below to fix the mp4 file not compatible with QuickTime using VLC.
Step 1: Change the file extension of .MP4 to .avi because the VLC repair solution works only on AVI Videos
Step 2: Launch Finder and open VLC
Step 3:
- Select VLC and Preferences → Input/Codecs.
- Locate the incompatible AVI files option.
- Click on Always Fix from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Select Media → Open File. Now the QuickTime cannot play mp4 file error will be solved.
Method 3: View video codec in the VLC player
Step 1: Open VLC Media Player, play a video, and click on Tools
Step 2: Select Codec Information from the drop-down list.
Step 3: In the Codec Information, You will see details about the video codec used, including the name of the codec name, profile, level, bitrate, and resolution.
Step 4: You can also verify the audio Codec used by selecting Stream 1
Method 4: Use A Different Codec
Step 1: Open the VLC player and go to Tools in the menu bar
Step 2: Click on Preferences and Input/Codecs
Step 3: Choose a different codec for the video and audio under Codec
Step 4: To modify the audio Codec, select a different codec from the Audio Codec
Step 5: Click on the Save button to apply changes
Method 5: Transcode MP4 to a MOV Format
MP4 is the most preferred format, but QuickTime Player mainly supports MOV. If MP4 is not working in QuickTime Player, try converting it to a MOV file format by following the below steps.
- Open QuickTime Player and select the Windows option
- Now, Select Show Movie Inspector from the drop-down list
- Click on the different Codec to see if it fixes the issue and allows your MP4 video file to play on the QuickTime player
Using the above methods, you should be able to fix the error QuickTime Player Can’t Open MP4/MOV File Error. Then your MOV/MP4 files may be corrupt, but you don’t have to worry; you can repair them using Yodot Video Repair Software.
Repair Corrupt MOV/MP4 using Yodot Video Repair Software
Yodot Video Repair software helps you repair corrupt video files within just a few clips.
Step 1: Download and Install Yodot Video Repair Software using the above-given download buttons.
Step 2: Select the corrupt MOV/MP4 or any other video file by clicking the Browse button.
Step 3: Now select the healthy video captured from the same device as a reference to repairing the corrupt video file and click on Repair.
Step 4: You can Preview the video soon after the software fixes the compatibility issues with QuickTime Player.
Step 5: Save the repaired video file in your preferred location.
Here are some tips to avoid video file compatibility issues with QuickTime Player:
- Use compatible file formats: QuickTime Player supports various audio and video formats, including MP4, MOV, AVI, M4V, and WAV. One of these file formats is best when creating or downloading video files.
- Check video specifications: QuickTime Player has specific requirements for video specifications, such as Codec, frame rate, and resolution. Make sure that your video file meets these specifications to avoid compatibility issues.
- Use a trustworthy video converter: If you need to convert a video file to a compatible format, use reputable video converter software that supports QuickTime formats. Avoid using online converters or free software from untrusted sources, as they may produce low-quality or incompatible files.
- Keep your Media Player updated: QuickTime Player and other media players often release updates to improve compatibility and fix bugs. Ensure you have the latest version of QuickTime Player installed and keep it updated regularly.
- Avoid downloading from untrusted sources: Video files downloaded from untrusted sources may be corrupted or contain malware that can cause compatibility issues. Always download videos from trusted sources.
