MOV File Not Playing? 6 Solutions to Fix It (2023)

You have downloaded the most popular movie to watch along with your family and friends. You launch a video player, and suddenly you realize that the MOV file won't play! You might have even tried playing the video, but still, you can't play the MOV file. No matter how much you try, you can't seem to figure out the real issue. And this, in the end, ruins your whole family time. Well, the sad part is that this issue happens quite a lot of time, and the good part is that we have come up with some solutions to fix this issue.

Part 1. Possible Reasons behind the 'MOV File Not Playing' Issue

What you need to know is that MOV files have complicated internal architecture. This is the main reason why they are so susceptible to damage. Here are some of the reasons why MOV files won't play.

Reason 1: There could be a missing video component because of which you can't play it on QuickTime. In case the MOV file has a missing EOF or broken header, the file won't play.

Reason 2: Another common issue is a frozen frame. This occurs when the file gets interrupted during the downloading process.

Reason 3: Sometimes, the video-watching experience can be disturbed because of audio as well, such as distorted and crackling sounds.

Reason 4: There could be a virus or malware infection.

Part 2. Workable Methods to Fix 'MOV File Not Playing' Error

If you come across the error MOV won't play, while trying to play it on Windows, Mac, or your phone, it most probably means that you are dealing with a corrupt MOV file. If you are trying to play a video and the MOV file won't play, you can try one of the solutions that we have here for you.

Solution 1: Try to repair MOV file online

It's quite convenient to repair MOV video online because you don't need to sign up or download software. Wondershare Repairit Online Video Repair Website is such a free online video repair tool to help you fix corrupted MOV files. All you have to do is to upload the corrupted MOV videos to the website. Then wait for seconds, you will get the repaired MOV video as good as new.

Step 1: Add your damaged MOV files

Step 2: Preview and save repaired MOV videos

Solution 2: Try using VLC to repair the MOV file

This solution is for Windows and Mac. If you have VLC and trying to play the MOV file on VLC, you can try this solution. For those who use VLC to play their MOV files and come across a corrupt file, you can relax now. VLC allows you to repair the file without any hassle. Go through the steps below, and find out how you can fix the corrupt MOV file using VLC.

Step 1: For those who don't have a VLC media player, download the tool on your system. And if you already have VLC, simply go to the media option. Once there, click on Convert or Save.

Step 2: Now click on the add option to start adding the corrupt MOV file. After that click on the Convert/Save option.

Step 3: Go to setting, and from there choose the right codecs. From the drop-down menu, select MP4 or your preferred codec. Now, rename the destination.

Step 4: To save the file, click on the start option.

Step 5: Select the Preference option from the top menu.

Step 6: In the damaged or incomplete AVI file section, you need to choose the Always Fix option. After that, click on the save option.

Step 7: Once everything is done, try playing the file, and it should work properly.

In case you still can't play the MOV file, try other recommended solutions.

Solution 3: Fix corrupted file using QuickTime

This solution is suitable for both Mac and Windows. There are still many people who like playing MOV files on QuickTime player. Just like VLC, if you use QuickTime player to play your MOV files, you can use the same tool to fix the corrupt file as well.

Go through the steps, and learn how to do it.

Step 1: First, you need to launch the QuickTime player on your computer. After that, import the MOV file that is corrupt.

Note: In case the file is corrupted severely, you will see a black screen error.

Step 2: Look at the top menu bar, and from there, select the Windows tab, and choose Show Movie Inspector. Once you do, you will get to see all the details about the video, such as size, data rate, duration, pixel information, movie format, movie FPS, etc.

Step 3: In case, the file is corrupted, you will see a black screen error message. It will have all the details.

Solution 4: Try changing the file extension of the MOV file

Sometimes, just changing the file extension of the MOV file can help you fix the issue. Follow the step-by-step instructions to fix this issue.

Step 1: First, you will have to create a copy of the MOV file that is not working. Once done, change the file extension to .avi from .mov.

Step 2: Launch VLC player. Now go to tools. After that select preferences.

Step 3: On the top, you will see a few options, select input/codecs. After that, click on the save option.

Step 4: In the damaged or incomplete AVI file, you will see a few options, click on always fix. And this should solve the problem.

Solution 5: Try increasing cache values in VLC

This solution is not for completely corrupt MOV files. If the video you are trying to play lag, stutter in between or playing jerky, you can try using this solution. Follow the step-by-step guide and increase cache values in VLC easily.

Step 1: Launch the VLC player on your computer.

Step 2: Now go to the Tools option, after that click preferences.

Step 3: At the bottom, you will see two options, simple and all, you need to select all.

Step 4: Now, click on the Input/Codecs option. You will find it from the list.

Step 5: Move the cursor to the right panel and from there select the advanced option.

Step 6: Here in the advanced option, you will see File caching (ms) option. You have to change the value from 300 to 1000 or over.

Step 7: Once done, click on the save option. Now restart VLC.

After trying this solution, you should be able to play MOV files without any hassle.

Solution 6: Consider using a video repair software

If nothing works, you can download Wondershare Repairit Video Repair software, which is an all-in-one video repair tool. You can get the software both for Windows and Mac. Download the right version for the right iOS. These steps will remain the same both for Mac and Windows users.

Step 1: After you have downloaded Wondershare Repairit Video Repair software on your Windows computer, launch it by double-clicking on the icon.

Step 2: Click on the add option to start adding the files that are corrupted. You will see the Add option right under the Add video and start repairing the heading. The tool not only supports MOV files, but it also supports a galore of other formats too, such as FLV, AVI, 3GP, MTS, MKV, M2TS, M4V, and so on. Just add the files that need repairing to start the repairing process. The tool will show some of the information, such as filming equipment, video resolution, video-watching time, file size, file path, and file name. These are the details that you will get to see.

Step 3: Once the video/videos get uploaded, your job will be to click on the repair option. Clicking on that will start the repairing process. Once completed, you will see the prompt message. Click on OK, and your repaired files will be saved.

Step 4: Click on the preview option to check out the repaired file and see if it is running smoothly now. We recommend previewing the file before saving.

If you are happy with the repair, click on the save option and save the file on your computer. Ensure to save them in a different folder. If you wish, you can create a new folder too.

However, if this also doesn't solve the problem, click on the advanced repair option, it will be beside the preview option. Follow the instructions on the tool. The tool will show you the option after analyzing the file. Click on repair to begin the advanced repair option. Once done, click on the Save option to save the file.

Closing Word

Repairing corrupt MOV files shouldn't be difficult at all if you know about the solutions correctly. If you can't play MOV file, then follow the solutions that we have shared with you. If none of the solutions work, you should try Wondershare Repairit Video Repair software. This is an easy-to-use-tool and highly recommended by many users. Just upload your files and the tool will take care of the rest. We hope you have understood some of the easy ways to fix corrupt MOV files.