How to Repair Corrupt MP4 and MOV Files using VLC Player
Summary: This blog shares various methods to use VLC Media Player to repair corrupt MP4 and MOV formats videos. In some cases, if you aren’t able to fix a video problem, the post recommends Stellar Repair for Video tool that can make severely corrupt videos playable again.
Most of us are familiar with VLC, a free media player for viewing movies. But, we are not familiar with the capabilities of the application and the features that it offers to deal with corrupted or damaged media files. This may take you by surprise, but you can repair corrupt MP4 and MOV files using VLC Player. VLC transcode abilities allow converting damaged MOV and MP4 videos into playable files! At times, you may get an error message while attempting to access media files in VLC that shows that the files are broken, and the player cannot read it. It may prompt to ask for user permission to repair the file. Unaware of the repairing capabilities of VLC, we usually select ‘No’. Therefore, the next time you encounter a similar issue, and the application asks to repair MP4, MOV, AVI or other media files, click ‘Yes’.
Method# 1: Repair Corrupt MOV & MP4 Files with VLC
VLC Media Player can convert unplayable video files to a playable format. This method works if videos are not playing due to incompatible codecs. Follow the below steps:
Step 1: Launch VLC Player.
Step 2: Go to Media and select Convert/ Save.
Step 3: Click on Add to insert videos that need to be transcoded.
Step 4: Click Convert/ Save.
Step 5: In the Convert window that appears, provide the file name and location against the Destination file option.
Step 6: Select the desired input codec from the Profile list.
Step 7: You can choose the Edit Selected Profile button to change a specified profile settings. You can also create a new profile or delete any existing profile.
Step 8: Next, click Start in the Convert window.
This may help repair video files, therefore, making it playable in VLC and other media players. If not, there are other procedures that can also repair corrupt video files.
Watch the video – How to repair corrupt MP4 & MOV files using VLC Player
Method# 2: Repair with VLC built-in video fix feature
VLC Player has a built-in feature to fix AVI video files. If you have a corrupt video other than AVI, like MP4 or MOV, first change the file extension to .AVI and then use this VLC feature to fix the video problem.
Note: Don’t work on the original MP4 or MOV file. Create a copy and apply this VLC fix on it.
Follow the below steps to repair MP4 or MOV video using AVI fix in VLC:
Step 1: To rename MP4/ MOV video file, right click on it. Select Rename and change extension to .AVI. Hit Enter.
Step 2: Now, launch VLC Player
Step 3: Select Tools on top. Click and follow Preferences >Input or Codecs.
Step 4: Select Always Fix next to Repair AVI Files.
Step 5: Click on Save at the bottom
Now, try to play your repaired videos in VLC or other player, the video problem should be fixed.
Method# 3 Increase cache values in VLC
If your videos or movies stutter, lag, or are playing jerky in VLC, increasing the media player’s cache values may help.
Follow the below steps to increase cache value:
Step 1: Open VLC Player.
Step 2: Go to Tools. Click Preferences.
Step 3: At the bottom left in Show settings select the All.
Step 4: Click on Input/ Codecs option from the list.
Step 5: On the right pane, scroll down to Advanced.
Step 6: Under Advanced, across File caching (ms) change the values from 300 to 1000 or above.
Step 7: Click Save and restart VLC.
Now, your MP4 and MOV videos should play fine in VLC Media Player.
Method# 4 Change video output module in VLC
If your MP4 or MOV video files show black, white or other distortions when trying to play in VLC Media Player, change the video output settings of the player.
This would fix poorly playing video problem in VLC.
Step 1: Open Tools > Preferences.
Step 2: Choose Video.
Step 3: In Video Settings, under Output change settings from Automatic to DirectX (DirecDraw) video output. Note: Windows XP and below users can try DirectX 3D, DirectX, OpenGL and Windows GDI video output modules.
Step 4: Click Save and restart VLC.
Unable to repair videos with VLC Player? Get a Video Repair Software
If none of the above-mentioned VLC Media player video fixes help in resolving the issue, you can try using Video Repair Software to repair your corrupt MOV and MP4 files. The tool has the capability to deal with all kinds of MP4, MOV corruption issues including broken file header, compression issues, slider movement problem, frames corruption etc. The software also fixes video errors that pop-up due to file corruption.
You can try the software free version here to evaluate and asses if the software can repair your corrupt video.
Steps to Repair corrupt Video Files – MOV, MP4 with Video Repair software
Step 1: Launch Stellar Repair for Video
Step 2: Click Add file upload damaged or unplayable MP4 and MOV files to the software
Step 3: Click the ‘Repair’ button. The software begins repair process.
Step 4: Preview the repaired files before saving them to your desired location.
Step 5: Select files and click on Save Repaired Files. In dialog box choose location to save the your repaired videos and click Save.
Advantages of using a professional video repair tool
Using a professional video repair tool such as Stellar Repair for Video can help you fix severely corrupt video files. Unlike VLC Media Player, you don’t require to follow intricate steps. The algorithms of the video repair software automatically fixes a corrupt video in 3 steps – Add file, Repair and Save. The software is compatible with latest Windows and macOS versions including Catalina.
Other benefits:
- It repairs video files stored on hard drives (external or internal), memory cards, digital camera, smartphones, or other video storage devices
- Not only MP4 and MOV, you can repair several other video file formats such as AVI, ASF, WMV, MKV, FLV, DIVX, WEBM, MJPEG, MPEG, AVCHD, MTS, 3G2, 3GP, M4V and F4V.
- The software can help you fix any number of corrupt videos at one go.
Finally
VLC Media Player has repairing capabilities but the open source tool isn’t always successful in repairing corrupt videos. A dedicated video repair software can be considered an effective alternative to bring corrupt video files to a playable format. The professional video repair software saves your good amount of time and you can also approach technical expert for free video repair advice.
About The Author
Sumona Chatterjee
Sumona is a technical blogger with experience in writing data recovery tips and tutorials. She has over 7-year experience in data recovery/repair technology. She is passionate about Photography and Exploring lesser-known destinations.
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I tried using Stellar Repair for video to fix a corrupted MP4 movie file. The software told me it was very corrupted and recommended Advanced Repair. Which I did use. I tried twice and it still said it was too corrupted is there anything I can do. BTW it asked in the Advanced Repair section for a sample video. Maybe I’m still doing something wrong?
Hi Adam,
In the case of a severely corrupted video file, the software gives you an option of Advance Repair using sample file.
You have to add a sample video file of same format (here MP4 file) shot with the same device as your corrupt video.
I was recording a Bandicam MP4 when suddenly the game I was recording crashed. I’ve tried everything and wasn’t able to repair the file.
Hi Alec,
Try Stellar Repair for Video to fix corrupt MP4 video. Also you can do few things to fix Bandicam crash issue like reinstall your computer’s graphic drivers and next time record at lower frame rate. Bandicam provides a software called Bandifix that would fix broken AVI videos but not MP4, so to be on the safer side you may decide to set output video at AVI.
Thanks for sharing this article, I download this software and used it. It was very useful.
Dear Madam,
Can MP4 files damaged by jope ransomware be repaired. I have removed the virus through Malawarebytes and Antivirus and decryptor and bulk renaming, but unable to recover damaged files, they do not run. I even used Stellar video repair, but it is unable to recover. any suggestions.
Regards,
Mukhtar
If you have already purchased the software, you may then contact our support team via online chat or toll free number. Thanks!
VLC did not work for me. Stellar did work but did not recover the video 100% Plus when I hit save, it asks me to pay for a license key.
Hi Padipundhi, You can save the recovered files by using the licensed key.
I cannot thank you enough. I have scoured to the ends of the internet to fix capture galleries from my PS4. So you have an Idea, ps4 does not copy videos to usb well and typically corrupts the videos, which is bad for my uploading to my twitch channel.
Not only did this work, it is the only thing that works to recover this data. You guys are literally the best. THANK YOU SO MUCH I could hug every last one of you!
Hi Dan,
Thanks for reading our blog – ‘How to Recover Deleted or Lost PS4 Game Videos from HDD?’
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly.
I’m quite sure I’ll learn lots of new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
Hi Greg, Thanks for sharing your valuable feedback with us. Keep reading for the next update!
Hi, I have 2 videos that are corrupted on my mobile phone. I have tried to use this software but it does not let me see the preview of the videos. I press the ‘advance repair’ button but it does not work. Please help!
Hi Pinar, The demo version of the software allows you to preview initial 60 seconds of video from your file. If you are unable to open the repaired file it means file is corrupted and cannot be repaired. For more information, you can contact our support team through support[@]stellarinfo.com or call at +1-877-778-6087.
Hi there! I had some issues with my video footage then I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iPhone!
I just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and fix my video issues! Carry on the superb work!
Hi Leona, Thanks for sharing your valuable feedback with us. Keep reading for the next updates!
I tried your tool and it was unable to recover more than 15-20% of my file, alternatively I tried a free tool called repair_mp4 which recovered all 30 minutes of my video except for 2 seconds of audio. And that tool is free (it’s true that it’s command line, but it also gives you options, unlike your tool, which has no options and costs money although it was unable to recover what proved to be recoverable material.
Hi SS, We would like to inform you that our software works on “what you see is what you can repair”. That means the files will be repaired in the same manner as you were able to see them in the preview window after the scanning is complete. Thanks!
hi there . i used stellar and added a file . it says it is repaire successfully but the file is still not working
Dear Khosrow, It means the file severely corrupted or damaged. I would suggest, you can contact our support through email support[@]stellarinfo.com or call +1-877-778-6087.
Hi,
I have done advanced repair and the video file plays some sound (speeded up and not the whole way) but the video just shows loads of pixels and red/green/blue flashes. I am assuming the file is corrupt beyond repair but let me know if any tips.
Hi Paul, If you have already tried the advance repair and getting the pixelated file then it is severely corrupt and this could be the best possible repairing that may happen.
I need to do an advance repair, which apparently does nothing. Sigh.
Hi John, If the advance repair option does nothing, It means files are severely corrupted or damaged. For more information, you can contact our support team through email support[@]stellarinfo.com or call.
HI sumona can i get expert guidance please this is my no. +91 9881177437,
or else please provide yours…
my e mail harishranvir007@gmail.com
Hi Harish, Our support team will contact you shortly!
Hi, I tried using the software but after the repair process it says that the action that I have to take is an advanced repair because my video is severely damaged, I did that but it still didn’t do anything, do you have any solutions?
Hi Cesar, Please contact our support through email support[@]stellarinfo.com or call +1-877-778-6087. Thanks!
Will do.
I have tried uploading a video file to my online website on Wix.com. Every time I have uploaded a video it says the file is corrupt. These are less than 1-minute videos that were recorded on my laptop. How can I fix this at school? I am unable to download any programs or software because we use school computers, therefore unable to resolve my conflict with your resolution. Is there any way I can fix this “corrupted file” without downloading any software? Is there not a website that can detect if a file is actually corrupted? I’m sorry for the long message and hope you can respond soon…I need this video on my website tonight for a grade.
Hi Alaina, Our software repair’s your corrupted video files, you can simply download our software trial version and see the preview of corrupted files. Thanks!
Hi,
I tried to use your free version to check if it can repair my footage. I have a 50 min long file that needs to be repaired. Firstly I got only an 8 min preview and even then the audio was missing in segments and the speed of the video kept changing. Long story short, the recovery was not up to the mark. Can you suggest something?
(used the Mac version)
Hi Mehul, Demo version provides a preview of repaired files up to 20% of total video size. I suggest you can use the licensed version of our software to fix your issues. Thanks!
Hello,
I recorded a video on my Mac laptop and a small part of it is repaired, however, only around 2 mins of the footage are repaired but I need to whole 90 mins footage. Can you assure that the whole footage will be repaired if I pay for one of the options, and which one of the options?
Many thanks.
Hi Angus, If our demo version shows repair your footage. It definitely repairs your whole footage. you can purchase the license or repair your whole footage. In case any confusion please contact through email support[@]stellarinfo.com or call +1-877-778-6087.
Hi there, I recovered files that were recovered after an accidental delete and your software worked, but the preview was one second long. Is this because it’s a trial version? The footage looks like you recovered it but it’s sped up. Can you assure me that by paying for it, I’ll get a full repair? Please reply ASAP as you may very well save my life.
Hi Joseph, Yes, you can purchase our license version of the software. If the trial version show’s the recovered file, it’s definitely recovering your footage. Thanks!!
I attempted to fix a corrupted file, when I went to preview it, it did play video but it very distorted and audio was big hiss sound. I’m will buy, but if that is as good as my video will get, I’m not happy with the result.
Hi Mel, I suggest you can purchase our software and do the same process to repair for your corrupted files because some time’s demo version not showing the exact repair files. I hope this will work for you. Thanks!
I attempted to repair a large file but when I tried to preview it played no video and only gave me static audio. Is my file beyond saving? It is really important.
Hi Tim, I suggest, you can use the Advance repair option in our software and provided a similar file, recorded on the same device. It’s helpful to repair your video file. In case the issue will same you can contact through email support[@]stellarinfo.com or call +1-877-778-6087. Thanks!
I just wanted to say thank you for the tip to change the file extension to a .avi and using VLC to repair it. I tried various methods to fix this .mov file today and that worked!
Hi Cathy, Thanks for reading and sharing your valuable feedback with us !
How about being up front and honest about your software? I went through this whole thing with a very important accident video that was corrupted somehow. Even got to your last method with “Stellar Repair” software – went through the ENTIRE THING – even the advanced repair process. It said repaired. I go to preview the video, but I only see 15 seconds of it. Next thing you know you are demanding $49 from me to see the repaired video? I do not mind paying money for software, but I just wished you had been upfront about it because now it makes me think your software only got 15 seconds of a 3 minute video. But how am I supposed to know? The only way to find out is to pay $49 to find out if it worked or not. Stop being dishonest and just demand the money upfront. How can I trust you? How can ANYONE trust that your video software works? Please let me know so I can either purchase this or go somewhere else.
Hi Anthony, If our software demo version show the preview, It’s definitely repair your video files. More information you can contact through email support[@]stellarinfo.com or call +1-877-778-6087. Thanks!
That is an insufficient answer. In my case, too, a fifteen-second preview is not sufficient to demonstrate that your software works as advertised. And never once mentioning the ransom price or the severe limitations of the free demonstration is simply poor marketing.
I have a file that is 50 minutes long, but players only recognize it as being 15 minutes long. If I allow it to play past the 15-minute mark, the entire video will play successfully. A fifteen-second preview cannot possibly demonstrate that your software has repaired this problem and convince me to pay the $49 ransom to see if your software is worthwhile or not..
Hi Michael, if our software showing the preview of your repaired video file. It definitely means it can repair your video. It’s up to you how important you need that video. More information you can contact through email support[@]stellarinfo.com or call +1-877-778-6087.
Hi, I recorded a video on my smartphone, it turned off in the middle and the video cant be opened. So i tried to recover it with Stellar Phoenix Video Repair. It said that its severely damaged. Then it wanted a fili of the same kind. It started the repair. It said its repaired but when i click on Preview my screen just blinks green and nothing shows up 🙁
Hi Vaclav, There is a possibility that the video is severely damaged and is beyond repair. You can contact our support through email support[@]stellarinfo.com or call +1-877-778-6087.
Hi Sumona, unfortunately my MP4 video got corrupted and size of file is 0 byte as of now.
how can i get my video file, please suggest best way to get video file.
Hi Mani, You can follow these steps as mentioned on our blog. In case if you not able to get the repaired file? you can try our software Stellar Video Repair help you to repair your damaged or corrupt files.
i have recovered a vedio file and i repaired it with stellar software but i cant get result the vedio is not playing .what should i do with this how it can be worked
Hi Navin, There is the possibility video is more corrupt. I suggest please contact our support team call us +1-877-778-6087 or email us support[at]stellarinfo.com.
Hello,
I recorded a video on my smartphone and copied it unto my pendrive. Unfortunately, the file corrupted on the pendrive and cannot play anymore. However, the file size displays when i highlight the file. I’ve tried the options above but none is working. What can I do?
Hi Jude, the reasons behind the options ‘not working’ because the video is more damaged. I suggest you can try our software Stellar Repair for Video Software demo version and you can see the preview of repaired files with sizes less than or equal to 10 MB.
Hi
After using Advance Repair on my MP4 file it just keeps going back to advance repair even though I gave it a sample from the same source. What am I doing wrong.
Hi Dave, when you click the Action ‘Advance Repair’ the pop windows appear ‘click Next button’ add a sample file at the desired location then click repair. When the repair process is completed. You need to save repaired file at the same location so you can found easily.
Hi,
After performing advance fix I am clicking on Preview and nothing popping up? How to confirm if fixing worked or not?
Please help.
Thanks
MD
Hi MD, Please attach files, Click the Checkbox and then click the advance repair button the pop will appear then click the next button before clicking the button you need to attach a sample video of the same format, shot using the same device. More Information you can call us +1-877-778-6087 or email support [at] stellarinfo.com
hi Sumona,
I tried repairing the mp4 video but it shows awaiting status and it prompts me for Advance repair. For that it says that I should put up a sample video. Will it recover or repair my damaged video? my file is arond 1.05GB.
Hi Sahil, Yes, when you put up a sample video on our software must have the same format using the same device, our software definitely repair your damaged file. Because your file size 1.05 GB it will take time, but repair the file. In case you didn’t get the result, you can directly call us at +1-877-778-6087 or email support@stellarinfo.com.
Hi. I have some dashcam avi-files which are corrupted. I tried to fix them using Stellar Repair for Video . It told that “Selected videos repaired succesfully. Click ‘Preview’ button to show repaired video.” But the preview did not function. Why the Stellar told that the video has been repaired succesfully when it was not?
Hi Matti, Please use Advance repair button to repair severely damaged videos. If the problem still is the same, please contact our support team through email support@stellarinfo.com or call us – +1-877-778-6087.
Hi! I have a 13Gb Sony a6300 4k file, I’ve used the tool to preview it but it is very jumpy from frame to frame, will the software be able to repair it further if I buy it? Thanks for your help! Travis.
Dear Travis, Yes, you can purchase the software for download repaired file. If our software will show the preview of a corrupted file that you want to recover.
how to get the registration key
Dear Malik,
Run demo version of the software.
1.Click Register icon from the main interface.
2.A Register dialog prompts.
3.Enter the registration key if you have.
4. If you don’t have a registration key , Get it now button in the window to go online and purchase the product.
5. Once the order is confirmed, a Registration Key will be sent to the email provided.
6.Type the Registration Key (received through email after purchasing the product) and click Register button (Please ensure that you have an active Internet connection).
7.The software will automatically communicate with the license server to verify the entered key. If the key you entered is valid, the software will be registered successfully.
8.The ‘Stellar Repair for Video Activated Successfully ‘ message is displayed after the process is completed successfully. Click OK.
Hello,
I purchased a copy of the Stellar video repair, but it doesn’t fix the video correctly. With the demo version it created a clean copy that ran for 30 seconds, so figured the Stellar software would work for the whole video after purchasing. However the fully licensed stellar software creates a video that seems to flash every few seconds. It also only fixes half of the total video. It should be a video that is over 12 minutes, however I’m only getting a 6 minute video from the Stellar software.
Thanks,
Derek
Please follow below steps:
1) Uninstall the Stellar Repair for Video software by dragging it to trash.
2) Reinstall the software again on your Windows and MacOS.
3) Select your drive and launch the scan.
Try the above solution and if a problem exists, do let us know.
Thanks
I followed Stellar Data Recovery’s process. The MP4 that I’m attempting to recover now shows up the right size – about 800mb – and the right extension – MP4. It will not play though, in VLC or quick player. What do I do next
Please share the file with our customer support (support[@]stellarinfo.com) or call +1-877-778-6087 (TOLL-FREE). I hope it will help you!
how to fix VLC Player audio and video Out of Sync on Windows OS?