How to repair a corrupted video or MP4 file

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Being bombarded by a corrupt file error every time you try to open a video file is no fun. Like any other computer error, there can be a couple of reasons to face the problem. Downloading the file from an infected source, using corrupt software to burn or edit the file, or a malware infection are just some of the culprits.

The situation can cause distress, especially if it is an important file. But do not worry.

This article highlights some quick solutions you can use to avoid corrupting your video files, focusing on encryptions with the MP4 video file format. Let us begin.

How to Repair Corrupt Video Files/MP4 Online

There are many online video repair tools on the market, free and paid, but getting the one that does the job can be quite tricky. Fortunately, there are some options that are reliable and easy to use.

1. Upload the damaged video file.
   
2. Allow some time for the file upload and repair to complete.
   
3. Preview the video to make sure it plays correctly.
   
4. Click the “SAVE ALL” button to download the file.
   

Make sure you download your file immediately because Wondershare does not provide you with permanent cloud storage.

If your video file is severely damaged and cannot be resolved by the above process, consider using the “Advanced Repair” option. The tool also comes as a desktop app, making it convenient when you have an unstable internet connection.

How to repair corrupt video files on a Mac

There are several video repair tools available for Mac users, but VLC media player It’s free and works very well.

Here’s how to repair a video using VLC Media Player on a Mac:

1. Open the VLC media player.
   
2. Navigate to “File” and then “Convert/Stream.”
   
3. Drag and drop the corrupted MP4 file into the file box and click the “Open Media” button.
   
4. Select the “Custom” button to convert your file to .avi format.
   
5. Find and type the name of the destination file.
   
6. Then click “Save.”
   
7. Open VLC and go back to “Tools” and then “Preferences.”
   
8. In the top menu, click “Input/Codecs.”
   
9. In the “Damage or incomplete AVI file” menu, select “Always repair”.
   
10. Restart VLC Media Player before trying to play the corrupted file.

How to Repair Corrupt MP4 Video Files Windows

Many applications allow you to repair corrupt video files on your Windows PC. One such application is VLC Media Player. VLC is one of the top-rated media players and can be helpful in repairing corrupt video files. There are several ways to repair a broken video file using the tool.

Increase cache value

1. Launch VLC media player.
   
2. Go to “Tools” and then “Preferences.”
   
3. Select “Input/Codecs”.
   
4. In the lower left corner of the window, press “All.”
   
5. Select “Input/Codecs” from the left sidebar menu and scroll down to the “Advanced” section.
   
6. Under “File caching (ms)”, increase the caching value to (preferably) 20000 ms.
   
7. Click “Save” to save the new settings.
   

Be sure to restart your computer before playing the files again.

With the above settings, your corrupted file should now play correctly. If you are still facing the same issue, be sure to try the methods described below.

Change the video module

If changing the cache value didn’t work, you can try changing the video module. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open VLC media player.
   
2. Go to “Tools” and then “Preferences.”
   
3. Select “Video” from the top menu.
   
4. From the “Output” drop-down menu, select “DirectX (DirectDraw) Video Output.”
   
5. Click “Save.”
   

Remember to restart the media player before trying to play the corrupted file again.

Change file extension

If the above fixes have not worked, consider changing the damaged MP4 file to .avi format. Here’s how to do it:

1. Right click on the corrupted file and select “Rename.”
   
2. Replace the “.mp4” file extension with “.avi”.
   
3. Open VLC media player.
   
4. Click “Tools” and from the menu select “Preferences.”
   
5. Go to “Input/Codecs”
   
6. From the “Corrupted or incomplete AVI file” drop-down menu, select “Always repair.”
   
7. Click “Save” and restart VLC Media Player.
   

If the VLC fixes above do not repair the corrupted file, consider using other video repair programs like Wondershare because it is also available for Windows.

How to Fix Corrupt MP4 Video Files on iPhone

If you are facing a problem with corrupted video file on your iPhone, Remo repair tool is your go-to app. However, before proceeding with the process, first transfer the damaged file to your computer. After that, follow these steps to repair the file:

1. Download and install Remo Repair MOV on your computer.
   
2. Launch the application.
   
3. Click the “Select File” button on the interface to load the corrupt file transferred from your iPhone.
   
4. Press the “Repair” button.
   
5. Preview and save the video.
   

You can’t repair a broken MP4 file directly on your iPhone because most iOS-compatible video repair tools work by separating the audio from the video and then joining them again after the repair.

How to Fix Corrupt MP4 Video Files on Android Device

If you have a corrupted video file on your Android, you can quickly fix it with the help of third-party apps. Fortunately, some apps are free to download on the Google Play Store, such as MP4Fix. Here’s how to use MP4Fix to repair a corrupted video file:

1. On your phone, launch MP4Fix.
   
2. Tap “SELECT VIDEO” button to choose the damaged video file.
   
3. Press the “REPAIR” button.
   
4. In the new window, tap “Save.”
   

Unfortunately, MP4Fix cannot repair severely damaged videos. Additionally, you must purchase the application to save the files you just repaired.

It is not logical to pay for an app if good results are not guaranteed, right? For that reason, here are some additional ways to remove corruption from an MP4 file on an Android device:

Clear app data

If your camera keeps generating corrupt video files, insufficient storage could be the culprit. Consider freeing up app storage or clearing cached files as a solution. To do so, follow these steps:

1. On your phone, launch Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to “Application Management” and select the Camera app.
   
   
3. Tap “Storage” and “Clear cache.”
   
   

Change video format

You may also be trying to play a video file that is not currently supported on your phone. In that case, it might be best to change the video format using a video file converter. Many video file converters are freely available on Google Play, but we highly recommend All Files Converter since it is safe and easier to use.

As a last resort, you can transfer the corrupted files to your computer and try to recover them using a video repair application like VLC Media Player or Wondershare Repairit Video Repair by following the steps mentioned above.

How to Repair Corrupt MP4 Video Files for Free

There are many great video repair tools out there, but not all of them are free to use. Fortunately, not having the right budget for a video repair service doesn’t mean your corrupt files have to remain damaged. Some tools provide the service for free, such as Wondershare. However, you may be forced to upgrade to the paid version to unlock additional features such as support for other video formats.

VLC Media Player is another great free video repair tool. The program is available for both Windows and Mac. Additionally, it offers more than one method to repair a broken MP4, increasing the chances of recovering your file.

How to avoid ending up with corrupt MP4 files

While you can’t completely avoid corrupt MP4 files, there are some things you can do to reduce the chances of getting one. After all, the best way to deal with corrupt files is to avoid them in the first place. Here are some precautions to consider:

• Make sure you download videos from trusted sources, but most importantly use a professional video downloader like Internet Download Manager.
• Install a reliable and top-rated antivirus to protect your computer against virus and malware attacks.
• Back up your MP4 files to ensure you always have access to the original, undamaged file. You can have these backups on multiple storage media and devices.
• Use secure video programs when performing any operations on your clips. These include recording, editing, compression and conversion software. A great way to know the security of a program is to read reviews and scan it with an antivirus.

Additional FAQs

How do I know if my video file is corrupted?

Some common indicators that a video file is corrupted include, but are not limited to:

• The video does not play.

• The video plays without audio.

• The video has a blurry image.

• The video is delayed during playback.

• Video and audio are not synchronized with each other.

• The video file displays a black screen when opened.

• The video flickers when playing.

Can you repair a corrupted video file stored on an SD card?

Yes, you can use Wondershare Repairit to fix a file regardless of where it is stored.

Is Wondershare Repairit free to use?

Wondershare Repairit online allows you to repair corrupt video files for free. However, some features, such as “Advanced Repair”, may require payment.

Make your video files play again

No matter what your device is, it is typical to encounter a bad video file. While it is not guaranteed, specific programs can help you repair the corrupted file. However, be careful when downloading videos from unknown sources. Malware and viruses, typical causes of corrupted video files, infest many Internet resources. Finally, make sure there is an antivirus application installed on your computer to alert you if an infected video program is found.

Have you ever repaired a corrupt video file? Which of the above methods did you use? Let us know in the comments section below.