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[Solved] “Error loading media: file could not be played” on chrome

[Solved] “Error loading media: file could not be played” on chrome

How to fix Error Loading Media: File Could Not Be Played on Chrome? You can fix the error easily by following the instructions in this article.

If you run into Error Loading Media: File Could Not Be Played on Chrome, don’t worry. You can watch the video successfully with the solutions we’ve put together in this article. Below are the six methods for you to fix the error. You may not have to try them all; just work your way down the list until you find the one that works for you.

The error is probably caused by browser issues. You can troubleshoot the browser issues with the first four methods. If they don’t work for you, the error may be caused by video or player issues, then you can try the other two methods. All methods here apply to Windows 10, 7 & 8.1.

  1. Update Chrome to the latest version
  2. Clear cache, cookies and browser history
  3. Reset your browser settings
  4. Disable the extensions
  5. Try another media player
  6. Repair the video

Method 1: Update Chrome to the latest version

A lower version of browser may be the one of the reasons causing Error Loading Media: File Could Not Be Played on Chrome. The easy way to fix the error is update your browser to the latest version.

You can easily download the latest version of Chrome on Chrome’s official website. Just go to gg.easeware.net and follow the on-screen instructions to download the application. After the download completes, just double-click on the downloaded file and install Chrome on your computer step by step.

Launch the new version Chrome and check to see if you can watch the video. If the error persists, read on to try other methods.


Method 2: Clear cache, cookies and browser history

As you know, websites are often updated in order to better serve their readers. Though a website you visited before is updated, if you do not clear the cache and the cookies, it’s possible

you’re still using the old website. In this case, you may encounter Error Loading Media: File Could Not Be Played on Chrome. To fix the error, you can clear the cache, the cookies and the browser history.

To do so:

  1. Launch your Chrome browser.
  2. Click Customize and control Google Chrome option or the three vertical dots icon at the upper right corner of the tool bar.

  3. Hover the cursor over More tools and click on Clear Browsing data.

  4. Set the Time range to All time.

  5. Select Browsing history, Download history, Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.

  6. Click Clear data.
  7. Restart Chrome and check to see if you can watch the video.

If Method 2 didn’t work for you, try Method 3.


Method 3: Disable the extensions

Extensions are useful but they could cause problems, like the Error Loading Media: File Could Not Be Played. So one of the methods is to disable the extensions. If you’ve installed multiple extensions, you can disable them ONE BY ONE in order to locate the extension which is causing the problem. After disabling the extension, if you can watch the video successfully, that disabled extension is cause of the error.

If you’re not sure how to disable the extension, follow these steps:

  1. Launch your Chrome browser.
  2. Click Customize and control Google Chrome option or the three vertical dots icon at the upper right corner of the tool bar.
  3. Hover the cursor over More tools and click on Extensions.

  4. Select an extension and turn the toggle off.
     In the example below, The Adblock Plus was turned off.

  5. Check to see if you can watch the video.
  6. Repeat the steps above for all extensions you’ve installed. Then you’ll know if the problem is caused by the extensions.

Method 4: Reset your browser settings

Faulty browser settings can also cause Error Loading Media: File Could Not Be Played. You can reset your browser settings.

Here’s what you need to do to reset the browser settings:

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Click Customize and control Google Chrome option or the three vertical dots icon at the upper right corner of the tool bar.

  3. Click Settings.

  4. Scroll down and click Advanced or Show Advanced Settings…

  5. Scroll down and locate the Reset and clean up section. Click Restore settings to their original defaults.

  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the resetting.

The four methods above work in most cases. But if they don’t work for you, keep reading on.


Method 5: Try another video player

If the media format isn’t supported by the player, the error may occur, especially for JW player. According to JW player, a common case is the loading of a .wmv video, or a .mov video that doesn’t use the H264 video codec.

If this is the case, you’re not allowed to watch the video online with that player. You can download the video and watch it with another player.


Method 6: Repair the video

If you downloaded the video and are not able to watch it, the video may be damaged during the transfer process. You can repair the video with a third-party software.

You can use  Stellar Phoenix Video Repair to repair the video. Stellar Phoenix Video Repair is a well-known video repair tool among the world. With the user-friendly interface, you can repair the video easily.

Hopefully you can fix the Error in Loading Media: File Could Not Be Played with the above solutions. If you have any questions, feel free to leave your comments below.

By Camilla Mo

Camilla, a certified MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional), has almost four years technical writing experience. She is now the author of Super Easy. Before working as a writer, she was a technical support helping people to solve their computer problems. She enjoys providing solutions to computer problems and loves exploring new technologies.

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