If you have ever had the annoying message Video format not supported on your Android phone when trying to play a video, you are not alone. This problem is more common than it seems and can be caused by multiple factors, from codec incompatibility to errors in downloading the clip. Fortunately, there are solutions so you can watch any video without any difficulties.
In this article we are going to break down all the causes of this failure and we will show you the best solutions so you can play any video smoothly on your Android device. From changing the playback app to converting the file to a compatible format, you'll find all the answers here.
Why do I get the message “Video format not supported”?
When you try to open a video file on your phone and see the message “Unsupported video format”, there can be several reasons for this. Here are the most common ones:
- Incompatible codec: The video may be encoded with a codec that your video player cannot read.
- Incorrect format: Some formats are not supported by Android natively.
- File without extension: If the video file does not have an extension in its name, the system may not recognize it.
- Improper application: The app you are trying to play the video with may not support certain formats.
- Corrupted file: If the video is corrupted, the system will not be able to play it properly.
Video formats supported by Android
Before looking for more advanced solutions, it is worth knowing What video formats does Android support?. Although it depends on the system version and the player used, the most common formats are:
- MP4
- REVIEWS
- MKV
- MOV and QT (QuickTime)
- WMV
- FLV and SWF (Flash)
If your file is not in one of these formats, it is best to convert it to MP4, which is the most universal for Android devices.
Video Codecs and Containers: What's the Difference?
Many people confuse the terms codec y contenedor, but they are not the same. Imagine a video container like a suitcase and a codec as its contents. Some of the most popular containers include MP4, MKV y REVIEWS, while the most commonly used codecs are H.264, H.265 y VP9.
If the container is supported but the codec is not, the problem will persist. In these cases, trying another player or converting the file is usually the best solution.
Solutions to play unsupported videos on Android
1. Use another video player
The native Android player can't always handle all formats. One of the best alternatives is VLC for Android, a free and open source player supporting a wide variety of formats and codecs.
2. Download another version of the video
If the video file you are trying to play is corrupted, even another player may not be able to open it. Try download it again or search for another version of the same video.
3. Change the file extension
If the video file has no extension or is incorrectly renamed, the system may not recognize it. You can fix this with a file explorer app. Simply edit the file name and make sure it ends in a supported extension (e.g. “video.mp4”).
4. Convert the video to another format
If the video still does not play, the conversion It is one of the best options. You can do it from your computer with programs like HandBrake or directly on your mobile with specific apps like “Video Converter, Compressor” available in Play Store.
5. Update your smartphone software
In some cases, an outdated version of the operating system may be the cause of the problem. Make sure you have the latest version of android installed and also update the application you are trying to play the video with.
Is formatting the phone a solution?
If you have tried all the above solutions without success, you might consider restoring your phone to its factory settings. However, this option should only be considered as a last resource, since the fault is most likely not in the system but in the video itself. If you decide to do so, do not forget make a backup before proceeding so as not to lose important information.
What if nothing works?
If none of the solutions have worked, there could be a problem with your phone's hardware. In this case, it is best to go to the technical service to have the device inspected and check for any defective components that may be preventing videos from playing correctly.
By installing an alternative player, converting the file, or making sure you have updated software, you can most likely fix this problem without any extreme measures. Identifying the exact cause is key to applying the correct solution and being able to watch any video without problems on your Android smartphone. Share this guide and help others to solve this problem when the error Video format not supported appears.
