How to Fix MOV File Not Playing Issue [Top 6 Methods]

Erica Ferreras June 25, 2025 Fix Video

The MOV file is among the most common containers capable of handling various types of data, including video and audio. It can even offer exceptional quality for a better visual experience. However, there are times when the file format can't be played in a certain multimedia player, such as VLC, QuickTime, Windows Media Player, and others. If you have encountered the same problem, this guide was created for you. In this article, we will provide the best solution to resolve the MOV file not playing issue. With that, you can play your favorite content, regardless of the media player you use. Thus, check this post and learn everything about the best solutions.

MOV File Not Playing

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Part 1. Reasons Why the MOV File is Not Playing

Before diving into the best solutions to fix the problem, it is better to know first why such an issue appears on your media player. Read the details below to gain more insights into the causes of the problem.

Unsupported Codec

A MOV file can support various codecs. So, if your MOV file has a specific codec that your multimedia player doesn't support, then there's a chance you may experience smooth video playback. Therefore, it is advisable to verify the file's codec and ensure it can be played on your media player.

Corrupted MOV File

Another problem that can cause this issue is that the file may be corrupted. Corrupted files are the result of an incomplete video download. So, when obtaining a video, always ensure that you have downloaded it completely. Additionally, be aware of harmful malware, as it can compromise your media files.

Outdated Media Player

There are times when your MOV file is not the problem. If your MOV player or any other media player is outdated, you may experience difficulty playing the files smoothly. An outdated software can't keep up with the latest codecs. Thus, always update your software for better compatibility.

Part 2. How to Fix the MOV File Not Playing Issue

If you want to solve the .mov file not playing video issues, you can get all the best fixes in this section. So, read everything and explore all the solutions you can use to get your desired result.

Solution 1. Use Professional MOV File Repair Software

If you're looking for the best solution to fix the issue, use the Vidmore Video Fix program. With this video repair program, you can easily and perfectly repair your MOV file. It is a perfect tool if your file is damaged or corrupted. It can even give you a comprehensive layout for a smooth repair process. Additionally, the program offers an ultra-fast repair procedure, making it more convenient for users. Moreover, aside from MOV, you can also insert and fix other videos with different formats, such as MP4, AVI, FLV, VOB, M4V, and more. Thus, if you want to fix your videos, you can rely on this program.

More Features

● It can offer a smooth and simple repair procedure.

● It utilizes AI-driven technology for improved results.

● The software is capable of handling various input video formats.

● The repair program ensures that it gives an exceptional video and audio quality.

● It is available for download on both Mac and Windows.

Step 1. Access Vidmore Video Fix on your computer. Once you install it, start the MOV repair process.

Free Download

for Windows

Free Download

for macOS

Step 2. From the interface, you can add the corrupted MOV file by clicking the Red + symbol. Then, tick the Blue + to add the sample video.

Add Mov File Vidmore

Step 3. After that, you can start fixing the MOV file by tapping the Repair button. Once done, you can use the Preview section to check the file.

Repair Button File Vidmore

Step 4. Finally, click Save to start saving your fixed MOV file. You can now play/watch it on your media player without any issues.

Click Save Vidmore

With this repair process, you can now effectively fix your file. The best part here is that with its simplicity, you can get the result easily and smoothly. Also, it can fix various video playback errors. It can repair 0xc00d36b4 Error, shaky video, laggy video, and more.

Solution 2. Use A Compatible Codec to Fix the MOV File Not Playing Issue

Use Compatible Codec

Another method you can use is to use a compatible codec. As we have discussed, the file format can support and handle various codecs. With that, if your multimedia player doesn't support the codec from the file, you will encounter a video playback error. Therefore, the best approach is to use a compatible codec. You can access third-party software that offers a better codec for your videos, such as K-Lite Codec Pack. After downloading this software, you can play your video since it automatically provides the necessary codec for the file.

Solution 3. Convert MOV to Another Video Format to Solve the MOV File Not Playing Issue

Converting the MOV file is also better if your multimedia doesn't support the format. To convert the file, you will need to use a reliable video converter, such as Vidmore Video Converter. With this converter, you can transcode your MOV file to a variety of formats, including M4V, MP4, MKV, AVI, WMV, and more. What makes it ideal is that you can also improve the file using various video editing features. You can even select your preferred video format for a better viewing experience. To initiate the conversion process, follow the tutorial below to fix the .mov file not playing on Windows issue.

Step 1. Download Vidmore Video Converter software on your PC. After that, proceed with the MOV conversion process.

Free Download

for Windows

Free Download

for macOS

Step 2. Then, click the Converter feature in the interface and tick Add Files to insert the MOV file you want to transcode.

Converter Feature Add Mov File Vidmore

Step 3. Navigate to the Output Format section and choose the format that your media player supports. You can also choose and tap your desired video quality.

Output Format Vidmore

Step 4. For the last process, hit the Convert All button below. After the MOV conversion process, you can now play your video file on your media player.

Convert All Button Vidmore

With this conversion process, you can transform your MOV file to other formats for better compatibility. The software can also provide simple steps, making it ideal for non-professional users. The good thing here is that it can convert more formats, such as MOV to AVI, MOV to MP3, MOV to GIF, and more.

Solution 4: Use VLC to Fix the MOV Not Playing Issue

Fix the MOV file to the Input/Codecs Feature

When using VLC, you can fix the issue by selecting the 'Always Fix ' option from the feature. It is ideal after converting the MOV file to an AVI file. The positive aspect here is that the process is both simple and effective. The only drawback here is that its user interface appears outdated, making it less appealing to some users. However, if you still wish to use the solution, please follow the steps below.

Fix Mov File-Input Codecs Features VLC

Step 1. Download and launch the VLC Media Player on your computer.

Step 2. After that, proceed to the Tools > Preferences section. Then, go to the Input / Codecs section.

Step 3. Navigate to the Damaged or Incomplete AVI File section and select the Always Fix option. Once done, tap Save to apply changes.

Increase the Cache Value

You can also try increasing the cache value in VLC to resolve the video playback issues. It is also an ideal way if you want to have a smooth playback of 4K content. Therefore, follow the steps below.

Increase The Cache Value VLC

Step 1. From the VLC's main interface, go to Tools > Preferences. Next, proceed to the Show Settings section and click the All button.

Step 2. Then, go to the Input / Codecs section and find the Advanced option.

Step 3. You can now increase the cache value from the File Caching option.

Solution 5. Use QuickTime to Fix the MOV File Not Playing Issue

Use Quicktime Fix Mov Not Playing

If the .mov file is not playing on QuickTime, you can use the Show Movie Inspector feature. With this great feature, you can access all the necessary information, including the reason why the MOV file is not playing. To do that, you can launch QuickTime and open the MOV file. Next, proceed to the Window tab and select the Show Movie Inspector option. Once complete, you will see all the necessary information. After seeing the error, you can check more solutions in the passage on the software.

Solution 6. Change the MOV File Extension

Change Mov File Extension

The last method you can use to solve the issue is by changing the extension of the MOV file. It is an ideal solution, especially for those media players that strictly depend on the extension. So, to change the file extension, open your file folder and right-click the MOV file. After that, select the Properties option and change the extension from .mov to .avi. Once done, click OK to save changes.

Conclusion

If you want to resolve the MOV Not Playing issue, you can use this post as your go-to tutorial, as it provides all the necessary methods to try. You will also gain more insight into why such an issue appears on your media player. Additionally, if your MOV file is corrupted or damaged, the best repair software available is Vidmore Video Fix. This software is ideal for resolving numerous video playback errors, making it a powerful and remarkable solution.