Having corrupted MP4 video files can be a significant inconvenience, especially if they contain important content. There are several reasons, like improper file transfers, incomplete downloads, sudden power loss, software glitches, etc. why videos usually get corrupted or become unplayable. Luckily, there are many video repair methods, as well, that you can use to repair corrupted MP4 files. This comprehensive guide will explore the best 05 successful methods to repair corrupted MP4 video files, ensuring you return them to the playable state.
Why Do MP4 Videos Get Corrupted?
Before you apply methods to repair MP4 video files, it is important to understand the exact cause of its corruption. Here are some common reasons for this issue:
- Improper File Transfer: When the file transfer process gets interrupted due to sudden disconnection, power loss, or other reasons, the MP4 file can become incomplete or corrupted.
- Software Glitches: Bugs or glitches in media players can also lead to the corruption of MP4 files during playback or editing.
- Sudden Power: Unexpected power outages or system crashes while playing or transferring MP4 files can cause corruption.
- Virus and Malware Infections: Attacks by malicious software, like viruses and malware can corrupt or delete parts of MP4 files, rendering them unplayable.
- File System Errors: Sometimes, problems in the file system due to improper shutdowns, crashes, or software issues can cause corruption of MP4 files.
- Compatibility Issues: Using MP4 files with unsupported codecs on certain media players or devices is also the main cause of playback issues or MP4 corruption.
How do I Repair Corrupted MP4 Video Files?
Whatever is the cause for the corruption of your cherished memories, it is important to act and repair them immediately. In this section, we will dive into 05 successful methods to repair corrupt MP4 video files to restore them:
Method 01: Repair Corrupted MP4 Video Files Using Stellar Repair for Video Tool
Let’s start with the easiest approach first! Before you proceed with a manual MP4 repair approach to fix corrupted or damaged video files, try using a professional video repair tool. Stellar Repair for Video is an all-in-one video repair software mainly known for its exceptional features and powerful capabilities for seamless and effective repair of damaged/corrupted MP4 files effortlessly.
The Stellar Repair for Video tool is known for several amazing features, such as:
- Support repairing of popular video formats, including MP4, MOV, MKV, MTS, M4V, and many more.
- The software supports repairing videos damaged due to multiple reasons, including improper transfers, sudden power outages, virus attacks, etc.
- It is a 100% safe and secure tool to repair corrupt videos in a few simple clicks.
- It allows you to preview the repaired video files before saving them on your device.
Here’s how to repair MP4 video files using the Stellar Repair for Video software:
Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Repair for Video tool on your Windows/Mac device. Launch the software and from the homepage, click Add Videos to upload the corrupt MP4 video(s) that you need to repair.
Step 2: Click the Repair button to begin the repair process. Wait till the repair process is completed.
Step 3: Preview the repaired video files and click the Save Repaired Files button to save the repaired MP4 videos at the desired location.
Method 02: Repair Corrupt MP4 Videos Using VLC Media Player
Windows in-built VLC media player not only allows you to play multimedia files but also to repair minor corruption issues. There are multiple ways by which you can repair MP4 videos using a VLC player. Go through the following steps to fix a corrupt MP4 video file using a VLC media player:
- Firstly, you need to change the file format of your video from MP4 to .avi. For this, right-click on that video and select Rename.
- Change the file format to .avi and press the Enter
- Launch the VLC media player, click on Tools and select Preferences.
- Go to the Input/Codecs section, scroll to the Files section and from there, select “Always fix” in the “Damaged or incomplete AVI file” option.
- Click the Save button to save the changes.
Once you are done with the above changes, try playing the corrupt MP4 video file with VLC and check whether it is working.
Method 03: Transcode Corrupt MP4 Videos in VLC
Another alternative to repair MP4 videos using VLC media player is by transcoding it. Transcoding the corrupt video files can be helpful in several ways, especially when dealing with playback issues or corruption. Follow the below MP4 repair steps to fix corrupt videos by transcoding them in VLC player:
- Firstly, open the VLC player and click on Media > Convert/Save.
- Now, click the Add button and upload the corrupt MP4 video that you need to transcode.
- Click the Convert/Save option and choose a file name and the desired file location within the Convert window.
- Also, select the preferred input codecs from the Profile list for your video file.
- Choose the Edit Selected Profile option to configure the profile settings for a specific profile. Also, you can create new profiles or delete existing profiles and then click the “Start” button.
- Lastly, restart your device and try playing MP4 videos to check if the issue is resolved.
Method 04: Increase Cache Value of Corrupt MP4 Video in VLC Player
Increasing the cache value of a corrupt MP4 video file helps by buffering more data before playback, potentially smoothing out minor corruptions and enhancing stability. To increase cache value as MP4 repair workaround, you need to:
- Launch the VLC player and go to Tools, click Preferences from the Tools menu.
- Now, from the Show Settings option that appears, select All.
- Click on the Input/Codec option and select Advanced.
- Next to the File caching(ms) option, increase the cache value to 1000.
- Lastly, tap the Save button and then restart the VLC player.
Method 05: Repair Corrupt MP4 Video using QuickTime
Last but not least, you can use QuickTime media player, which offers several features to automatically repair MP4 video files and to save a potentially restored version of the video. Follow the below-given steps to repair MP4 video using QuickTime player:
- Firstly, play your corrupt video in QuickTime player.
- Now, click on the Window tab and then select the “Show Movie Inspector” option. This will display a detailed description of your MP4 video on the screen.
- If a black screen appears, it indicates that your video is corrupted. In such a case, click the Edit option under the QuickTime menu.
- Next, select Preferences and then choose QuickTime Preferences. Click on the Update button to update your player.
- Once done, restart the QuickTime media player and try playing your video again.
Conclusion
Hope, the above-mentioned 05 successful methods to repair corrupted MP4 video files help in restoring valuable video content. These methods allow you to repair videos corrupted due to multiple reasons, ranging from minor glitches to severe data loss. Whether you choose to use a versatile media player like VLC or any professional video repair software like Stellar Repair for Video, each method provides a reliable way to restore your videos to a playable state. You can even consider preventive tips like using a reliable video player, updated antivirus software, etc. to avoid such corruption issues in the future.
