Videos play a very important role in our daily lives. We prefer capturing our memorable and precious moments in multiple formats, MP4 being a widely used file format. MP4 videos are known for their versatility and compatibility across various platforms. However, like any digital files, MP4 files are susceptible to corruption, which makes them inaccessible or leads to their sudden deletion.
In this article, we will discuss the common reasons behind MP4 file corruption and provide quick solutions to fix a corrupt MP4 video file. Read this comprehensive guide until the end; apply the mentioned MP4 repair methods and preventive measures to avoid further corruption issues.
Common Reasons for MP4 Video Corruption
Before diving into video repair methods to fix corrupted video files, it is important to find the exact cause for the same. There are several reasons why video files get corrupted, some of them are as follows:
- Incomplete Downloads: One of the main reasons for MP4 file corruption is an incomplete or interrupted download. Usually, such instances occur due to network issues, server problems, or manual termination of the download process.
- Codec Issues: Incompatibility with certain codecs can lead to MP4 file corruption. To avoid such instances, make sure that you are using the appropriate codecs while recording and playing videos.
- Improper File Conversion: Sometimes, incompatible file formats of your video or improper conversion of video from one format to another may result in a corrupt MP4 file. You must try a reputable video conversion tool to avoid such issues.
- Power Outages or System Crashes: Unexpected power outages or system crashes while recording or saving MP4 files can cause corruption.
- Virus and Malware Attacks: Malicious software can infect files and folders stored on your device, including the MP4 video files. This corrupts the stored files and makes them unplayable.
How do I Repair Corrupt MP4 Files?
Whatever is the reason for your corrupted video files; there are always chances to repair them. In this part of the blog, we will outline several video repair methods that you can use to repair a video file.
Method 01: Repair Corrupt Video File Using VLC Media Player
VLC is a Windows built-in media player that not only allows you to play videos but also to repair them in multiple ways. You can use the index repair feature of this versatile software to instantly repair video indexes. Go through the following steps to learn how to repair a video file using VLC:
- Right-click on the corrupt MP4 video file that you need to repair and select “Rename”.
- Change the file format to .avi and press Enter key to save it.
- Launch VLC, click on Tools and then choose Preferences.
- Now, go to the “Input/Codecs” section. Scroll down and select the “Always fix” option next to the “Damaged or incomplete AVI file” drop-down in the Files section.
- Lastly, click the Save button to save the changes.
Once you are done with the above changes, try playing the corrupt MP4 video with VLC, it should play.
Method 02: Use Professional Video Repair Tool to Fix Corrupted Video Files
If all the above manual video repair methods fail to fix corrupted video files on your device, you should try using a professional video repair tool. In this case, we are using the Stellar Repair for Video tool, which is an all-in-one video repair tool to fix videos corrupted or damaged for any reason. You can repair your video files of multiple formats, including MP4, MOV, AVI, etc. using this amazing tool in no time.
The Stellar Repair for Video tool offers an intuitive GUI which allows even beginners to repair corrupted videos in a few simple clicks. The software is compatible with both Windows and MacOS devices. To repair an MP4 video file using this software, you need to follow the below-given steps:
Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Repair for Video software on your Windows/Mac device. Launch the software and from the homepage, click Add File to upload the corrupt MP4 video that you need to repair.
Step 2: Then, click the Repair button to start the repair process.
Step 3: Once the repair process is finished, preview the repaired files and click Save Repaired Files to save selected files at your chosen location.
Method 03: Repair MP4 Video via Transcoding in VLC
Another alternative to fix corrupted video files via VLC media player is by transcoding them. Transcoding the videos fixes the missing codecs that prevent them from being played on any video player. All you have to do is:
- Launch the VLC player and go to Media > Convert/Save.
- Now, click Add and upload the corrupted MP4 file that you need to transcode. Tap Convert/Save to continue.
- In the Convert window, select a file name and the desired file location. Also, choose the preferred input codecs from the Profile list for your video file and click the “Start” button.
- Restart your system and check if you can play MP4 videos. If not, proceed to the next video repair method.
Method 04: Change Video Output Settings in VLC Player
Changing the video output setting in the VLC media player also helps to repair a video file that is corrupted or damaged. This method best works when you get a white or black screen while playing MP4 videos on your device.
You need to apply the following steps to fix a corrupt MP4 video file by changing its output settings in the VLC media player:
- Open the VLC media player on your device and click on Tools.
- Select Preferences and click on Video.
- Now, change the output settings from Automatic to DirectX (DirectDraw) video output under the Video Settings.
- Lastly, click Save and restart the VLC player.
How to Prevent MP4 Video Corruption Issues?
Though the above video repair methods are quite easy to implement, but it is good to avoid such instances from your end. Below are some preventive measures that you can consider to keep your video free from corruption/damage:
- Always store your video on reliable and well-maintained storage devices. Also, make a habit of regularly checking and replacing storage devices that seem to be damaged.
- If you are downloading or uploading MP4 video files, check and ensure that your internet connection is stable. Such interruptions might lead to incomplete downloads and corrupt files.
- Keep your device OS, media players, video editing software, and antivirus software up to date. Be cautious while downloading third-party software from any source.
- Use reputable video converting software to convert the file format of your corrupt video files. You can use the Stellar converter for audio video to convert your video file to the desired output format.
- Maintain sufficient storage space on your device to avoid errors during video recording or editing.
Wrapping Up
By applying the above quick solutions to fix a corrupt MP4 video file, you must be able to restore the original video content. It’s crucial to be proactive while fixing video corruption issues using the above video repair methods. The key is to act promptly and to maintain backups of important video files on multiple storage locations, so you can restore your corrupted or even lost video files hassle-free.
