Can corrupted video files be fixed? Thanks to VLC, you might be able to fix corrupted video files by converting them to a working file format. First, download VLC Player and install it. Then, to fix the corrupt file, open VLC Player and:
Open the Media menu
Watch the video – How to repair corrupt video files with VLC Player
Method 1: Fix corrupted MP4 & MOV Issues with Transcoding Using VLC
This method uses VLC player to transcode MP4 and MOV files and make them playable on unsupported media players, i.e., the player cannot play these video file formats due to incompatible or missing codecs. For example, QuickTime player may fail to play MP4 videos if they are not encoded with MPEG-2, MPEG-4, or H.264 codecs. Attempting to play a MP4 or MOV on an incompatible player may throw error messages, giving you an impression that the video file is corrupted, whereas, in reality, you need to make them compatible.
When to use: This method is applicable if you want to play an MP4 or MOV file on an incompatible media player.
Steps to repair MOV/MP4 files with transcoding in VLC:
Launch VLC Player.
Go to Media and select Convert/ Save.
Click on Add to insert MP4/ MOV videos that need to be transcoded.
Click Convert/ Save.
In the Convert window, provide the file name and location against the Destination file option.
Select the desired input codec from the Profile list.
You can choose the Edit Selected Profile button to change a specified profile settings. You can also create a new profile or delete any existing profile.
Next, click Start in the Convert window.
This method will fix corrupted MP4 and MOV file issues rising due to incompatibility with the media player. You will be able to play the videos in VLC or other players based on their new profile after transcoding.
Method 2: MOV and MP4 Repair using VLC video fix feature
VLC Player has a built-in feature to fix AVI video files. If you have a corrupt video other than AVI, like MP4 or MOV, first change the file extension to .AVI and then use this VLC feature to fix the video problem.
When to use: You can try this free MOV/MP4 repair method to repair corrupt file index and file header, etc.
Caution: Do not work on the original MP4 or MOV file. Make a copy of the original file and repair it using VLC.
Steps to repair MP4/ MOV files using AVI fix in VLC:
To rename MP4/ MOV video file, right click on it. Select Rename and change extension to .AVI. Hit Enter.
Launch VLC Player.
Click Tools > Preferences > >Input or Codecs
Select Always Fix next to Repair AVI Files.
Click on Save at the bottom.
Now, try playing the AVI file converted from the MP4 or MOV file. This free method should resolve MP4 or MOV files issues.
Method 3: Increase the Cache values in VLC Player
Streaming or offline saved MP4 and MOV videos may not play properly due to buffer cache. By increasing the cache values in VLC, you can fix video playback issues.
When to use: Apply this free method to play MP4, MOV, and other video files with playability issues such as stuttering, out-of-sync, lagging, choppy, or jerky videos.
Cannot repair MP4/ MOV videos with VLC Player? Get a Video Repair Software
If VLC Media player didn’t fix your corrupted video files, you may need to use a dedicated video repair software. These tools are specifically designed to recover and repair damaged or corrupted video files, including MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, and more. They can often recover video files that VLC Player is unable to fix.