Why Google Drive Won't Play Video on Android [How to Fix]
Whether it is a precious moment or an important work file on your Android device, you're trying to watch on Google Drive, and having to meet only the 'video won't play' error is frustrating. The Google Drive won't play video Android issue, while caused by several culprits, you're not facing it without solutions. This guide will share the 13 practical ways to resolve the video not playing in Google Drive error on Android and the browser. Get those videos of yours playing again!
Guide List
Why Google Drive Won't Play Video on Android Fix Broken Video File That Cannot Be Played in Google Drive 12 Ways to Fix Google Drive Won't Play Videos [Low Success Rate] Useful Tips to Bypass Video Cannot Be Played Error on Google DriveWhy Google Drive Won't Play Video on Android
As said, several factors are causing the videos can’t be played in Google Drive issue to happen. It could be from connectivity problems or, worse, file corruption. Understanding the root cause can help you identify the best fix to get your video playing again. See the table summarization below:
| Reason | Explanation |
| Unstable Internet Connection | A weak connection may stop the video from streaming. |
| Unsupported Format | Google Drive supports MP4, and other formats may not be playable on mobile. |
| Corrupted Video File | If the video file is damaged, Google Drive won’t process it. |
| Video File Too Large | Large files may not load correctly on mobile devices. |
| Cache Issues | Corrupted data can disrupt app functionality. |
| Outdated Google Drive App | An older app version may lack support for newer codecs or features. |
Fix Broken Video File That Cannot Be Played in Google Drive
The first solution worth trying if your Google Drive won't play videos on Android due to corruption is AnyRec Video Repair. This issue can be caused by interrupted uploads, transfers, or damage during the recording process. Using this specialized software, you can restore corrupted videos, especially those that skip, freeze, or won't load properly on platforms like Google Drive. It works by detecting structural issues within the video file and restoring them without affecting the original quality. Supporting a wide range of formats like MP4, MOV, AVI, and more, this tool is perfect for fixing any unplayable videos commonly uploaded to Google Drive.
Can fix unplayable, choppy, and broken videos that fail to play in Google Drive.
Let you preview the repaired video first before finalizing it.
Utilize advanced algorithms to ensure high-quality restoration.
A healthy sample video is used to rebuild a broken video file accurately.
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Step 1.Fire up AnyRec Video Repair on your computer. Click the "Add" button to import the broken file from your Google Drive. Then, upload a healthy sample video on the other "Add" button.
Step 2.When both files are added, click the "Repair" button. The software will start scanning and repairing the video, focusing on the damaged structure.
Step 3.Once it is completed, click the "Preview" button to check the playback quality. If the video is now playable, click the "Save" button to export the repaired video file and re-upload it to Google Drive. Check if Google Drive play it on Android now.
12 Ways to Fix Google Drive Won't Play Videos [Low Success Rate]
Suppose the Google Drive video not playing on Android or browser issues arise from minor connectivity problems, file compatibility issues, or temporary glitches. Discover 12 quick and practical solutions below, each accompanied by simple steps.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
A slow connection can cause the videos not to load or play at all. You should run a speed test on your browser to check if the connection is powerful enough to play videos on Google Drive. If not, switch to an alternative, stronger Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
2. Wait for Google Drive to Process
Recently uploaded videos may require some time to process before you can play them. Just wait for a while after uploading, then refresh the Google Drive page or the app, then play the video on Google Drive again.
3. Check Storage Limit
Google Drive may fail to process the large upload if your storage is almost full. On the left-hand side of the Google Drive screen, you'll see a storage bar below. Check how much storage is available.
4. Clear Browser Cache
Corrupted cache data may prevent video from playing in your browser. In Chrome, go to "Settings" (accessed from the three-dot icon), then select "Privacy" and "Delete browsing data". Check all boxes for cookies and cache, and clear them.
5. Update Your Google Drive App
An outdated app may not work with video formats and playback features. On the Google Play Store, search for the "Google Drive" app, then tap the "Update" button. After that, you should relaunch it to check if Google Drive still won’t play videos on Android.
6. Verify Format Compatibility
Among the supported formats are MP4 and WebM; other formats may not play. What you need to do is simply convert the video file and then upload it again. Now, you can enjoy Google Drive movies easily.
7. Try the Incognito Mode
Browser extensions might interfere with video playback in Google Drive. Press the "Ctrl + Shift + N" keys to open the "New Incognito" window. Here, search for Google Drive, log in to your account, and then try to play the video on Google Drive.
8. Switch to a Different Browser
Your current browser may not support Google Drive effectively. For this, you can try using Google Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. Then, reopen Google Drive and attempt to play the video on Google Drive.
9. Disable Hardware Acceleration
This setting can cause video playback issues in some systems. Go to "Settings" from the "three-dot" icon in your browser, then select "System". There, toggle off the "Use hardware acceleration when available".
10. Re-upload Video on Android
The uploaded video file may have been corrupted or incomplete during the transfer. You may also find the Google Drive videos are still processing. In the Google Drive app, tap the "three-dot" menu in the video file, then select "Remove". Now, tap the "Add" button, select "Upload", then head to "Videos", and scroll to the video you want to upload. Tap the video and tap "Select" to upload to Google Drive.
11. Sign Out and Sign Back In
Doing so can refresh your session and eliminate minor playback glitches. Tap on your "Profile" in the Drive app or web. There, select "Sign out", and later, log back in and check if Google Drive still won’t play the video on Android.
12. Check Google Workspace Status
When Google's server is down, it may cause issues with Drive, such as Google Drive won't play videos on Android or the web. Visit the Google Workspace Status Dashboard to check for issues with Drive and wait until Google resolves them.
Useful Tips to Bypass Video Cannot Be Played Error on Google Drive
After all those steps and reasons why Google Drive won't play video on Android, there are also a few practical tips you can follow to bypass the playback error. Here are some effective tips to get your video playing again without complicated troubleshooting.
- • Download the video. If playback fails after trying everything, try downloading the video to your device and watching it using a media player.
- • Use MP4 as your format. Convert the video to MP4 format, which is universally supported by all platforms and players.
- • Rename the file. Most of the time, a long filename can cause the video file cannot be played error, so rename it to something simple.
- • Make a copy of the file. Right-click the original video file in Drive, then select "Make a copy", and try to play it instead.
- • Reduce video file size. Compress the video to lessen the size since large files may take too long to process.
- • Use Google Drive on your desktop. If the video can’t be played on the Google Drive app, open it from a desktop browser.
Conclusion
When Google Drive won't play video on Android devices or on the web browser, the fixes discussed above offer solutions ranging from simple to the advanced ones to resolve the issue quickly. However, if your video still won't play due to damage, try a more powerful solution from AnyRec Video Repair. It's your reliable friend for fixing broken or unplayable videos in formats like MP4, MOV, AVI, and more. Give it a try now, and be ready to play your video in Google Drive anytime, anywhere.
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