MP4 file is the most common multimedia container format, majorly used to store video and audio data in smaller file sizes. MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) is compatible with all media players like QuickTime, VLC, etc., and popular operating systems, including Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Like any other video format, MP4 files are prone to corruption due to various reasons. When you tend to neglect the symptoms of MP4 video corruption on a Mac or any other device, then it makes the corruption worse. So it’s always good to know the symptoms to avoid any damage or corruption to your crucial MP4 videos.
It can be disheartening when you find your MP4 video not playing suddenly and displays error messages on your Mac like error 2048, The MP4 video is damaged or in an unsupported format, etc. Even though you try different media players, like the VLC player, the MP4 file still refuses to open. This indicates that your MP4 video is damaged or corrupted.
Can I Uncorrupt MP4 Files On Mac?
Yes, you can uncorrupt or repair corrupt MP4 files on Mac. However, it is advised to use only reliable video repair tools to fix unplayable or corrupt MP4 videos. This way, you can avoid further damage to your videos on your MacBook or iMac.
Why does MP4 File Get Corrupt on Mac?
| Reasons | Description |
|---|---|
| Hardware problems | Codecs are the algorithms used to compress and decompress video files. If the codec used to encode the video file is not compatible with the media player being used, the video may not play properly and could become corrupted. |
| Viruses or malware | Malicious software can damage video files or disrupt the software that is trying to play them. |
| Power interruption | Abruptly turning off a device or losing power while a video is being saved can cause corruption in the file. |
| Interruptions during recording | When recording a video, any interruption to the recording process, such as pausing or stopping the recording, can result in the corruption of the video file |
| Incomplete downloads | If a video file is being downloaded from the internet and the download process is interrupted, the file may become corrupted and unplayable |
| Incompatibility with the operating system | If a video file was created on a different operating system or with different software than the one being used to play the video, it can lead to video corruption. |
| File system errors | The file system, which organizes and manages files on a storage device, can become corrupted due to software bugs, hardware failures, or other issues. When this happens, video files stored on the device can become inaccessible or corrupted. |
| Improper video conversion | When converting a video file from one format to another, if the conversion process is not done properly, the video file can become corrupted. |
How do I fix a corrupted MP4 video file on Mac?
1. Use Remo Video Repair software for Mac
Remo Repair Video is one of the best video Repair tools to fix corrupt video files on Mac. The tool is equipped with read-only algorithms that prioritize the safety of MP4 files, and it just takes a few steps to repair it with ease.
Moreover, it is also specialized in repairing MP4 and MOV files created on iPhones, iPods, other Apple devices, cameras & camcorders. The free version of this MP4 repair tool allows you to preview the repaired MP4 video on Mac for free!!!
Step 1. Download and install the Remo Video Repair tool on your Mac.
Step 2: Launch the tool and click on the Select File option to browse the corrupted MP4 video which you want to repair.
Note: If the MP4 is severely corrupted or damaged, then the software will ask you to choose a reference MP4 file to fix it using advanced repairing algorithms. While selecting a reference file, make sure you choose a healthy MP4 video shot on the same device as that of the corrupted MP4 file.
Step 3. Now, click Repair button to start the MP4 video repairing process on your Mac system.
Step 4. Once the MP4 repair is completed, you can preview the repaired video for free on your MacBook or Mac system and Save it in any desired location.
Moreover, the tool supports all latest versions of Mac operating systems, including the latest Mac Ventura, Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Snow Leopard, etc.
Note: You can also make use of deleted MP4 file recovery tool if you accidentally lost or deleted any MP4 files during the repair.
2. Troubleshooting Methods To Repair Corrupt MP4 Files On Mac
The most recommended and safe way to repair MP4 files on Mac is to use the Video Repair tool. However, you can make use of manual methods to repair MP4 files to fix minor corruption or video not playing errors.
A. Repair MP4 files on Mac via VLC
The transcoding feature in VLC will repair minor corruption in VLC. Transcoding is a process where it takes a video file and changes it to a different bitrate. Transcoding in a VLC media player copies the video to a new file at a different bitrate.
- Open VLC Media Player on Mac and go to Media
- Click on Convert and Save
- Add the corrupt video file by clicking on ADD Button
- Now, in Profile, select H.26+MP3
- Click on Start
B. Download Proper Codec:
Improper codecs also show the error that video cannot be players, so downloading the right codecs are important because. Codecs are essential for playing multimedia files, as they define the method of encoding and decoding audio or video data. If a codec is not installed on your device, you will not be able to play the corresponding audio or video file. In some cases, the media file may play with reduced quality or not play at all. By downloading the proper codecs, you can ensure that your media files play with the correct quality and format.
C. Check the file format:
Make sure the file is an MP4 file and not renamed to have a .mp4 extension. You can check the file format by right-clicking the file and selecting Get Info.
D. Repair MP4 file via QuickTime:
QuickTime is a built-in media player on Mac. Try playing the MP4 file in QuickTime and see if it works. If it does, try saving the file as a new MP4 file, which may repair any corruption.
Suggestions To Protect Your MP4 Videos From Corruption
To protect your MP4 video files from corruption follow these suggestions:
- Avoid Interruptions or abrupt removal during the video transmissions from one device to another device.
- Use reliable tools for editing and converting the MP4 video files.
- Regularly scan your storage devices using an updated antivirus tool to protect your videos and other data from virus and malware attacks.
- Have a backup of your important MP4 video files to ensure the safety of the files, even if your storage device gets corrupted or damaged.
Conclusion:
We've covered all the solutions to fix MP4 files on Mac. You can choose an ideal method to repair your video file. If your MP4 file header is severely damaged or corrupted, a recovery tool can only troubleshoot the video. Make use of a professional video repair tool like Remo Video Repair to repair your corrupt MP4 videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can we repair MP4 videos using the VLC media player on Mac?
Yes, you can repair MP4 videos on Mac using VLC Media Player. But remember, only minor corruption or damage in the MP4 videos can be fixed using the VLC Media Player.
2. How to fix a broken video file on Mac using VLC?
- Create a copy of the damaged MP4 video that needs to be repaired on Mac.
- Change the file extension of the corrupt .mp4 file to .avi file format.
- Open VLC to repair damaged MP4 on Mac.
- Select Tools and choose Preferences.
- Select Input/Codecs.
- Besides the Damaged or incomplete AVI file, click on the dropdown list to choose Always Fix.
- Now, click Save to restore a healthy MP4 video.
3. Why Remo Video Repair tool Mac over VLC?
- Remo MP4 Repair on Mac is an easy and secure solution to fix MP4 videos on Mac systems.
- It is designed with a read-only mechanism for repairing videos on Mac. Whereas VLC Media Player can corrupt the original MP4 video while repairing it.
- Best video repair tool when it comes to repairing large-sized corrupt MOV and MP4 files.
- It offers a free preview of the repaired video on Mac.