How to Repair Corrupted MP4 Video Files Easily

MP4 is one of the most common video file formats that you can use to capture, store and share multimedia content. However, sometimes MP4 video files get corrupted or become unplayable on your device. In such situations, the videos appear jerky, flickering, missing sound, display black screen, or similar errors. Such instances usually occur due to reasons, like incomplete downloads, improper file transfers, software issues, etc. 

Whenever you experience a corrupted MP4 video file, finding a reliable solution to repair the MP4 video to its original state can be frustrating. In this guide, we'll explore several easy and effective video repair methods to share how to repair MP4 files easily, allowing you to recover your valuable video content with minimal effort.

Why Do Video Files Get Corrupted? 

Before you apply any MP4 file repair method to restore the original video file, finding the exact cause for your damaged or corrupt videos is important. There are several reasons, both internal and external, why video files get corrupted. Here are some common reasons for video corruption: 

  • Incomplete Downloads: Any interruption while downloading the video, such as network issues, unstable internet connections, or server errors, can cause an incomplete download and make it corrupted and unplayable.

  • Software Issues: Software bugs, glitches, or compatibility issues with video editing software, media players, or codecs can cause video corruption during playback, editing, or conversion processes.

  • Power Outages: Sudden power outages while recording or editing video can interrupt data writing and corrupt video files stored on the affected device or storage media.

  • Virus or Malware Infections: Malicious software, like viruses or malware, can infect video files, modify their structure, or delete crucial data, leading to video corruption and making the files inaccessible or unplayable.

  • Human Errors: Accidental deletion, improper file handling, or misuse of video files and devices can corrupt your video or lead to sudden data loss stored on the affected devices or storage media.

Quick Methods to Repair Corrupted MP4 Video Files  

Whatever is the cause for video corruption on your device, there are several video repair methods available that you can try to repair corrupt videos. Here are some commonly used methods to repair MP4 video so you can restore it to its original quality:

Method 01: Use VLC Media Player to Repair MP4 Video 

Windows in-built VLC player is a versatile and widely used media player that not only allows you to play MP4 videos but also to repair minor corruptions in MP4 video files. You can repair video files using VLC media player in multiple ways. Here’s how to repair corrupted MP4 video files easily using the video fix feature of this tool: 

  • Launch the VLC player and go to the Media tab. From the list of options that appear, select the “Convert/Save” option.  

Use VLC Media Player to Repair MP4 Video
  • In the Conversion window, upload the corrupted video and tap the “Convert” button to convert the uploaded file into an .AVI file. 

corrupted video
  •  Now from the Settings window, adjust the settings of the conversion. Select the appropriate codec and the export location of the converted file and click the “Start” button. 
Start” button
  • After completion of the conversion process, navigate to the “Tools” tab and choose the “Preferences” option. 

“Preferences” option
  • From the Preferences window, go to the “Inputs/Codecs”section and choose the “Always fix” option next to the “Damaged or incomplete AVI file” option and click Save.

Damaged or incomplete AVI file

Method 02: Transcode Corrupted MP4 Video Files Using VLC Player 

Another alternative to repair the MP4 video file which is unplayable on your device is by Transcoding it in VLC player. Transcoding a video file with VLC allows to fix missing codecs that prevent files from being played on any video player. Follow the below-given steps to learn how to transcode a video file using the VLC player: 

  • Firstly, launch the VLC media player and click on Media > Convert/ Save > Add. 

Convert Save Add
  • Now, upload the corrupt MP4 video file and click the “Convert/Save” button located at the bottom.

  • After that, enter the file name and location in the “Destination file” option. Also, select the desired input codec from the “Profile” list and tap “Start.” 

Profile & Start
  • Wait till the process gets completed. After that, try playing the corrupted video file and check if everything seems OK. 

Method 03: Use MP4 Video Repair Software to Fix Corrupted Videos 

If the above-mentioned methods to repair MP4 video files fail to fix your corrupt or damaged video files, you can try using a professional video repair software. Stellar Repair for Video is an all-in-one video repair tool that you can try to repair your corrupt videos with a few simple clicks. This video repair tool supports repairing videos corrupted or damaged due to multiple reasons, incomplete downloads, improper file transfers, software issues, file format errors, etc.  

Here’s how to repair corrupted MP4 video files easily using the Stellar Repair for Video tool:  

Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Repair for Video tool on your device. Launch the software and from the homepage, click the Add Videos button to upload the corrupt videos that you need to repair. 

Download and install the Stellar Repair for Video tool

Step 2: Tap the “Repair” button to begin the repair process. 

Repair Your Videos

Step 3: Once the repair process is finished, you can preview the repaired MP4 video files. Select the repaired videos and click the Save Repaired Files button to save them at the desired location.

preview the repaired MP4 video files

Tips to Prevent MP4 Video Corruption Issues  

Now that you are familiar with the methods to repair video files, it’s time to learn few preventive tips to avoid such issues on your device: 

  • Make sure your device is connected to a stable internet source to avoid incomplete downloads of MP4 files. 

  • Safely eject storage devices after completion of the file transfer process. 

  • Use reliable and updated video player software. 

  • Regularly scan your device using a reliable anti-virus software for malware or viruses. 

  • Backup MP4 files on secure storage solutions, including external hard drives or cloud storage locations like Google Cloud, Google Drive, iCloud, etc. 

  • Avoid abrupt system shutdowns while recording or editing video. 

Wrapping Up 

Whenever you encounter video corruption issue on your device, don’t lose hope, just go with the above-mentioned MP4 video repair methods to fix corrupted videos. Whether you are using Windows in-built VLC player or third-party video repair tool like Stellar Repair for Video to fix your corrupt videos, the key is to act promptly. Moreover, you should also apply adequate preventive measures, like using reliable storage media, maintaining updated software and hardware, practising safe file handling and transfer procedures, etc. to prevent your videos from getting corrupted or damaged.

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