Nothing is more frustrating than encountering a web page video that does not play. No one wants to spend time fixing it, but the right solution is not always obvious. Unfortunately, there are multiple reasons videos not playing on Mac, and there are multiple areas to check to fix the problem. The good news is that you can find the right solution quickly.
Whether you want to watch a movie you downloaded or enjoy some funny clips online, you can often find a quick way to fix the problem.
Local Videos
Let us first look at the local videos that do not play on your Mac. If you downloaded a video that does not work, there are two leading solutions.
Make sure the video downloaded correctly
The first solution is to download the video again. Often, a video does not play because it is corrupted or damaged. Sometimes, an unstable internet connection causes incomplete downloads. If you are facing this issue, try downloading the video from the same or a different source.
Try a different media player for the video
The second solution is to use a different media player. Sometimes, the player you use cannot open the video file. For example, QuickTime Player may not support every format. If this is the case, try using another video player. Elmedia Player is a great option. It supports many formats and works smoothly on Mac. Using a different player can make your video viewing much more straightforward.
Online Videos
Now, let us discuss online videos that do not play on macOS. Many people use popular browsers like Safari, Chrome, or Firefox. You can try a simple trick if videos on YouTube or other sites do not play. Open the video in incognito mode or a private window. This option stops the browser from saving your online activities. This way, cookies or extensions do not interfere with playback.
In Safari, you can open a new private window easily. Go to the menu bar, click File, then select New Private Window. You can also press Command + Shift + N at the same time. This will open a new window. Once it is open, paste the link to the video you wish to watch. This quick method often fixes the playback issues.
Since you are in incognito mode, the video will play smoothly. Some users find this method helpful. It is simple and quick to use. However, it may not always resolve the problem. Still, it is worth a try.
Time to Refresh
If the video still does not play, refreshing the page may help. A simple refresh can clear bugs. To reload a page in Safari, locate the tab with the video. Click on View in the menu bar. Then select Reload Page. Alternatively, you can press Command and R at the same time to refresh quickly.
Force Quit if Necessary
If Safari fails to refresh the page, it is time to force quit the browser. This is an option when nothing else works. To force quit Safari, press Command and Option and Esc altogether. A window will appear showing all open applications. Select Safari and click Force Quit. This action will close the browser completely.
Open Safari again after that. Then, return to the webpage with the video. You can try playing the video once more. Each step can help solve annoying playback issues. Sometimes, the most straightforward solutions bring the best results.
Close Safari with a Quick Action
To reset Safari, you can quit the browser quickly. Click on Safari in the menu bar and select Quit. This action closes all tabs. You can also press Option + Command + Esc at the same time. This shortcut helps to close Safari quickly. Another way is to click on the Apple icon in the menu bar. Then choose Force Quit. A small window will show what apps are open. Select Safari and click the Force Quit button. This method guarantees the browser is closed completely.
Clear the Cache for Smooth Sailing
Clearing the cache can fix many problems. It removes saved data that could interrupt video playback. Go to Safari > Settings > Advanced. Find the box that says “Show Develop menu in menu bar” and check it. Then, click on the Develop menu. Select Empty Caches to clear them. For better results, also clear cookies. Go to the Privacy section in Safari’s settings. Click on Manage Website Data and then click on Remove All. This step keeps Safari free of old data.
Disable Extensions That Block Videos
Browser extensions can sometimes cause issues with video playback. They may block the content you want to see. To disable extensions, go to Safari > Settings > Extensions. This section shows all installed extensions. Review the list carefully and select the ones you think may be the problem. Disable them one by one to see if the video plays. This process helps to pinpoint the cause of the issue.
Final Thoughts
It can be frustrating to have your videos not play on a Mac. Fortunately, you can often think through the problem and find a solution in a few minutes. However, by using the tips mentioned here, video issues should lessen.
Advanced media players can save time and effort. They support more formats and reduce compatibility issues. One good option is Elmedia. This player has a simple interface and plays many file types. With it, you can enjoy your videos without worries.