How to Repair MP4 Files That Skip or Freeze While Playing?

As a video enthusiast, I need reliable methods to fix MP4 files that skip or freeze during playback, so I can enjoy smooth, uninterrupted viewing of my favourite content.

MP4 is one of the most popular video file formats, known for its high-quality compression, compatibility across devices, efficient storage, and support for video, audio, and subtitles. However, even with these features, you may encounter issues while playing your MP4 video files. There are several problems such as skipping, freezing, or failing to play correctly occur while playing these videos. These playback issues can be frustrating, but luckily there are several video repair methods available online that you can try to fix the MP4 skipping issue. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various methods to help you learn how to repair MP4 files that skip or freeze while playing. 

Common Causes of MP4 Playback Issues

Before diving into video repair methods to repair MP4 videos, it’s important to understand why such issues generally occur. Some common causes include:

• Corrupted MP4 Video: Your video file sometimes gets corrupted due to incomplete downloads, interruptions during file transfer, or malware attacks. This can lead to missing or damaged data in the file, resulting in playback issues.
• Codec Issues: Specific codecs are required to maintain video and audio playbacks in MP4 files. If your media player lacks the necessary codecs or has outdated ones, the file might not play smoothly.
• Incompatible Media Player: Using a media player that doesn’t fully support the MP4 format can cause freezing, skipping, or other playback errors.
• Interrupted Recording or Encoding Process: If the MP4 file was created using a camera or video editing software and the recording or encoding process was interrupted, the file may not play correctly.
• Interrupted Recording or Encoding Process: Any interruptions while recording or encoding MP4 files using a camera or video editing software can cause playback issues while playing them.

How Do I Fix MP4 File Playback Problems?

In this part of the blog, we will discuss various methods to repair MP4 files and resolve playback issues. Depending on the causes, there are different workarounds to fix the problem, you can try one or more of the following solutions:

Method 01: Use a Reliable Media Player

Before you proceed with any other method to repair MP4 video freeze or corruption, try playing your video with a different media player. Popular options like VLC Media Player, PotPlayer, etc. often have better compatibility with MP4 files and provide a wider range of codecs.

Tip: The VLC media player provides several built-in options that can fix MP4 file playback problems automatically. Simply open the file in VLC and see if the problem persists.

Method 02: Update or Install Codecs

Check if your device has the necessary codecs which support a wide range of video and audio formats, including MP4 videos. However, if your codec is outdated, you can follow the below steps to update it:

• Download and update the codec pack from the official website.
• Install the pack and restart your media player.
• Once done, try playing your MP4 video again.

Method 03: Convert the MP4 Video to Another Format

You can convert your damaged or corrupt MP4 file to other formats (e.g., AVI or MKV) to fix its playback problems. Converting the video file format is helpful in many instances, including:

• When the video metadata is corrupted
• Damaged file structure
• Improper file resolution or frame rates
• Unsupported titles or audio tracks

Method 04: Fix MP4 File Playback Problems Using VLC Player

VLC is a versatile media player, which includes many built-in repair features to fix minor corruption and playback problems in your MP4 video files. Follow the below steps to repair MP4 video using VLC media player: 

• Launch the VLC player on your device.
• Now, go to Tools > Preferences.

• Navigate to the “Input/Codecs” tab from the Preferences window.
• Scroll down to the “Damaged or incomplete AVI file” option and select Always Fix from the drop-down menu next to it.

Note: Though the above steps seem for repairing only AVI video files, you can use this method to repair MP4 video files as well. 

Method 05: Use a Third-Party Video Repair Tool

If the above methods fail to repair frozen MP4 video files, consider using a video repair tool. Tools like Stellar Repair for Video allow you to fix severely corrupted MP4 files in a few simple steps. Not only MP4, you can use this video repair tool to fix video files of many other formats, including MOV, AVI, MKV, AVCHD, MJPEG, MTS, 3G2, 3GP, and many more. 

Key Features of Stellar Repair for Video Tool

• Supports repairing video files damaged due to many reasons, including OS crashes, viruses, malware attacks, improper file transfer, video compression, etc.
• It can repair video files captured with DSLRs, digital cameras, drones, CCTV, Dash Cam, camcorders, Android, iPhones, etc.
• You can use this tool to repair video files saved on any internal or external storage device, including SD cards, USBs, SSDs, and many more.
• Allows you to preview the repaired video files before saving them on your device. 

Here’s how to repair MP4 files that skip or freeze while playing using the Stellar Repair for Video software:

Step 1: Download and install this video repair tool on your Windows PC/Mac. Launch the software and click on Add Videos to upload the MP4 file that you need to repair.

Step 2: Click the Repair button to initiate the repairing process. Wait for a few moments for the repair process to be completed.

Step 3: Once the repair process is done, preview the repaired video files and click the Save Repaired Files button to save them at the desired location on your device.

Preventing MP4 Playback Issues

While it is easy to fix the MP4 skipping issue using the aforementioned video repair workarounds, prevention is always better than cure. You can consider the below preventive measures to minimize the risk of playback problems in the future:

• Use reliable storage devices: Invest in high-quality storage devices to reduce the risk of data corruption. Avoid overloading the storage device, as this can cause file fragmentation and playback errors.
• Backup Important Files: Create a regular backup of your important MP4 files to a secure location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage. This ensures you have a copy in case of accidental deletion or corruption.
• Avoid Interruptions During File Transfers: Ensure a stable connection and avoid sudden interruptions when transferring files between devices.
• Keep Your Software Updated: Make sure your media players, codecs, and video editing software are up-to-date to ensure compatibility with the latest formats and features.

Conclusion

Having a damaged MP4 file that skips or freezes during playback can be frustrating, but the aforementioned video repair tools and techniques can help you. Start by identifying the exact cause of the problem and then apply the appropriate solution, whether it’s using a reliable media player, updating codecs, or employing a professional video repair tool like Stellar Repair for Video. Moreover, by taking preventive measures, you can also minimize the chances of encountering similar issues in the future.