3 Solutions to Fix QuickTime Can’t Open MP4 Successfully on Mac

Many people report that their QuickTime can’t open MP4 on their Mac. Although MP4 is the most common video format, there also could be a chance that some players can’t open it. And many reasons could lead to this situation. This post will tell you the reason and give you three solutions to help you solve it. Even though you can’t solve QuickTime can’t open MP4 problem, there also will be an alternative player introduced for you in this post.

Part 1: Why Can’t Open MP4 on QuickTime

1. QuickTime Version is Outdated

If you have a long time to update your QuickTime, you may not open MP4 with QuickTime. There may be some bugs in this software. Or your MP4 may have new file data that old QuickTime can’t read. These two issues both will lead your QuickTime can’t open MP4.

2. MP4 has Incompatible Video Codec

Although QuickTime supports the MP4 format, QuickTime can’t still open MP4 if your MP4 has some different and unique video codec. Many MP4 files have old or particular metadata, which will cause trouble opening or sharing them. In case you do not know the formats and video codecs that QuickTime supports, there is a chart below to tell you.

You can right-click your MP4 file to see its information. Then go to check whether QuickTime supports its video codec.

3. MP4 File is Corrupted

When your MP4 file is damaged, your QuickTime also can’t open the MP4. Maybe your MP4 files are missing some codecs. Or if you download the MP4 from the internet, you may lose some data when the downloading has been interrupted. So, you also should ensure the completeness of your MP4 files, and then you can open them.

Part 2: 3 Solutions for QuickTime Unable Play MP4s

Solution 1: Update Your QuickTime

You can check your QuickTime version to see whether it is outdated from the latest version. And then, you can choose only to update your QuickTime or upgrade your macOS simultaneously when QuickTime can’t play MP4 videos.

Step 1.When you launch QuickTime, you can click the "About QuickTime Player" button to check the current version of your QuickTime.

Step 2.If you need to update it, you can go to App Store on your Mac to update QuickTime. When there is an available version, you can see it on the "Updates" panel.

Step 3.If you want to upgrade macOS, click the "Update Existing Software" button from the "Help" button on your Mac.

Solution 2: Convert MP4 to Compatible Codec

As we all know that QuickTime supports MP4 format. So, you can try to convert the video codec when your QuickTime can’t open MP4. If you want to use a professional tool to change the metadata, you can use AnyRec Video Converter. This software can edit any metadata of your videos and make them compatible with the player you want to use.

Step 1.When you launch the video converter software, you can click the "Add Files" button on the top of the screen to add your MP4 file. Or you can click the plus icon on the main screen to choose a file.

Step 2.After adding your MP4, you can click the "Format" button on the main screen. And then, there will be a window to let you choose the format. You can click the "Settings" button with a gear icon to adjust the data file.

Step 3.You can adjust many profiles for your video file. You can change the encoder, frame rate, bit rate, and resolution. You can choose the suitable for QuickTime to play.

Step 4.When all the settings are finished, you can choose the destination of your MP4 files to save. And then click the "Convert All" button on the bottom to get your MP4 video.

Solution 3: Fix the MP4 File

Do not worry if you find the MP4 file is corrupted when QuickTime can’t play MP4. You can use some software like VLC to fix it. You cannot only use VLC to trim video but also repair it. Before you add your file to VLC, you should change your file’s extension from .mp4 to .avi. And then VLC could repair it automatically.

If your QuickTime can’t open MP4 files even though you tried the above solutions. Maybe you can use an alternative to watch videos on your Mac. And you can use AnyRec Blu-ray Player on your Mac. This software can play HD and UHD videos to give you a premium visual experience.

Step 1.You can see the "Open File" button on the main screen when you launch the software. Click it to choose your MP4 file to play.

Step 2.After you play your MP4, you can click the "Control" button on top of the menu bar. Then you can adjust the play and audio.

Step 3.If you want to choose a subtitle, you can click the "Video" button. You can also adjust the video size in this panel.

Part 4: FAQs about QuickTime Can’t Open MP4

• What is the best video codec for MP4 for QuickTime to Open?

  The H.264 video codec is the best-recommended codec for MP4, and there is no problem for QuickTime to Open it.

• Which format should I convert MP4 to for QuickTime?

  You can convert MP4 to MOV, the most compatible format for QuickTime. And you also can do it on AnyRec Video Converter.

• Can my QuickTime play Blu-ray discs?

  No. Even though there are many formats you can play on QuickTime, it doesn't support Blu-ray discs.

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