How to Fix iPhone XR/XS/X/8/7 or Earlier Won't Play Videos

Part 1. Why iPhone Won't Play Videos

Though there are many reasons that can result in videos won't play on iPhone, the common and frequent factors include:

1. Video formats are not available to iPhone. It is well-known that Apple released a unique operating system for iOS devices to enhance the security. iPhone can only play video files in M4V, MP4 and MOV and compressed in H.264 or MPEG-4. If you tend to open another video format, iPhone won't play it at all.

2. Moreover, software issues could lead to iPhone stops reading videos, such as outdated software, conflicted apps and more.

3. Too much junk data. When you open a video on iPhone, it needs some space to run the video player app. If your device has too much junk data, there may be not enough space for video playback.

Now, you should understand why iPhone won't play videos. The next stage is to fix this problem.

Part 2. How to Fix iPhone Won’t Play Videos Due to Incompatible Formats

AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate is a powerful video converting program. If you want to watch any videos on iPhone, it could meet your need.

Apparently, it is the best way you can find to fix the problem that iPhone or iPad won't play videos due to incompatibility issues.

How to convert videos for playing on iPhone

1 Install the best iPhone video converter

Download and install Video Converter Ultimate on your PC. There is another version for MacBook Pro/Air and iMac. Launch it from your desktop, click the Add Files button and add the video files you want to watch on iPhone into the library area.

Tip: If you want to edit the videos, you can find the tools on the top ribbon and the Editor window.

2 Transcode any video formats for iPhone

Check the boxes next to the video files and move to the bottom area. Unfold the Profile dropdown menu and select your iPhone model. Then set the destination by hitting the Save to button and click the Convert All button.

When it finishes, you can transfer the video files to your iPhone and start enjoying them.

Part 3. How to Fix Videos Won’t Play on iPhone Because of Video Corruption

Video corruption is another top reason for the videos not playing on iPhone issue. It can happen due to a corrupted video header. Or if you edit the video improperly and the rendering process goes wrong, you can also get an unplayable video on your iPhone. But do not panic, for AnyMP4 Video Repair can solve this issue and make your video watchable again. Whether you can’t open videos on an iPhone, iPad, computer, or TV, this video repair software tackles them all.

With this software, you no longer need to spend a large amount of time diagnosing why the video can not be played. All video corruption issues will be resolved in this repair tool.

1 Download this video repair software for free. Install and launch it afterward.

2 Click the Plus button on the left and upload your unplayable iPhone video. There is another Plus button on the right. Click it to upload a playable iPhone video. You can film one with your iPhone.

3 Start repairing the iPhone video by clicking the Repair button. The video repair software will begin fixing the broken video immediately.

4 You can preview part of the video by clicking the Preview button after the repair is complete. Then, save the video if you are satisfied with the result.

Part 4. How to Fix Videos Won’t Play on iPhone Because of Software Issues

Software issues could cause many problems on iPhone, including videos and music won't play. From this point, we recommend AnyMP4 iOS System Recovery.

How to fix iPhone won't play videos due to software issues

1 Connect your iPhone to iOS System Recovery

Get iOS System Recovery installed on your computer. Connect your iPhone to the computer using a Lightning cable and run the recovery program.

2 Fix software issues in a single click

Click the Start button to move on. Then hit the Help button with the question icon and then follow the onscreen instructions to turn your iPhone to Recovery or DFU mode. Next, select the information about your iPhone model and more. Click the Download button to start fixing videos won't play on iPhone.

Part 5. More Tips to Fix Videos Won’t Play on iPhone

In addition to professional ways to let your iPhone fires on videos normally, there are some common tips after giving up the option of installing other iOS video players.

Tip 1: Update or reinstall apps

If you use a third-party video player on your iPhone and it does not work well, you can try to update or reinstall it.

1 Open your App Store app from your home screen and go to the Updates tab.

2 Find the player app and tap the UPDATE button next to it or you can tap the Update All button at upper right corner.

3 Now, switch to the player app and check if the problem that videos won't play on iPhone or iPad is fixed. If not, uninstall the player and reinstall it in App Store.

Tip 2: Clear cache data in Safari

Sometimes, iPhone camera roll videos play well, while YouTube videos won't play in Safari on iPhone. It may be the time to clear your cache data.

1 Open your Settings app, tap on your name and go to Safari.

2 Tap the Clear History and Website Data option and wait for it to complete. If prompted, tap Clear History and Data again.

3 Next, open Safari app and access the YouTube video again to test if it works.

Tip: If your Safari contains a lot of cache data, it may take a while.

Tip 3: Reset all settings

This method is able to fix various software issues that lead to iPhone won't play videos; however, it will remove all personal data and settings.

1 Back up your iPhone to iCloud or iTunes.

2 Go to Settings -> General -> Reset and select Reset All Settings.

3 Enter your password and tap Reset All Settings again.

4 Wait for your iPhone to turn black and start again.

This solution also works when your voicemail does not play on iPhone.

Now, you can watch videos or listen to music on your iPhone as usual.