How to Fix "This File Is Not Compatible with Quicktime Player" Error

QuickTime Player is a favorite choice for many Mac users. So, if you encounter the error "This file is not compatible with QuickTime Player," it can be frustrating. Fortunately, you have help, and we can help you fix the problem with basic troubleshooting. It's time to put your worries aside and read on.

The file is not compatible with QuickTime Player. This problem usually occurs when you try to open a media file that QuickTime Player can't handle. To fix this, we first need to determine whether the problem lies with the player or the video. To do this, try playing the video and QuickTime Player again.

Table of Contents

Why do I see the error “This file is not compatible with Quicktime Player”?

The infamous macOS video player error can occur from time to time. According to an Apple Support article, this compatibility issue is something Apple anticipates. The tech giant suggests two solutions: updating the app or using a different app, but we have more to offer.

However, before we move on to fix the file incompatible with Quicktime Player issue, it is wise to check the underlying causes of the error.

QuickTime Player or macOS is outdated.
QuickTime Player does not support the codec for your file.
There is a file format name mismatch with the QuickTime Player codec database.
The video or audio file is corrupted.
Viruses and malware in macOS interfere with the operation of QuickTime Player.
QuickTime Player is no longer responding.

Also read: How to Remove and Replace an Image Background in Canva

Whatever the cause, trying the following troubleshooting steps in the order they appear below should quickly resolve the issue.

7 Ways to Fix Video Files Cannot Be Opened in QuickTime

Although the ultimate solution is to contactApple Support And asking for their help, we have found some solutions that can fix issues like This file contains some media that is not compatible with Quicktime Player at any given time.

1. Quit and restart Quicktime Player

Sometimes, the video player may crash in the background processing stage, causing it to fail to respond properly to file execution commands and display random errors. Force-quitting and restarting the application should easily resolve the issue.

Step 1: Go to Launchpad or use Spotlight, Search and open Activity Monitor.

Step 2: try to Discover QuickTime Player From the apps list or use the search bar to find it.

Step 3: Click X button From the top menu bar.

Step 4: Next, tap Imposing termination.

Now, wait a while. If possible, restart your Mac to get a clean slate, then open Quicktime Player and try playing the video.

2. Update Quicktime Player and macOS

Apple doesn't provide separate update schedules for built-in apps like Safari and QuickTime Player. As a result, you can only update these apps by Operating system updateHere's how.

Step 1: Click on the icon Apple From the menu bar select System settings.

Step 2: If available to update, You may receive a notification on this page. Otherwise, go to General and select upgrade software.

Step 3: If available, click Upgrade now.

Step 4: Once the download is complete, follow the steps below: Instructions that appears on the screen to update your Mac.

Also read: Forgot your Discord password: Here are 4 ways to change or reset it

When finished, try playing the video file. If the error persists, continue to the next step.

Note: If you're using macOS Monterey or earlier, click the Apple icon → About This Mac → Software Update, and if available, click Update Now.

3. Double-check the file format.

QuickTime Player doesn't offer as comprehensive file format support as some more advanced media players. However, it can comfortably support formats including QuickTime movie files (MOV), MPEG-4 files (MP4, MP3, M4V, M4A), MPEG-2, AVI, Mjpeg, DV Stream, and audio files such as AIFF, WAV, and AAC.

So maybe the video file is out of range, and the error “The file is not compatible with QuickTime Player” occurs because it is simply not compatible.

However, there's still a chance that the extension name is incorrect or you've accidentally changed it. In such a scenario, renaming the file to the correct format should help. You can try the following steps on a MacBook or iMac.

Step 1: Open Finder and go to Location Where it was File storage.

Step 2: Locate file, Right-click, then select getting information.

Step 3: Here, check out more. the information Name and extension and make sure everything is ok.

If you feel the extension isn't what it should be, try changing it. Now, try playing the file in QuickTime Player to see if you can resolve the issue.

4. Check for damage to video or audio files.

So far, if you've tried all the troubleshooting steps above and QuickTime still can't open the video file, you should check the file for any corruption. The easiest way to do this is to use any other media player available on your device to play the video.

If the video also doesn't play in other apps, the issue may be with the video. Try the next method, download the video again, or use a video converter to fix the issue.

Also read: How to remove a Microsoft Teams meeting from an Outlook invitation

5. Encrypt video or audio files for Quicktime Player

Macs come with a built-in media encoder. You can use this tool to re-encode faulty media files so that macOS can play them in QuickTime Player.

Step 1: Open Finder and select Video file.

Step 2: Right click on the file and select “Encrypt selected video files”.

Step 3: Here, click Drop-down arrow Besides the setting.

Step 4: Locate appropriate coding program (You can select any codec, as QuickTime Player supports all of them.)

Step 5: Click tracking.

Once the encoding session is complete, you'll find the converted video file in the same folder. Try playing it, and hopefully you'll be able to play it now.

6. Scan your macOS for any viruses.

Although macOS is virtually invulnerable, some malware and clever viruses can harm built-in applications like QuickTime Player. Don't worry. There are proven ways to remove and prevent malware from entering your Mac.

A good antivirus program and a thorough cleaning of your Mac can go a long way. Once you've confirmed that macOS is free of malware, spyware, and viruses, give your video file another chance. See if QuickTime returns to its fast state (pun intended).

7. Search for a compatible app on the App Store.

If you're in this section, it means you've tried all of the previous troubleshooting methods and were unable to fix the "This file is not compatible with QuickTime Player" error. Now, your last option is to get another video player that can play the file you're having problems with.

To find the appropriate app for your file, right-click the file, select Open with, and then select App Store. Browse through the available options and find the one that best suits your needs.

Don't wait for the right time for a quick fix.

It can be a real blow to your mood when your home video, that episode of your favorite show, or a long-forgotten video clip comes across the error "This file is not compatible with Quicktime Player." We hope this article helps you resolve the issue without too much hassle.

If you need more help or have any questions, feel free to contact us via the comments section.