How to Fix Video Codec Not Supported on Android/Samsung/Windows [2024]

“I’m having trouble playing certain video files on my device due to a ‘video codec not supported’ issue. Despite them supposedly having supported codecs, the files, encoded in x265 with HDR, won’t play well in the native video app. Even though VLC can handle them, the colors are garbled for HDR content. On my previous Galaxy S8, I never faced this problem. Any ideas on what’s causing the issue and how to fix it?”

  ——A Question from Samsung Community

This video codec not supported Android/Windows is a common playback problem among devices that can occur while playing videos. In this guide, we’ll explain what does video codec not supported mean and delve into the reasons behind this error. We’ll also provide four effective solutions to fix it easily and quickly. By the end, you’ll be able to enjoy your videos without any issues. So, let’s jump right in!

Part 1: What Does Video Codec Not Supported Mean?

Video codecs are essential for compressing and decompressing video data, with different video formats relying on specific codecs (e.g., MP4 using H.264). When you play a video, your device or media player must have a compatible codec.

So, what does video codec not supported mean? If your device or media player lacks the necessary codec, you’ll encounter an error like “Samsung video codec not supported.” This indicates the player’s or device’s inability to decode the video data due to a mismatch.

Part 2: Common Reasons Behind Video Codec Not Supported

You might encounter a “video codec not supported Android” error due to various reasons, such as the following:

1. Your computer or Android device can’t recognize the compression codec in your video.
2. Corrupted video files, often due to viruses or data errors, can lead to the codec not supported error.
3. Your media player does not support the codec used in your video file.
4. Necessary codecs might be missing from the system.
5. The media player you’re using is outdated.

Part 3: How to Fix Video Codec Not Supported Caused by File Corruption

So, now you know what does video codec not supported means and why this issue occurs, let’s move on to fixing it. In most scenarios, the codec error is caused by video file corruption. If that’s the case, none of the methods mentioned in the next section will work.

However, don’t feel disheartened, as you can repair it with the help of a third-party tool like 4DDiG File Repair. It can fix various video playback issues, including the “video codec not supported” error. Check out this tool’s incredible features:

• Repair corrupted, damaged, frozen, or unplayable
• Fix video and audio synchronization issues, overexposed, blurry, pixelated, or grainy footage.
• Supports a wide range of popular video formats such as MP4, AVI, MOV, M4V, MKV, etc
• Batch repair multiple files simultaneously.
• Free preview of repaired videos to ensure the desired results.
• Compatible with digital cameras, drones, SD cards, hard disks, USBs, etc.
• Supports Windows and Mac systems.

Check out the instructions below to repair your corrupted videos with this tool:

Step 1: Launch the tool on your PC or Mac and choose “Fix Video Errors.” Hit “Start.”

Step 2: Press the “Add Video(s)” button to upload videos with codec errors.

Step 3: Click “Start Repair” after the videos are listed for repair.

Step 4: Check out the repaired videos once the tool finishes fixing the corruption.  Now, save each video individually with “Export” or export them all simultaneously using “Export All.”

Part 4: How to Fix Video Codec Not Supported for Free?

Do you prefer not to spend money resolving the “video codec not supported Android” error? Then, here are three free alternatives for you:

4.1 Use Another Media Player or Update

Change your media player to another one and try playing the video file with the “video codec not supported” error. For example, if you’re using Windows Media Player (WMP) on Windows, change it to the VLC player. It is more versatile and supports a wide range of video & audio codecs and platforms.

Or try updating your media player to the latest version to resolve Samsung video codec not supported errors. If it’s outdated, it might not support the newer codecs. Here’s how to update WMP and VLC:

For Windows Media Player

Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store app.

Step 2: Head to the Library section and click “Get updates” to install all available updates, including those for the new Windows Media Player.

For VLC Media Player

On Windows:

Step 1: In VLC, head to “Help” and select “Check for Updates.”

Step 2: If an update is available, VLC will ask to download and install it. Click “Yes.”

Step 3: After downloading, VLC will prompt you to launch the installer—go ahead and install the newer version.

On Android Devices:

Step 1: Check the Google Play Store on your Android device.

Step 2: Click on your profile icon and head to “Manage apps & devices.”

Step 3: Check the “Updates available” section for any update for the VLC for Android player. If there’s one, hit the “Update” button to install the latest version.

4.2 Convert the Video Format

Sometimes, the “video codec not supported Android” problem happens due to an incompatible format. So, try converting the video with VLC on Windows or Mac, and for Android, use any other Android video converter apps available on the Google Play Store.

By VLC

VLC Media Player has a built-in converter that can assist you in resolving the codec issue on both Windows and Mac. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open VLC, head to “Media,” and choose “Convert/Save.”

Step 2: Click “Add” to select the video file with the codec issue.

Step 3: Press “Convert/Save” and choose the codec and container for the conversion. For instance, select “Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4)” for a standard MP4 format or click the wrench icon for more options.

Step 4: Pick a location and filename for the output file, then click “Start” to begin the conversion. Watch VLC’s progress bar as it completes the process.

By Android Apps

You can find converter apps for Android on the Play Store, like Media Converter, Video Format Factory, or VidSoftLab Video Converter. Pick one of these apps to convert the video to a compatible format and resolve the Samsung “video codec not supported” error.

4.3 Install a Codec Pack

The “video codec not supported Samsung” error appearing while playing a video file might be due to the player lacking the necessary codecs. Therefore, installing a codec pack can address this issue. Consider using the K Lite Codec pack, which is available for Windows and Android.

For Windows:

K-Lite Codec pack is like a one-stop shop for codecs, ensuring you can play nearly any video or audio file on Windows. The basic version covers all the codecs for popular formats like MKV, AVI, MP4, and FLV.  Here’s how to install and download the K-Lite Codec pack on Windows:

Step 1: Download and launch the K-Lite Codec Pack installer.

Step 2: Choose an installation mode and pick a destination folder for the codec.

Step 3: Keep the default options and click “Next” until you reach a page where all Media Players are checked.

Step 4: Enable both options for internal DXVA decoders and click “Next.”

Step 5: Choose a player and click “Next.”

Step 6: Make sure “All Video Extensions” are selected for the default Media player, then click “Next” and choose the channel output. Press “Next” again.

Step 7: Tap “Next,” then “Install.” Once the installation is finished, press “Finish” and test your Windows Media or VLC player to confirm.

For Android:

Step 1: Get the APK from a reliable source.

Step 2: Head to “Settings,” choose “Security,” then “Unknown sources,” and toggle it on to allow installation.

Step 3: Open the APK, press “Install,” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete. Try playing your video to see ifthe Samsung “video codec not supported” error persists.

FAQs about Video Codec Not Supported

Q1: What video codec does Samsung use?

Samsung uses a variety of video codecs like MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, Ogg, FLAC, TS, M2TS, Wav, and AAC. However, the codecs can vary depending on the Samsung device model and software version. For example, some Samsung devices might use H.264 or H.265 codecs for video playback.

Q2: Why is video format not supported on my Android phone?

Your Android phone might display video codec not supported Samsung error for a particular video format or codec for various reasons such as:

1. The video format or codec isn’t compatible with your device’s operating system or media player.
2. The video file is corrupt or incomplete.
3. The video file needs extra codecs or libraries absent on your device.
4. The video file has a resolution or frame rate beyond your device’s capabilities.

Q3: What is the best video codec for Android?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different video codecs have varying pros and cons regarding quality, size, compatibility, and performance. However, some popular and widely supported video codecs for Android include:

1. H.264/AVC.
2. H.265/HEVC.
3. AV1.
4. VP9.

Conclusion

We’ve covered the “video codec not supported” problem and shared four solutions, ranging from both paid to free options. But if the root cause lies in the video file’s corruption, standard fixes might not cut it. In such cases, addressing corruption is crucial.

Luckily, a tool like 4DDiG File Repair comes to the rescue to fix various error codes. It can resolve audio and video syncing issues and repair corrupted, unplayable, or visually impaired videos.