If you're here reading this, chances are you've encountered an error message saying "HTML5: Video file not found? Reload the page!" while trying to play a video on your browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera GX, or Safari).
It can be quite annoying when you come across this error, especially if the video you're trying to watch is important to you. But don't worry, there are 10 proven solutions to fix the "HTML5 video not found" error on iPhone, Android, or computers. In this article, we'll present you with seven effective methods to fix this error.
In this section, we will go through what HTML video files are and what the 'HTML5: video file not found' error means.
☞ What is HTML5 Video File?
HTML5 is a digital video format that can be embedded in web pages using the HTML <video> element. Generally, it covers multiple video formats, including MP4, WebM, Ogg, AVI, MOV, etc. Besides, it serves as the advanced video element necessary to play videos online on different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc.) seamlessly without the need for additional Adobe Flash plugins. This element is the preferred choice of many web developers for its compatibility with different browsers and sought-after video attributes.
☞ What Does HTML5 Video File Not Found Mean?
When receiving an "HTML5 not found" error, it may mean either the browser does not support the video's format, some codecs are missing, the website is experiencing issues, or your browser cannot locate or access the video file specified in the <video> tag. Typically, you will experience this crash after a few seconds (10-15 seconds) of the video playback. Many users reported that they encountered this HTML5 video error when they played videos from some media players (like KVS Player and FlawPlayer) or websites (such as Camwhores.TV, 85Tube).
Part 2. Why am I Getting HTML5 Video Not Found Error?
Whether they are using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or other browsers, this error persists, which is annoying. Now, let me walk you through the underlying reasons behind getting this HTML5 video error message. Understanding the root cause of the "HTML5 video not found" error is crucial for effective resolution.
Incorrect File Path: The URL specified in the src attribute of the <video> tag may be incorrect or misspelled. Also, the HTML5 video file might not be uploaded to the server, or it has been deleted or moved to a different location.
Server Configuration Issues: The server hosting the video may have configuration issues or may not be running properly. It is requisite to ensure the server is configured to serve video files without restrictions.
HTML5 Video Corruption: The video file itself may be corrupted or damaged, making it unreadable by the browser.
Backend Issues: When there are glitches in the website's code, it can lead to the "HTML5 video not found" error. This occurs due to backend issues that make the video inaccessible. Web developers can resolve this problem from their end.
Browser Compatibility Issues: If a video plays well on one browser but displays the HTML5 error on another, it indicates a browser compatibility issue. This error can also occur if the browser version you're using does not support the HTML5 video codec used on the website.
Cookies & Caches: Cookies and caches can sometimes cause issues with video playback on web pages, especially when there are malicious bugs present. Trying to play the video in incognito mode can help determine if cookies and caches are the culprits.
Old Video Compatibility Issues: Older videos on the internet may still rely on flash players, which can cause the "HTML5: video not found" error when attempting to play them in a browser that only supports HTML5 video files. This happens because these videos lack the necessary HTML5 elements.
Part 3. How to Fix HTML5 Video Not Found Error on Different Browsers/Devices HOT
Fortunately, this error can be fixed. In this section, we will highlight and elaborate on the different methods by which this issue can be resolved with.
Not all browser versions support the use of HTML5 video files. So, before moving on to other fixes check to see that your current browser version supports HTML5 videos. If it doesn't, then you may want to update it. You will need to know the current version of your browser to be able to check if it is compatible with HTML5 videos. Among all browsers, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, and Safari support HTML5.
Follow the steps below to check the current version of your browser. Because Google Chrome is one of the most used browsers on the planet, we will be using it for this illustration.
Launch your Chrome browser. Then navigate to the More option (like a three-dot icon) located at the upper-right corner of your screen and click on it.
Click on "Help" and then select "About Google Chrome" from the pop-up menu.
If you see the option "Update Google Chrome" then it means your browser is of an older version. Click on it to update to the latest version. The absence of the option means your browser is up to date – if this is the case then you need to move on to the next fix.
The path specified in the <source> tag must accurately point to the location of the video file. If there is a typo or incorrect directory structure, the browser will not be able to locate the file. Therefore, please ensure the video file path is correct. It should be relative to the HTML file or an absolute URL.
Apart from that, please follow the prompt from the error message "HTML5: Video file not found? Reload the page!" to refresh the webpage where the video should be played. This is helpful for some users to fix the HTML5 loading error.
Fix 3: Clean Up Your Browser Cookies & Caches
For a browser to be user-friendly, cookies and caches are essential elements to the progression of this course. They are temporary storage mediums for a small chunk of data. If left unchecked, they tend to accumulate with time causing the browser to perform more slowly than usual. This can lead to difficulties when playing videos online. Clear your cookies and caches and then play the video after refreshing the page. Follow the steps below to clear cookies and caches on your Chrome browser.
Launch Google Chrome. Then click on the upper-right three-dot icon. From the dropdown menu click on "Clear browsing data".
From the pop-up window, tick both boxes beside "cookies and other site data" and "cached images and files", select a time range, and then proceed by clicking 'Clear data'.
Browsing in "Safe Mode" may be a great solution, be it any browser issue. Browsing in Safe mode will automatically turn off the hardware acceleration feature, restore Chrome's browser settings to default, and disable all add-ons and plugins. The easiest way to enable Chrome safe mode is to open its incognito window. You can follow the steps:
Launch Chrome and click the top-right three-dot More option.
From the draw-down menu, tap on "New Incognito Window".
Fix 5: Check and Repair File Corruption
In some cases, a corrupted or damaged video file on a website can lead to the "HTML5 video file not found" error. In such situations where the video in question is of great importance, downloading and then repairing the video file may be the only option. To do so, you will need the assistance of third-party software. The recommended software for such scenarios is 4DDiG Video Repair software.
This AI-driven tool has the capability to repair damaged or corrupted video in various formats on a computer or other devices (like storage devices and cameras). This software is quite effective and works for all scenarios, for example, videos that are corrupted, damaged, distorted, fuzzy, jerky, unplayable, or have no sound, and more. Most importantly, it comes with high success rates in fixing videos even if they are heavily corrupted.
Launch the 4DDiG File Repair executable after installation on your computer. Head to the left "Corrupted File Repair" tab and choose "Video Repair".
On the next window, click the "Add Videos" button to import your corrupt or damaged HTML5 videos. You can upload multiple video files at once.
Upon uploading, activate the "Repair All" button to kick off the HTML5 video fix.
Once the repair process is completed, you can either preview the result or proceed to export and save your repaired video file. Always save your repaired files to a safe and secure location.
Fix 6: Check Server Configuration to Ensure Video File Serve
Ensure that the server is configured to serve video files. Sometimes, web servers have restrictions or need specific configurations for serving media files.
Fix 7: Disable Browser Hardware Acceleration
Hardware acceleration in chrome aid with accelerating graphics-intensive media such as games, and videos. The hardware acceleration feature transfers the workload from your computer's CPU to its GPU (Graphics processing unit). Turning off this feature can resolve some processing problems on chrome by placing the burden of loading a page on the CPU. This can potentially solve the "HTML5 video file not found" error. Execute this fix by following the steps below.
Launch Google Chrome, then navigate to the three-dotted icon located at the upper-right corner of the screen. From the popup menu click on 'Settings'.
On the Settings window, click the 'Advanced' option and then click on 'System'. On the next window, you will see the 'Use hardware acceleration when available…' option. Turn it off if it's on.
Fix 8: Install HTML5 Compatible Codecs
As earlier mentioned, if your browser does not support the codecs format of the HTML5 video you are trying to access, the video won't play. In such situations, you can contact the web developer to reinstall HTML5-supporting codecs.
If the browser extensions are damaged, they will inject faulty scripts that interfere with the normal functioning of web pages, including video players. On the other hand, some add-ons, like the Adblockers will mistakenly block the video content or necessary scripts when the video websites come with ads. Amid this, it is a great shot to disable those extensions or add-ons on your browser. Here, we cite Google Chrome as a case.
On Chrome, navigate to the upper-right three-dot icon and select "Extensions" > "Manage Extensions".
Find the conflicted extensions like ad-blocker or add-ons that are not working or corrupted. Toggle off the button to disable them.
Fix 10: Reset HTML5 Settings
Sometimes, specific site permissions may block video playback.
Click on the padlock icon next to the URL in the address bar, then check the permissions for Media and ensure they are set to allow.
Part 4. People Also Ask about HTML5 Video File
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to the HTML5 video.
Q1: What format of video does HTML5 not support?
HTML5 supports a variety of video formats, but it does not natively support the Flash Video (FLV) format and has limited support for the Windows Media Video (WMV) format.
Q2: What formats do I need for HTML5 video?
For HTML5 video, it is recommended to provide your video in the MP4, WebM, and Ogg formats. These formats ensure broad compatibility across different browsers and devices.
Q3: How to make a video responsive in HTML5?
To make a video responsive in HTML5, wrap the video element inside a container element and apply CSS styles to the container. Set the container's padding-bottom to create the desired aspect ratio (e.g., 56.25% for a 16:9 ratio), and set the video element to have a position of absolute with a width and height of 100%. This will ensure the video adjusts its size and maintains the aspect ratio when viewed on different devices or screen sizes.
Q4: Why is HTML5 video in Chrome forward rewind not working?
Several reasons should be blamed for the HTML5 video in Chrome forward rewind mouse scroll not working error: the outdated browser version, incompatible video format, JavaScript error, conflicted extensions or settings, and HTML5 implementation.
Q5: How to find a video source file HTML5?
To make it, please follow those steps:
Right-click on the webpage where the video is embedded and then pick "Inspect" to open the Developer Tools.
From the "Elements" tab and find the <video> tag.
Inside the tag, find one or more
tag. Generally, the src attribute of these tags contains the URL of the video file.
Later, right-click on the src attribute and choose "Open in new tab" or "Copy link address" to access the video file.
Q6: How to open HTML5 in Chrome?
Make sure you have updated your browser to the latest version. Then find and right-click on the .html file and choose "Open with" > "Google Chrome".
Q7: How do I fix HTML5 video not encoded?
This error indicates that video file is not encoded in a format or codec that the browser can understand. Here are some workarounds to troubleshoot the HTML5 video not encoded properly issue:
Check Video Format and Codec: HTML5 supports specific formats and codecs
MP4: H.264 video codec + AAC audio codec
WebM: VP8 or VP9 video codec + Vorbis or Opus audio codec
Ogg: Theora video codec + Vorbis audio codec
Re-encode the Video: Encode MP4 with H.264, WebM with VP8/VP9, and Ogg with Theora. You can use the FFmpeg tool and send the command: ffmpeg -i input_video.mp4 -c:v libx264 -c:a aac output_video.mp4.
Q8: Does Chrome not support HTML5?
Google Chrome does support HTML5. In fact, Chrome is one of the leading browsers that fully embraces HTML5 features.
Conclusion
Being able to watch videos on the internet is of utmost importance, which is why developers make use of the HTLM5 video element. However, if you make mistakes when uploading HTML5 videos to web pages, and as a result, you begin to encounter the "HTML5 video files not found" error, you can apply any of the above-listed fixes. They are effective and are guaranteed to fix the problem.
Sometimes, videos on web pages do not play because they've been damaged or corrupted before being uploaded by the web developer. Downloading the video and then repairing it with third-party software becomes the best solution. 4DDiG Video Repair is highly recommended for such tasks as it is fast, safe, and easy to use.
William Bollson, the editor-in-chief of 4DDiG, devotes to providing the best solutions for Windows and Mac related issues, including data recovery, repair, error fixes.
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