[Fixed]: Error Code 224003 – ‘This Video File Cannot Be Played’

Summary: Have you come across Error Code 224003 – ‘This Video File Cannot Be Played’ while streaming videos online? In this blog, we’ve shared the probable causes that may lead to this error. We’ve also mentioned ways to fix the error code 224003. Also, find about a video repair software that can help resolve playback issues in videos saved on your PC.

The ‘Error Code: 224003 – This video file cannot be played’ appears on your screen while playing a video online. This error may occur whether you’re playing the video using Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, or any other browser. Due to this error, the video content doesn’t load and is blocked. This is, no doubt, an extremely annoying situation. Thus, you want to resolve this issue immediately.

In this post, we have listed some effective and easy methods to fix the error ‘This video file cannot be played. But before that, let’s take a look at the reasons for such an error.

Reasons behind the Error Code 224003

There are numerous reasons that may trigger the ‘this video file cannot be played (Error Code: 224003)’ error. We have listed some common causes below:

• Unstable or poor internet connection
• Third-party software is stopping the video playback
• Browser settings such as plug-ins, extensions, etc., can also result in this error
• Outdated web browser
• Cache files and cookies are creating online video issues

Solutions to Fix Video Playback Error

Before you proceed to the methods mentioned below, here are some quick fixes that you can try to resolve the video playback error 224003 on Windows 10 PC and Mac:

• Check your internet connection and make sure you have good internet connectivity.
• Always download the video from a legitimate source.
• Try playing the video in a different browser. Also, close all the browser windows and open the video streaming site only.
• You can also try to play the video in an application instead of a browser.
• If you’re using the Safari browser, relaunch the browser. It sometimes helps fix the issue.

If the above-mentioned workarounds didn’t resolve the error code, proceed to the below-listed methods.

Additional reading, How to Repair Corrupted MP4 Video files Free?

Method 1: Update your Browser

In some cases, due to an outdated version of your browser, you may encounter the error code 224003 while playing the video. Therefore, keep your browser updated to its latest version. This helps fix bugs and technical glitches. If you’re using the Chrome browser, follow the below-given steps to update it:

• Open Chrome and click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
• Then, click on the Help menu and choose the About Google Chrome option.
• The pop-up “Update Google Chrome” will appear on your screen if a new version is available.
• Click on it and follow the onscreen instructions.

Method 2: Delete Cache, Cookies, and Browsing History

Whenever you open an application or a website, your device takes a few extra seconds to get it started. These extra seconds relate to that specific website’s cached data. This includes files and scripts that your device retains when you visit a website for the first time. This data keeps on growing and reflect on the device’s performance. It further slows down the site loading time and may result in the error “This video file cannot be played. Error Code 224003.” Similarly, a massive amount of browsing history can also impact the system’s performance. Thus, delete the cache, cookies, and browsing history of your browser at regular intervals. To do so, follow the below-given steps:

For Chrome:

• Open Chrome browser and go to Settings > Advanced > Privacy and security.
• Then, click on Clear browsing data.
• Further, select the timeline of deleting browsing data from Last hour, 24 hours to All time by clicking on Advanced.
• Make sure to select the Browsing History, Cookies, Download history, Cached images and files, and other site data options.
• Lastly, click on the Clear Data option.

Also read, Free Video Repair Tool to Repair Damaged Videos

Method 3: Remove Plug-ins, Add-ons, and Extensions

Your browser may have an add-on, extension, or plug-in to provide an additional feature to an existing program on your system. Most extensions or add-ons are accompanied by ad-blockers or some hidden software that may block the video. You can check and remove unnecessary add-ons, plug-ins, or extensions in the browser you are using to resolve the video cannot be played error. Here are the steps to remove extensions in the Chrome browser:

• Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the top right corner of your screen.
• Go to More tools > Extensions and remove the not required extension.
• Now, close the window and reopen the browser.
• Play the video to check if the error code 224003 is fixed.

Method 4: Reset your Browser Settings

At times, resetting your browser settings to default may help you fix the error code 224003 in streaming videos. When you reset the browser, it removes browser settings, extensions, search history, etc.

Here are the steps to reset browser settings in Google Chrome:

• Click on the three dots in the top right corner of your screen.
• Then, click on Settings > Advanced.
• On Windows 10 PC, click on the Reset option under the Reset and clean up menu.
• On Mac, click on the ‘Restore settings to their original defaults.

Method 5: Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware Acceleration aims to improve browser performance by allowing the CPU to transfer some of its load (page rendering and page loading tasks) to the computer’s GPU. While keeping it on can be useful for the browser’s performance, it sometimes interferes with the video playback process. Therefore, turning it off can help fix the video playback issue in browsers.

Steps to disable hardware acceleration in Chrome:

• Open Chrome browser and go to Settings > Advanced.
• Then, toggle-off Use hardware acceleration when available under the System menu.
• Close the window and reopen Chrome.
• Now try to play the video in the browser.

Method 6: Turn off Your System’s Firewall

The built-in Firewall/Windows Defender on your Windows 10 PC blocks any suspicious software or application that can be harmful for your system. Along with that, it may also block certain video components that are considered threat to your device, resulting in the 224003 error. In such a case, you can turn off the Firewall/Windows Defender. Follow the below-given steps:

Note: Turning off the Firewall/Windows Defender may put your system at risk.

• Click on the Windows icon and select Run to open the Run command window.
• In the text field, type firewall.cpl and press the Enter key.
• It will open the Windows Defender Firewall window in the Control Panel. There, go to the left side of the page and click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
• Next, select the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall options for both Private and Public network settings, under the Customize settings for each type of network section.
• When done, exit the Control Panel window and try to play the video file.

Method 7: Use Stellar Video Repair Software

Are you getting the error code 224003 while playing the videos saved on your system? In that case, you can use reliable video repair software, such as Stellar Video Repair software. It is an efficient video repair software that resolves video errors and playback issues. It also helps you get rid of unsupported video format errors. The software can repair video files of any format, including MP4, MOV, AVI, FLV, F4V, AVCHD, M4V, 3G2, WebM, MKV, etc, and with the help of the software you can Convert MOV, WEBM, MKV, GIF, 3GP, FLV & AVI to MP4

Additional Reading: How to Get Activation Key of Stellar Repair for Video?

Closing Thoughts

It is extremely annoying when you aren’t able to watch the videos due to playback errors. To help you resolve such issues, we have listed some effective solutions in this post. Implementing these solutions in the right way will surely help you resolve Error Code: 224003 – This video file cannot be played.

FAQ

1. How do I fix error code 224003 on Firefox?

To fix Error Code 224003 on Firefox, try clearing your browser cache, updating Firefox, checking for updates on plugins, disabling browser extensions, disabling hardware acceleration, resetting Firefox settings, verifying your internet connection, checking for VPN or proxy issues, and updating graphics drivers.

2.  How to  Avoid the 224003 Error Code?

• Ensure both your browser and plugins are always up to date.
• Regularly clear your browser cache.
• Ensure a reliable internet connection.
• Deactivate any superfluous browser add-ons.
• Ensure that your browser is up-to-date for compatibility.
• Confirm connectivity via VPN or proxy.
• Turn off hardware acceleration.
• Stay updated on the status of our services.
• For ongoing problems, reach out to our support team.

3.  What is error code 224003 on all browsers?

Error Code 224003 is a common problem that affects media playback on all browsers. Here are the steps to resolve it:

• Clear the cache in your browser.
• It is crucial to ensure that the browser remains up to date.
• Temporarily disable extensions or plugins.
• Ensure that all plugins, including Adobe Flash, are kept up-to-date.
• Disable the use of hardware acceleration.
• Make sure your internet connection is stable.
• If problems continue to occur, please reach out to our support team for assistance.