How to Repair Corrupt MOV Files?

MOV video file format, developed by Apple, is a popular format for editing and distributing videos. It is an MPEG 4 video container file, usually played by the built-in QuickTime player on Mac.

A MOV file is a multimedia container that can store video, audio, and text – in the same file on different tracks. These files contain high-bitrate videos with little to no compression resulting in a substantial file size. Since MOV files offer high-quality videos, they are the preferred choice for professional media editors.

Signs of Corruption in MOV Files

A corrupt MOV file of iPhone may show the following problems:

• The video not opening in any player or editor
• Unsynchronized audio
• Video is jerky or pixelated
• The video file icon appears as a gray triangle
• Video freezing or showing a black screen

Why Do MOV Files Get Corrupted?

From incomplete video transfer to incompatible video player, there could be various reasons for the MOV video to go corrupt. Improper system shutdown or bad sectors on storage media can also corrupt your MOV video. Here are some common reasons for MOV video corruption:

• Sudden system shutdown
• Improper file downloads
• Incompatible video players can overwrite or damage the file header of your MOV video
• Bad or improper video conversion
• Presence of bad sectors on storage media
• Virus or malware infection
• Interruption during transferring, editing, or recording a video

How to Fix a Corrupt MOV File?

If MOV videos are not playing on your media player, you can try the following workarounds:

Solution 1: Play Videos in Different Media Players

Change the media player to check if your MOV videos are playing. You can use QuickTime Player, VLC Media Player, 5K Player, or Cisdem Video Player to play your MOV videos.

Solution 2: Converting the MOV File to a Different Format

Converting the video file format can fix the corruption in MOV files. You can use online tools like CloudConvert, VEED.io, Movavi Video Converter, etc.

Solution 3: Transcode MOV File Using VLC Media Player

Use VLC Media Player to transcode your corrupt MOV videos so they are playable on any unsupported media player. This method generally arises due to video incompatibility with the media player.

• Open VLC Media Player on your PC.
• Click the File option at the top and select the Convert/Stream option.

• Click Open Media and select one or more videos you want to transcode. Select the Customize option next to the Choose Profile.

• Navigate to the Encapsulation tab and select any file format, such as AVI. Click Apply.

• Click the Save as File button at the bottom of the Convert & Stream window.

• Click Browse to select the location to save your video, and remember to give a proper name to your file.Then click Save.

After transcoding, you can play the video in VLC or any other media player.

Solution 4: Repair Corrupt MOV File Using VLC Video Fix Feature

Use the built-in ‘Repair AVI fixes’ feature in VLC Player to fix corruption issues in the file header and file index of any videos. To use this feature, you need to change the file extension of your MOV videos to AVI and then repair your file using VLC.

• Open the converted video file in VLC Media Player and then click VLC Media Player > Preferences.

• Go to the Input/Codec tab.

• Select the Always Fix option from the ‘Repair AVI Files’ drop-down list. Click Save.

Solution 5: Repair Corrupt MOV File Using Professional Video Repair Software

If you still can’t open your MOV file, after trying the above-listed troubleshooting methods, the chances are it’s corrupt. In such a situation, you must use a professional MOV video repair software – Stellar Repair for Video to fix corrupt MOV files.

This video repair tool can fix video corruption issues like unplayable, out-of-sync, choppy, and blurry videos. It even fixes ‘QuickTime Error’ or corruption issues in video frames, headers, or indexes for seamless playback.

Stellar Repair for Video tool can fix corrupt or damaged videos caused by OS crashes, improper file transfer, viruses or malware attacks, and more. It can simultaneously repair multiple videos in any file format, such as MOV, AVI, MP4, etc.

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Steps to repair corrupt MOV file using Stellar Repair for Video:

• Download, install, and launch Stellar Repair for Video on your PC.
• Click Add File on the home screen to upload your corrupt MOV videos.

• Click Repair to initiate the repair process.

• You can check the progress of the video repair process in the progress bar.

• Once the repair process completes, click OK.

• You can see the preview of the repaired video and save it at a desired location by clicking Save Repaired files.

Summing Up

MOV is a high-definition and widely supported file format for streaming and sharing video. Though it supports high-quality video, it can get unreadable or corrupted at times due to disrupted transfer, improper system shutdown, etc.

You can repair MOV files by converting the file format or checking if videos are playing on other media players. Always remember to create a backup of your MOV video before attempting any repair methods. However, for best results, you’re recommended to use a professional MOV video repair tool like Stellar Repair for Video to fix corrupt MOV files.

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About The Author

Nishat Paiker

Nishat Paiker is an expert technical writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. She has deep knowledge about data recovery and loves to explore new technology and DIY tools. Nishat has keen interest in photography. You will often find her giving photography tips and hacks.