How to Fix Unable to Play Video Error 150: 2025 Updated

If you've ever been pumped to watch a video, only to face the annoying 'Unable to Play Video Error 150,' you're definitely not the only one. This error appears unexpectedly, leaving you stranded in the middle of a movie, video tutorial, or that hilarious clip you've been looking forward to. But don’t worry, I’ve been there too, and I’m here to share exactly how I solved it, along with some practical tips to help you avoid this issue in the future.

Here’s a breakdown of what error 150 is, how to fix it, and ways to prevent it from happening again.

GUIDE LIST

1. 5 Ways to Fix Error 150: Unable to Play Video

2. Tips to Prevent Error 150 When Playing Videos

1. 5 Ways to Fix Error 150: Unable to Play Video

If you’re struggling with the ‘Error 150: Unable to Play Video’ message, there are a few things you can try before giving up. Here are some of the best methods that have worked for me, along with a bonus tool that made all the difference.

1.1 Restart Your Device

This may sound too simple, but restarting your device can help resolve minor software glitches that may be causing the error. I’ve had success with this after getting frustrated with error 150 on my phone and computer. Sometimes, the operating system simply needs a reset to resolve the issue.

1.2 Update Your Media Player

If you’re using an outdated media player, that could be the culprit. I’ve encountered issues where older versions of my media player were unable to properly decode certain video files, especially those in newer formats. Ensure your video player (such as VLC or Windows Media Player) is up to date.

1.3 Check for Corrupt Video Files

One of the main reasons for error 150 could be that your video file is corrupted. Whether it was interrupted during downloading or there was an issue while transferring, corrupted files won’t play. If you notice the error occurs only with specific videos, the file itself may be the problem.

1.4 Clear Cache and Temporary Files

Clearing your cache and temporary files is another troubleshooting technique I’ve used to resolve this issue. At times, stored data can create issues with the video player. It’s similar to rebooting your device. Just head over to your device’s settings and clear the cache in your media player app or web browser.

1.5 Use ArkThinker Video Repair Tool

If none of these methods work, don't worry, and this is where a video repair tool comes into play. ArkThinker Video Repair has been a lifesaver for me when I was stuck with corrupted video files that just wouldn’t play. It’s designed to fix a range of video errors, including error 150, and can repair files in formats like MP4, MOV, and AVI.

Once you've downloaded it, open the installation file and just follow the instructions that pop up on your screen to get the software set up on your computer.

Once the program is open, click the Add Video button to navigate to the video that displays the ‘Error 150: Unable to Play’ message. Additionally, you need to include a sample video from the same source as the error 150 video file.

The time it takes to fix the issue will vary based on how bad the file is corrupted and how large the video is.

Once you've checked the video and made sure it's all good, click the Save button to store the fixed video on your computer.

I used ArkThinker when I had an MP4 file that wouldn’t load, and it was driving me crazy. The tool took about 5 minutes to fix the MP4 file, and I was amazed at how easy it was to follow the steps. My video played perfectly afterward, and no error 150! The only downside I noticed was that it’s not free, but it’s definitely worth the investment if you have important videos to repair.

2. Tips to Prevent Error 150 When Playing Videos

Fixing error 150 is one thing, but preventing it in the first place is even better. Here are a few tips I’ve learned the hard way that can help avoid this frustrating error in the future:

2.1 Ensure Proper Video Downloads

One of the most common reasons for video errors is incomplete or interrupted downloads. If your internet connection was unstable while downloading a video, the file may become corrupted, which can trigger error 150. To prevent this, always make sure the download completes before attempting to play the video.

2.2 Avoid Sudden Interruptions While Playing Videos

Interruptions, such as power loss or device crashes, can cause videos to become corrupted. If you’re watching a video on your phone or computer, avoid multitasking or force-closing the app. This can ensure that your video plays without any issues. Besides, when your browser like Chrome, Opera, Firefox not playing video files, exit other tabs to keep only one screen to play the video file to avoid the error 150.

2.3 Backup Your Videos Regularly

I can’t stress this enough, and backing up your videos is a game-changer. Whether you’re using a cloud service or an external hard drive, having backups of important videos ensures that if something goes wrong, you don’t lose everything. This is especially useful if you’re working with video files that are crucial for school projects or personal memories.

2.4 Use Trusted Video Editing Software

If you're editing a video, always use trusted video editing software that properly handles your file formats. Sometimes, editing tools can create issues with your video files, especially if they don’t support the format you’re working with. Stick to well-known editors like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro, or consider lighter tools like iMovie, for smoother video editing without errors.

2.5 Keep Your Software Updated

Always keep your video players, media apps, and video drivers up to date. Just as I updated my media player to avoid playback issues, updating software regularly ensures you don’t encounter compatibility problems that could cause error 150.

Conclusion