Google Chrome is currently the most popularly used browser in the world today. It has several outstanding features which makes it the top choice among computer users. There’s in fact an operating system built on Chrome, called ChromeOS, which can perform just as good as a Windows based computer. Although this is a solid browser there are instances when certain issues can occur. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Chrome error loading media file could not be played issue.
Fix Chrome Error Loading Media File could Not Be Played Issue
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer or phone first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
There are several factors that can cause this particular problem ranging from an outdated Chrome version to corrupted temporary files. Listed below are the recommended troubleshooting steps you need to do to fix this problem.
Make sure you have the latest version of Chrome
The first thing you will want to do in this case is to make sure that you have the latest version of Chrome installed on your phone or computer.
On your computer
- Open Chrome.
- At the top right, look at More.
- If an update is pending, the icon will be coloured: Green: An update was released less than 2 days ago. Orange: An update was released about 4 days ago. Red: An update was released at least a week ago.
- Click Update Google Chrome. If you don’t see this button, you’re on the latest version.
- Click Relaunch.
On your Android device
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Play Store app
- At the top left, tap Menu – My apps & games.
- Under “Updates,” find Chrome
- Next to Chrome, tap Update.
If you are on Chrome 76 and above you can also do the update with the steps listed below.
- On your Android device, open Chrome
- At the top, tap More – Update Chrome.
- Restart Chrome when prompted.
Try to check if the Chrome error loading media file could not be played issue still occurs.
Delete the cache and cookies
One of the factors that can cause this problem is corrupted cached data which is why you will need to delete this from the browser if you are experiencing this issue. Take note that when you perform this procedure some settings on websites you visited will be deleted. You will need to login with your username and password again from some websites and websites will seem to load longer since the cached images will need to be loaded again.
On your computer
- Open Chrome.
- At the top right, click More
- Click More tools and then Clear browsing data.
- At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.
- Next to “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files,” check the boxes.
- Click Clear data.
On your Android device
- Open the Chrome app.
- At the top right, tap More.
- Tap History and then Clear browsing data.
- At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.
- Next to “Cookies and site data” and “Cached images and files,” check the boxes.
- Tap Clear data.
Try to check if the Chrome error loading media file could not be played issue still occurs.
Try to disable Chrome extensions
It’s possible that an extension that you are using on the browser is causing this problem. You can check if this is the culprit by opening Chrome in incognito mode.
- Open Chrome.
- At the top right, click More then New Incognito Window.
- A new window appears. In the top corner, check for the Incognito icon
If the issue does not occur in this mode then it’s likely caused by an extension. Find out what extension is causing the problem and disable it.
- Open Chrome.
- At the top right, click More – More tools – Extensions.
- On to the extension you want to remove, click Remove.
- Confirm by clicking Remove.
Try to check if the Chrome error loading media file could not be played issue still occurs.
Reset Chrome settings to default
In case the above steps fails to fix the problem then you should try resetting the Chrome browser to its default settings.
- Open Chrome.
- At the top right, click More – Settings.
- At the bottom, click Advanced
- Under “Reset and cleanup,” click Reset Settings and then Reset Settings.
Try to check if the Chrome error loading media file could not be played issue still occurs.