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Fix: Chrome is not Playing Videos Online on a Computer

Does Chrome browser not play videos on your computer? Learn how to resolve video playback issues in your browser with our guide.

Due to human error or some connectivity issues, you might face the problem of Chrome not playing the videos. To rectify this error, you can follow some basic troubleshooting steps. Moreover, restarting your PC or laptop and checking the internet connectivity always remain the prior remedy before performing cache clear or browser reset.

Fix: Video Not Playing Online on Chrome browser

Despite several browsers available to surf the internet, Google Chrome remains the widely used browser on internet-enabled devices. The easy UX and rich integration make Google more popular among available.

People using the internet generally find it way too easy to use Google Chrome as it is easily customizable and compatible with all the search engines with quick responses.

However, the user experience can be annoying for those users who face lags and errors while playing the videos on Chrome. Several factors can play a significant role in such unusual behavior of Chrome.

Even at my end, I faced the same problem: I had to wait almost hours, but the video still didn’t play. It made me do detailed research on the factors that could have arisen from the problems and how to sort them out.

If you are also facing the same problems, go through the fixing methods below that will help you fix your problem of Chrome not playing the videos.

Restart Computer System

The first method you must opt for is restarting your PC or devices before moving to any other steps because a restart often fixes all the problems.

You can follow the basics based on which operating systems your computer is running – Windows, Mac, Linux, or any OS.

Once your PC restarts, check whether the video is being played in Chrome. In most cases, this very first method resolves the problems.

Update Google Chrome

Many new features are added to Chrome with new updates for better performance. But if you have not installed the latest updates, Chrome lags and malfunctions. So, in such a case, updating will be the ultimate solution.

  1. Launch the Google Chrome browser on your computer.
  2. Hit on More vertical 3dots icon for the options menu.
  3. Select Settings from the list.
    Google Chrome Settings options
  4. Switch to the About Chrome section on the Settings page.
    Google Chrome should automatically start looking for the latest updates.
    About Chrome Update on Computer
  5. The Chrome will be updated and ask for the Relaunch.

If any updates are present in Chrome, they will be installed following the given steps. But if you find that there are no updates, then go with the following methods.

Clear cookies and cache

Sometimes data collected in cookies and cache could prevent videos from being played on Chrome. Clear cookies and browsing data free up space for new videos to load and play.

Here are the steps to clear browsing data:

  1. Launch the Chrome browser on the computer.
  2. Click on the More vertical 3dots icon menu for options.
  3. Select Settings from the list.
  4. Scroll down to the Privacy and Security section, and select the Clear browsing data option.
    Clear Browsing Data menu tab in Chrome BrowserIt will open the Clear browsing data window.
  5. Enable the check box against Cookies other site data, and  Cached images and files.
  6. Select the time range, and hit the Clear data command button.
    Clear browser cache and site cookies from Chrome Computer

The browsing data, cookies, and cache saved in Chrome will be deleted. You can also delete the browsing history and saver passwords using the same window if required, but it’s not required for video play issues.

Enable JavaScript

For security reasons, Chrome can sometimes disable a plug-in like JavaScript, and enabling it again can make the videos play in Chrome. Here are the steps to enable JavaScript execution:

  1. Launch the Chrome browser app on the computer.
  2. Click on the More vertical 3dots icon menu for options.
    Chrome Computer Settings menu tab
  3. Select Settings from the list.
  4. Scroll down to the Privacy and Security section, and select the Site settings from the menu.
    Site Settings Tab in Chrome Computer
  5. Choose the JavaScript option within Site settings.
  6. Toggle the button to turn it ON and allow the JavaScript execution.
    Allow JavaScript on chrome computer

These steps will help you enable JavaScript, but in case Chrome had disabled it for security reasons. You can also add the video website to allow or an exception list to allow JavaScript instead of all sites.

Reset your Chrome browser

If anything mentioned above fails to solve the issue, you can completely reset Chrome. It could be a case where some programs or extensions might have changed Chrome settings, and you cannot reach them. Hence, resetting the browser settings should be the last bet.

  1. Launch the Google Chrome browser on the Computer.
  2. Click on the More vertical 3dots icon menu for options.
  3. Select Settings from the list.
  4. Scroll down and click to open the Advanced settings section.
    Google Chrome Advanced Settings hidden menu
  5. Again scroll down to the end until the Reset settings section.
  6. Select Restore settings to their original defaults option.
    Reset Chrome Browser on Computer
  7. Hit on the Reset settings command button.

After resetting your Chrome browser, you will start surfing a new version of your Chrome. But remember resetting Chrome will delete all your bookmarks, extensions, or passwords saved in Chrome. Hence, keep your data synced and save it in your Google account.

Bottom Line

Google Chrome is still considered the best of all browsers that can also face some bugs created from your side. This means your unusual actions can also cause the videos not to play in Chrome.

Even the troubleshooting measures mentioned above were for the errors made by the users. So, the users must pay attention while using the browsers because it is the same as mine. Due to my mistakes, my videos were not played in Chrome, but the above methods helped resolve my problem.

So, if you are facing the same problem, go through all the measures mentioned above and try them out. By the end, you will resolve the issue of videos not playing in Chrome.

Please let us know if you have any more doubts or issues regarding Chrome’s video playing.

FAQs

Here are a few frequently asked questions regarding Google Chrome not playing videos online and its fixes.

Why are the videos not being loaded in Chrome?

Internet connectivity can be a significant problem if the videos are not loaded in Chrome, so check your internet connection.

How to play any video in Chrome?

To play the videos in Chrome, you need to find the play icon or “play the video” option. Click on it, and it will play your video.

Can I play the Chrome Videos in MX Player?

Yes, you can do so, but first, you need to save the video on your PC or laptop, and then you can open it with MX Player.

Lastly, if you've any thoughts or feedback, then feel free to drop in below comment box. You can also report the outdated information.

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Shubham Kumar

Shubham Kumar

Shubham is a graduate of Information Technology who likes to write about Windows troubleshooting and browser tips. He's always engaged with new tech and gadgets exploring new technologies. He also worked with TheWindowsClub and WindowsReport. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

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