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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.

The Chrome app can render and play video within the browser without needing any add-on. However, there can be unknown issues with video playback.

In such instances, you can restart your browser and system, check internet bandwidth, perform browser cache, and reset the browser settings to resolve the online video play.

In this guide, we have shared different troubleshooting methods to fix the video not playing in the Chrome app.

Method 1: Restart Computer System

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

You can follow the basics based on which operating system 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.

Method 2: Update Chrome to Latest Version

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 3-dots icon for the options menu, and select Settings from the list.
    Google Chrome Settings options
  3. 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
  4. 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.

Method 3: Clear Browser Cookies and Website 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.

  1. Launch the Chrome browser on the computer.
  2. Click on the More vertical 3-dots icon menu for options, and select Settings from the list.
  3. 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.
  4. Enable the check box against Cookies other site data, and  Cached images and files.
  5. 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.

Method 4: Enable Browser JavaScript Execution

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 3-dots 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.

Method 5: Reset Browser Settings to Original Default

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 3-dots icon menu, and select Settings from the list.
  3. Scroll down and click to open the Advanced settings section.
    Google Chrome Advanced Settings hidden menu
  4. Again scroll down to the end until the Reset settings section.
  5. Select Restore settings to their original defaults option.
    Reset Chrome Browser on Computer
  6. 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.

So, the users must pay attention while using the browsers because it is the same as mine.

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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Kushal Azza

Kushal Azza

Kushal Azza is a Google Certified IT Professional, Digital Content Creator, and Go-To Digital Marketer with Engineering Degree. He has over a decade of experience solving tech problems, troubleshooting, and innovating digital solutions. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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