9 Ways to Fix ‘VLC Could Not Identify the Audio or Video Codec’ Error

Unidentified codec: VLC could not identify the audio or video codec error occurs when you try to stream your favorite movie in VLC Player but it refuses to play. It happens due to incorrect Input & Codecs settings and missing required video codecs. Fortunately, it can be fixed by restarting the VLC program, enabling the video/audio output settings, etc.

It is quite frustrating when you can’t open & play your favorite videos/movies in VLC Media Player and end up with peculiar error messages. Nevertheless, such issues can easily be fixed by applying some quick solutions.

Here, in this post, I will be discussing one of the infrequent error messages that users are recently reporting that is “VLC could not identify the audio or video codec”.

Thus, if you are one such user, read this article till the end and apply the solutions mentioned here to get rid of this issue by yourself.

What Causes Unidentified Audio or Video Codec VLC Error?

The below-shown error can be triggered due to quite a few reasons. Let’s take a look at them.

1. Incorrect Input & Codecs settings
2. Using an outdated version of VLC Player
3. Missing required video codecs
4. Wrong Video & Audio output settings
5. Video file corruption
6. Glitches in the VLC

As you are well aware of the major factors of this error, now let’s find out the possible ways to resolve unidentified audio or video codec VLC issues.

How To Fix Unidentified Codec: VLC Could Not Identify the Audio or Video Codec?

Apply the below step-by-step methods to solve this issue in no time.

Fix 1: Close & Reopen VLC Media Player

The very first method that I would like to suggest you to troubleshoot this problem is to close and again open the VLC program after some time.

Once you have done this, then check if you can open and play your video file without any interruption or not. If not, then try further solutions.

Fix 2: Modify the Input & Codecs Settings

As mentioned above, incorrect inputs and codecs settings in the VLC preferences is the foremost reason for causing unidentified codec error in VLC. In such a case, modifying the settings can assist you to deal with the error.

Here is how you can do so:

• Open the VLC Media player on your PC
• Then, go to Tools>> Preferences.

• When the popup window appears, select Input & codecs option in the Advanced Preferences section.
• After this, tap on All which you can see in the bottom left side >> tap Show Settings.
• In a search bar, type “File Caching” and then you have to set it to the 1000 value.

• Finally, tap on the Save & restart your PC.

Also Read: Tips To Fix VLC Your Input Can’t Be Opened Error

Fix 3: Update the VLC Media Player

Sometimes, it happens that running an outdated version of the VLC player triggers different issues including VLC could not identify the audio or video codec.

Therefore, it’s important to check whether you’re using an outdated VLC version or not. If it’s outdated, you should update it immediately.

For this, follow the below steps:

• Launch VLC Player>> choose Help option from the top menu.
• Choose the option Check for Updates.

• Then, your device will begin scanning for available updates.
• Now, follow the onscreen instructions in order to finish the process.

Once the process is over, check if you can enjoy seamless video playback in a VLC.

Fix 4: Enable Video & Audio Output Settings

Since the issue is related to the audio and video, so consider enabling video & audio output settings in VLC preferences.

Try the below steps to do this:

Steps to enable the Video Settings:

• Firstly, go to the Video tab in the Simple Preferences page
• Next, you have to check the “Enable Video”
• Here, simply change the Video Output mode (choose OpenGL video output) & verify if it helps.
• Lastly, tap on the Save button to save the changes that you have made.

Steps to enable the Audio Settings:

• First of all, go to Tools >> tap Preferences in the VLC Media Player
• Then, go to the Audio tab,
• At this time, check if “Enable audio” option has been selected or not. If not, then select it >> click on the Save.

Fix 5: Install Correct Video Codec for VLC

The ‘unidentified codec: VLC could not identify the audio or video codec’ error message mainly occurs due to an unavailable VLC video codec.

In such an instance, you will have to install the required video codec for VLC on your computer and then try to stream the video or footage again.

Also Read: Fix “MKV File Not Playing In VLC”

Fix 6: Reinstall VLC Media Player

Another yet option that can help you to solve this issue is to uninstall & reinstall the VLC program. Since the error has occurred in the VLC player when trying to play the video so, consider reinstalling it.

Doing this will download a new VLC version and help you to resolve the issue.

Here is you can uninstall & then reinstall your VLC:

• On your Windows PC, press the Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run box.
• Then, type the appwiz.cpl >> hit Enter.

• At this time, search for the VLC app, and then right-click on it when you find it. Select Uninstall.
• Next, go to the official site of the VLC & download the latest version available there.
• Once completed, run an executable file and follow the onscreen instructions to finish the process.
• Lastly, open the VLC player program & enjoy watching your beloved movie without any stoppage.

Fix 7: Solve VLC Could Not Identify the Audio or Video Codec Using Different Media Player

Well, if you’re not able to stream your favorite video in the VLC player, then it is recommended to try another media player to play it.

There are several media players available like Windows Media Player, JetVideo Player, KMPlayer, RealPlayer, GOMplayer, Kodi, etc. You can use any of these players to play your beloved video.

Do you know why I am suggesting this solution? This is because there is a huge possibility that a media player you’re using doesn’t support the video codecs.

Fix 8: Contact VLC Official Support

If none of the above fixes helped you to get rid of this error, the last resort left is to contact VLC’s official support site. All you need to do is to explain your whole situation to them & get professional help.

They’ll surely assist you to fix VLC unidentified codec error successfully.

Try Recommended Video Repair Tool to Fix Unplayable VLC Video File

Many times, video steamers encounter different errors or issues in the VLC player like “VLC video freezes audio continues”, “VLC player pixelated video” or other problems including unidentified codec error. Such sorts of issues generally happen due to video file corruption. In such instances, it’s recommended to try a professional Video Repair tool.

It is specially designed to repair the corruption in a video header, frames, slider movement, and more.

The best thing about this software is- it is 100% safe, secure, and easy to use. Also, supports all video formats like AVI, MKV, MP4, MOV, WMV, AVCHD, M4V, etc.

* Free version of this program only previews repaired videos.

Therefore, just download & install this utility on your Windows/Mac PC and follow the below step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Download, install and launch Video Repair software on your system. Click on 'Add Files' to add corrupted video files.

Step 2: Click on 'Repair' button to begin the repairing process. This start repairing your added video files one by one.

Step 3: You can click on 'Preview', in order to preview the repaired video file within the software and click on 'Save Repaired Files' button to save the repaired videos at desired location.

Related FAQs:

What Codec Does VLC Use?

VLC uses the video codecs such as MPEG (ES, PVA, MP3, PS, TS), WMV, WMA, AVI, ASF, MP4, MOV, OGM, 3GP, OGG, Matroska (MKV), WAV (including DTS), Real, etc.

Does VLC Need Additional Codecs?

Yes, VLC is a free & widely-used multimedia player that requires to the installation of additional codecs to play audio and video smoothly.

Also Read: Fix VLC Player Error Opening File for Writing

Final Thoughts

So, here comes the end of this blog where I have discussed how to fix the “unidentified codec: VLC could not identify the audio or video codec” error.

I hope, by following the above solutions, you will be able to stream your beloved videos in the VLC player without any error message.

Moreover, you can visit to our official Twitter or Facebook page, if you have any queries related to this topic.