Fix “Whoops! A Problem Playing This Video” in Google Drive

Google Drive is a cloud-based file syncing and storage service. One of its functions is to allow users to play videos stored in the cloud.

Many users find the cloud-based storage service helpful because it supports various video file types. It can play 3GPP, MOV, MPEG4, AVI, WMV, and other files. You can also upload videos of any resolution.

However, some users reported experiencing issues when attempting to watch uploaded videos. They often get the "Whoops! There was a problem playing this video" error prompt when they try to access a video that has just been successfully uploaded.

Keep reading this article to learn how to fix the "There was a problem playing this video" Google Drive error.

What Causes the “Whoops! There Was a Problem Playing This Video” Google Drive Error in Windows 10?

Several things could trigger the Google Drive error prompt in question. Some users reported they had experienced it after signing in to Google Drive with a different user account. But that’s a minor problem that you can resolve with a simple troubleshoot.

The other possible causes are more complicated and might require more effort. They include the following:

1.     An overloaded cache and too many cookies

The issue often results from accumulated browser cookies. Cookies help improve your overall browsing experience. They remember information, such as forms, credit card details, etc., you once used on a website. They also help target products and services based on your preferences.

However, they can slow down your browsing speed and affect other services, such as your Google Drive, when there are too many of them. You can resolve that by clearing your browser cache and cookies.

2.     Browser extensions

Browser add-ons make your overall browsing experience better, but when they develop problems, it leads to other issues, like the Google Drive video playback error. If you suspect that an add-on is responsible, it’s best to uninstall this browser extension.

3.     Malware

Malicious activities performed by a Trojan horse, virus, or worm could affect your system’s performance and cause some applications to fail. In fact, malware is a common culprit when it comes to PC issues. The good news is that you can get rid of it with a powerful anti-malware program.

4.     A damaged browser

Many users often access Google Drive with their web browsers. So, if your browser is corrupt or compromised, accessing Google Drive and enjoying its attendant benefits becomes difficult.

5.     Conflicting third-party apps

If you have potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or third-party apps that conflict with your software or hardware installed on your system, they can trigger the Google Drive video playback error.

6.     An incompatible video format

Google Drive supports many video file formats but not all. If you try to play an unsupported video file, you’ll get the "Whoops! There was a problem playing this video" error prompt.

How to Resolve the “Whoops! There Was a Problem Playing This Video” Error on Windows 10

1.     Use a dedicated streaming web browser

The best thing to do to enjoy uninterrupted streaming is to use a dedicated streaming web browser. An example of such a browser is Opera GX.

Opera GX is inbuilt with several playback features and designed to provide a better streaming experience. You can also choose from a variety of themes, colors, and wallpapers.

Besides, Opera GX has an ad blocker preventing malicious ad scripts and pop-ups from corrupting your browser cache. It also has a free inbuilt VPN with unrestricted bandwidth designed to protect your privacy.

2.     Scan your PC for malware

Malware is responsible for many system issues. Experts advise that you scan your computer for malware as a preliminary measure to troubleshoot any system performance issues.

You can rid your computer of malware by scanning it with powerful third-party anti-malware, such as Auslogics Anti-Malware. It is one of the best third-party security programs in the cybersecurity industry, and it offers complete device protection. Moreover, it’s designed to detect and eliminate malicious cookies, scripts, adware, spyware, rootkits, Trojans, and other malicious entities, yet it won’t conflict with your apps or main antivirus software. Its excellent security track records stem from its superior speed, powerful malware detection capabilities, and outstanding performance.

3.     Launch your browser in Incognito Mode

If you’re not willing to clear your browser cache, there’s another workaround you can use to resolve the issue – browsing in Incognito Mode.

Launching your web browser in Incognito Mode helps disable all your add-ons and cookies. That helps get past cookie-related issues.

4.     Check the format of your file

Google Drive does not support all video formats. It’s best to verify whether your video is in one of the supported formats. Otherwise, you might have to convert the incompatible video file to a supported format.

The video file formats that Google Drive supports include the following: .AVI, .MOV, .WEBM, .MPEG4, .MPEG, .3GPP, .FLV, .WMV, .MPEGPS, and .OGG.

Moreover, Google Drive only supports video files with a resolution of up to 1920 x 1080. Any video file exceeding that limit will not play.

5.     Open the video file in a new window

Some users resolved the issue with this fix. Here’s how they did it:

1. Double-click on the video file that’s not playing (applicable for all web browsers).
2. Now, double-click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Lastly, click on the “Open in new window” option.

6.     Restart your PC

When you restart your PC, it helps free up your system resources and eliminate software conflicts. It also helps correct minor system and application errors.

7.     Remove excessive Google accounts

Running multiple Google accounts on the same device might lead to the issue. It’s best to remove unwanted accounts from the device and see if that works.

Here’s how to go about it:

1. Visit Google’s official website.
2. Click on your profile.
3. Now, select each unwanted account and then click on the Remove option.

8.     Get a shareable link

Some users also used an alternative fix to resolve the issue:

1. Right-click on the affected video.
2. Now, select the “Get shareable link” option.
3. Then, open a new web browser tab.
4. Lastly, paste the copied link and hit the Enter button.

9.     Check your network connection settings

A slow internet connection can trigger the "Whoops! There was a problem playing this video" issue. So, next time you encounter the error, examine your cable or wireless connection and adjust it if necessary. If you have a strong internet connection, reload the file and try playing it again.

10.    Clear your browser cookies and cache

As examined earlier, a corrupt or overloaded browser cache and the accumulation of cookies can trigger the "Whoops! There was a problem playing this video" issue. If that’s the case, follow these steps to resolve the problem (follow the instructions for your browser):

Google Chrome

1. Double-click on your Google Chrome desktop shortcut icon to launch the application.
2. Then, click on the More icon (denoted by three vertical dots) to open the browser's menu.
3. Now, select the “More tools” option and then the “Clear browsing data” option.
4. After that, choose a time range or click on the “All time” option to erase everything.
5. Next, checkmark “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data.”
6. Select the “Clear data” option.
7. Lastly, restart the web browser and try playing the video file again.

Internet Explorer

1. Double-click on Internet Explorer’s desktop shortcut icon to launch the application.
2. Now, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
3. Checkmark the "Cookies and website data" option and options for other data that you want to delete and click on Delete.
4. Lastly, restart the web browser and try playing the video file again.

Microsoft Edge

1. Double-click on your Microsoft Edge desktop shortcut icon to launch the application.
2. Then, click on the More icon (denoted by three horizontal dots).
3. Now, click on Settings and select the "Clear browsing data" option.
4. After that, select the “Choose what to clear” option
5. Checkmark browsing history, cookies, and cached data.
6. Click on the Clear option.
7. Lastly, restart the web browser and try playing the video file again.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Double-click on your Mozilla Firefox desktop shortcut icon to launch the application.
2. Select the Library button and click on History.
3. Choose the Clear Recent History option and select a time range from the drop-down menu.
4. Now, click on "Clear now" and wait for the process to complete.
5. Finally, restart the web browser and try playing the video file again.

11.      Reset Google Chrome

1. Double-click on your Google Chrome desktop shortcut icon to launch the application.
2. Then, click on the More icon (denoted by three vertical dots) to open the browser’s menu.
3. Click on Settings from the menu list.
4. Now, select the Advanced tab.
5. Scroll down to the “Reset and clean up” option.
6. Finally, click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” option.

12.       Try a file-sharing alternative

If you still encounter the issue after applying the fixes outlined above and you need someone to get access to your video, you can try sharing your file with a file transfer tool such as FileWhopper.

With FileWhopper, you can easily and securely send and receive video files of any format, size, and resolution over the web. Here are other benefits of using this tool:

• FileWhopper allows its users to send folders and files on a pay-as-you-go basis. That means you no longer have to worry about monthly subscriptions, which are required by many other cloud storage and file transfer services (including Google Drive).

Besides, you also get to determine who pays for the transfer – you or the recipient.

[fwa-calculator]

• Another exciting feature of FileWhopper is that it doesn’t have file size limits. Many other cloud storage and data transfer services require that you subscribe to expensive packages even if you just want to send one large file. But with FileWhopper, you can send files and folders of any size and only pay for what you send and when you send it.
• It’s very easy to use. It has a tiny app with a friendly user interface. Once you download the app, follow the on-screen instructions to complete your file transfer. The app will auto-delete after the transfer, saving you the stress of removing it yourself. You’ll also get a delivery report when your recipient receives your file or folder.
• Using the service is straightforward. It has no complicated features that would take time to understand.
• You can access FileWhopper’s extra functionality and advanced features on demand. For instance, you can choose to keep your files and folders on FileWhopper’s servers for longer periods. FileWhopper will not bother you with the extras unless you ask for them.

Conclusion

Google Drive is a great service, but when it starts giving you issues, thorough troubleshooting may be required. To save yourself the stress of performing it, in some cases, you can try switching to an alternative solution. You've learned all there is to know about how to fix the "Whoops! There was a problem playing this video" issue. Was this guide helpful? Please leave a comment below.