Are you encountering the HTML5_video:4 error while trying to play videos on your iPhone? This error usually appears when Safari or other browsers fail to load a video. It has been reported by multiple users, especially after iOS updates, and it can be quite frustrating.
In this guide, we’ll explore what causes this error and how you can fix it.
What is the HTML5_video:4 Error?
The HTML5_video:4 error is a generic video playback issue that occurs when a browser cannot fetch, load, or decode a video file. It often displays an error message like:
“Could not play video. There was a problem trying to load the video (Error Code: html5_video:4).”
This error can be caused by various factors, including:
- Unsupported Video Format – Some websites use video formats that are not compatible with Safari.
- Corrupted or Missing Video File – If a video file is damaged or removed from the server, the browser cannot load it.
- Network Issues – A slow or unstable internet connection can prevent video playback.
- Browser Cache & Cookies – Stored cache or cookies may cause conflicts with video loading.
- iOS or Browser Bug – Some users reported that this error started appearing after updating iOS.
How to Fix HTML5_video:4 Error on iPhone
1. Update iOS
Several users have reported that this error started appearing after an iOS update. Apple might fix the issue in future updates, so always keep your device up to date.
Steps to update iOS:
- Open Settings
- Go to General → Software Update
- Install any available updates
After updating, check if the video plays correctly in Safari.
2. Try a Different Browser
If Safari shows the HTML5_video:4 error, try using another browser like Google Chrome, Firefox, or Edge to check if the issue persists.
- If the video plays fine in another browser, Safari is likely the problem.
- If the error appears in all browsers, the issue might be with the video file or website server.
3. Clear Browser Cache & Cookies
Sometimes, stored cache and cookies cause conflicts with video playback.
Steps to clear Safari cache:
- Open Settings → Safari
- Tap Clear History and Website Data
- Restart Safari and try playing the video again
If using Chrome or Firefox, clear cache from Settings → App Settings → Clear Data.
4. Check Your Internet Connection
A weak or unstable network connection can cause videos to fail.
- Restart your Wi-Fi router
- Try switching to mobile data or another Wi-Fi network
- Run a speed test to check your internet speed
If your connection is slow, videos might not load properly.
5. Disable Safari Extensions
Some browser extensions or content blockers can interfere with video playback.
Steps to disable Safari extensions:
- Open Settings → Safari
- Tap Extensions
- Disable all active extensions and try playing the video again
If the error disappears, one of the extensions was blocking the video.
6. Verify Video Format Compatibility
Safari supports MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio codecs. If the video is encoded in WebM, MKV, VP9, or other unsupported formats, it may not play.
If possible, try to download the video and convert it to MP4 to check if it’s a format issue.
7. Disable Hardware Acceleration
Steps to disable hardware acceleration:
- Open Settings → Safari → Advanced
- Look for Experimental Features
- Turn off any feature related to hardware acceleration
This might help if the error is caused by Safari’s processing of video files.
8. Contact Website Support
If the video plays fine on other websites but fails on a specific site, the problem could be on their end.
- Check if other users are reporting the same issue
- Try contacting the website’s support team
- If possible, try playing the video on a desktop browser
Final Thoughts
The HTML5_video:4 error on iPhone is frustrating, but it can often be resolved by:
- Updating iOS
- Trying another browser
- Clearing cache and cookies
- Checking your internet connection
- Disabling extensions
- Verifying video format compatibility
If none of these solutions work, you may need to wait for Apple to release a software update that addresses the issue. Meanwhile, switching to a different browser like Chrome might serve as a temporary fix.
Did any of these solutions work for you? Let us know in the comments!
