How to Fix Telegram Video Not Playing Issue on Android & iOS?

Telegram is a popular messaging platform for sharing text, photos, and videos. However, some users face issues like Telegram video not playing, especially on iPhone and Android. Others see the error “App was unable to play this video” Telegram or struggle with the Telegram MKV file not playing.

Why does the “Telegram video not playing” error happen, and how can you fix it? This guide covers the most common causes and provides seven simple solutions to get your Telegram videos playing smoothly again.

Part 1. Possible Causes for Telegram's "Unable to Play This Video" Error

Telegram is great for sharing videos, but sometimes they won’t play. If you’re seeing the "App was unable to play this video" Telegram error, here’s why:

• Network issues like slow or unstable internet.
• An outdated app version can prevent Telegram videos from playing.
• Low storage may stop Telegram from loading videos.
• Corrupt files can make videos unplayable.
• App cache buildup can cause playback issues.

Part 2. Top 5 Fixes for “Telegram Video Not Playing” Error in Android and iOS

If your Telegram videos don’t play, you’re not alone. Many users struggle with this issue, but it’s fixable. Whether it’s a network problem, an outdated app, or a file error, here are five easy solutions to help you.

Fix #1. Check Your Internet and Restart Telegram

If Telegram videos don’t play, start by checking your internet connection. If you’re on Wi-Fi, try disconnecting and reconnecting or switching to mobile data. If using cellular data, turn on airplane mode, then turn it off.

You can also test another video app to see if the issue is network-related. If you use a VPN, disable it temporarily to check if it’s causing the problem.

If other video apps work fine, but Telegram videos won’t play, the issue may be with the app. Close Telegram completely and restart it. Then, reopen the chat and check if the video plays.

Fix #2. Restart Your Phone

Rebooting your device is a simple way to fix Telegram videos not playing. This helps clear system glitches and gives your device a fresh start.

To restart Android:

Hold the Power button for 20–30 seconds.

On some devices, like Samsung Galaxy, press and hold Power + Volume Down for about 7 seconds. Release them when the screen lights up again.

If you see a Restart option, tap it and wait until the process is done.

To restart the iPhone:

For your iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, or Later

• Hold the volume button or the side button altogether until the power-off slider appears.
• Drag the slider that appeared and wait 30 seconds for the device to turn off.
• To turn it back on, hold the side button until you notice the Apple logo.

For your iPhone 6, 7, 8, or SE (2nd & 3rd Gen)

• Hold the side button until the power-off slider hits the screen.
• Press the slider and wait for a few moments for the device to turn off.
• Hold the iPhone’s side button to turn it back on.

For your iPhone SE (1st Gen), 5, or Earlier

• Hold the top button until the power-off slider notifies.
• Hit the slider and wait 30 seconds for the device to turn off.
• Press and hold the top button to turn it back on.

After restarting, open Telegram and check if the video plays.

Fix #3. Update Or Reinstall Telegram

If your Telegram videos don’t play, your app may be outdated. Check for the new app updates in the App Store (iPhone) or Play Store (Android) and install the latest version.

If the issue still goes on, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

Fix #4. Clear App Cache

Clearing the Telegram's cache can help resolve issues with videos not playing. Over time, cached data can cause glitches that affect video playback. Removing this temporary data can refresh the app and fix the problem on both Android and iOS devices.

On Android:

Step 1: Go to Settings.

Step 2: Click Apps and find Telegram.

Step 3: Click App Info and hit the Clear Data button.

Step 4: Click Clear Cache to remove the Telegram’s unnecessary data.

On iPhone:

iPhones don’t have a built-in option to clear the cache. The only way to do this on iOS is by deleting and reinstalling the app.

Step 1: Find the Telegram app on your iPhone. Click Remove App.

Step 2: Then click the Delete App.

Fix #5. Download The Telegram Video

Before playing a video on Telegram, make sure it’s fully downloaded. Trying to play it too soon may cause an error.

Step 1: Open Telegram and go to the chat with the video.

Step 2: Check its file size from the thumbnail.

Step 3: Start the video download and wait until it’s complete before playing.

Part 3. How to Repair Downloaded Telegram Video Not Playing Issue

Downloaded a Telegram video, but it won’t play. It can happen sometimes. These videos get corrupted due to incomplete downloads, format issues, or file errors.

To fix a corrupted Telegram video, use Repairit Video Repair. This powerful tool can fix damaged Telegram videos without quality loss. Simply upload the file, let Repairit analyze the issue, and repair it in just a few clicks. Once repaired, your Telegram video should play without issues.

Here are Repairit’s best features:

• Repairs MP4, MOV, M2TS, AVI, and other common Telegram video formats.
• Repairs videos from Android, iPhones, cameras, GoPros, and more.
• Fixes videos damaged during download, transfer, editing, or conversion.
• Allows multiple Telegram videos to be repaired at once for efficiency.
• Removes noise, stabilizes footage, and improves clarity for better playback.
• Uses advanced algorithms and sample files for reliable Telegram video restoration.

Repairing Telegram videos is simple and follows three quick steps:

Step 1: Download and open Repairit Video Repair. Click Add video and start repairing or use the Add button to upload damaged Telegram videos.

Step 2: The software displays Telegram video details like Image name, size, resolution, and recording device. Click Repair to start the Telegram video repair process.

Step 3: Click Save or Save All and select a destination. Avoid saving the repaired Telegram videos to the original corrupted location.

Conclusion

Fixing the "Telegram video not playing" error is easy with the right steps. Check your internet, update Telegram, clear the cache, or fully download the video. If it still doesn’t play, the file may be corrupted. Use Repairit Video Repair to restore it quickly and enjoy smooth playback. Try these fixes for hassle-free video streaming on Telegram.