"Video not playing. Why is Udemy gaslighting us into thinking out network has an issue... for the past 30min i have been trying to play a video it wasn't working, also not working on mobile phone. Then presenting a download button that doesn't actually work...I had to come to Reddit to discover i wasn't alone…" - reddit user

Are you struggling to play Udemy videos and wondering if the problem is on your side? Many learners have faced this issue. So, what causes the problem of Udemy video not playing, and what can you do about it?

In this guide, you will find the most common reasons and 7 effective ways to fix the problem. Whether you are using Chrome, the Udemy app, or watching offline, these tips will help you get back to learning.

Fix Udemy Video Not Playing Issue

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In this article
    1. Method 1. Check and Update Your Browser
    2. Method 2. Disable Browser Extensions and Try Incognito Mode
    3. Method 3. Switch to a Different Browser or Device
    1. Method 1. Check your connection speed (Udemy requires at least 5 Mbps for smooth playback).
    2. Method 2. Restart your router or switch to a different network.

Part 1: Why Is Your Udemy Video Not Playing?

Udemy is a great platform for learning, but sometimes videos may not play properly. You might see a black screen, a loading circle, or an error message. Why does this happen? Here are several possible reasons, from simple browser issues to corrupted video files.

1. Browser Issues: Your browser plays a big role in streaming Udemy videos. If the browser is outdated or overloaded with cache and cookies, it can cause problems.

2. Internet Connection Problems: A slow or unstable internet connection can cause buffering or prevent videos from playing at all. Udemy requires at least 5 Mbps for smooth playback. If your connection drops or fluctuates, the video might not load.

3. Udemy Server Issues: Sometimes, the issue isn’t on your end. Udemy’s servers may experience downtime or technical problems, preventing videos from loading. You can check Udemy’s status page or social media to see if others are facing the same issue.

4. Device Compatibility Problems: Not all devices work perfectly with Udemy. If your operating system is outdated or you’re using an unsupported device, the video might not play.

5. Corrupted or Damaged Video Files: If you downloaded Udemy videos for offline viewing and they won’t play, the files may be corrupted. This can happen due to incomplete downloads, file transfer issues, or software conflicts.

Part 2: How to Fix Udemy Video Not Playing Issues on Chrome and Other Browsers?

Udemy videos are designed to work smoothly on major browsers, but issues can still happen. Fixing them can help you get back to your course without frustration.

Method 1. Check and Update Your Browser

An outdated browser may not support Udemy’s video player. Updating your browser ensures it has the latest security fixes and compatibility improvements. Here is how to update Chrome:

Step 1. Visit the official website of Chrome.

Step 2. Download and install the latest version if yours is outdated. Click I want to update Chrome to initiate the process.

update chrome

Step 3. Restart your browser and try playing the Udemy video again.

Method 2. Disable Browser Extensions and Try Incognito Mode

Some browser extensions, especially ad blockers, privacy tools, and security add-ons, can interfere with video playback. Disabling them temporarily can help determine if they are the problem. Using Incognito Mode (or Private Browsing) disables most extensions, making it an easy way to test if they are causing the issue.

To disable browser extensions:

Step 1. In Chrome, click the menu (three dots).

menu three dots button

Step 2. Select Settings.

chrome settings

Step 3. Open the Extensions settings. Turn off all extensions, especially ad blockers and privacy tools.

chrome extension settings

To use a new incognito window:

Step 1. Click the three dots and pick New Incognito window.

new incognito window

Step 2. Visit Udemy and try playing the video in Incognito Mode.

Method 3. Switch to a Different Browser or Device

If Udemy videos won’t play on Chrome, try another browser like Firefox or Edge. Some browser settings or compatibility issues might prevent videos from working properly. Testing on a different device, like a phone or tablet, can also help you figure out if the problem is with your computer or browser.

Fix Udemy Video Not Playing Issue

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Part 3: How to Fix Udemy Not Playing Video Due to Internet Issues?

A stable internet connection is essential for streaming Udemy videos. If your internet is slow or keeps disconnecting, you may experience buffering, freezing, or a complete failure to load videos. Fixing your internet connection can often resolve these issues.

Method 1. Check your connection speed (Udemy requires at least 5 Mbps for smooth playback).

Udemy recommends a minimum speed of 5 Mbps for smooth video playback. If your connection is too slow, the video may not load at all. You can measure your internet speed with a free speed test website. If it’s below the required limit, try reducing video quality to see if it helps.

Step 1. Go to a reliable speed test website, like Ookla speedtest.net.

ookla connection speed test

Step 2. Run it and check your download speed.

Method 2. Restart your router or switch to a different network.

Sometimes, restarting your router can refresh your connection and fix temporary internet problems. If possible, try using a different Wi-Fi network or switching to a wired connection for a more stable experience.

Step 1. Turn off your router.

Step 2. Leave it off for about half a minute before powering it up again.

Step 3. Reconnect your device to the Wi-Fi and try playing the Udemy video again. If it still doesn’t work, connect to a different Wi-Fi network. Try a mobile hotspot or a public network and test.

Part 4: How to Fix Downloaded Udemy Videos Won’t Play Issue?

If your downloaded Udemy videos will not play, the files might be damaged. This can happen if the download stopped halfway or your device had a problem while saving the file. Corrupted videos cannot play normally, even if your player or device works fine.

The best way to fix damaged Udemy videos is to use Repairit Video Repair. This tool can repair broken videos and make them playable again. It works for many file types, including formats used by Udemy.

Here is why Repairit Video Repair stands out:

  • Supports popular video formats like MP4, MOV, AVI, and more.
  • Works on videos from different platforms, including online courses like Udemy.
  • Easy to use, with a clear interface and step-by-step process.
  • Works on both Windows and Mac devices.
  • Offers Advanced Repair, which uses a sample file from the same device to fix severe damage.

Step 1. Launch Repairit on your device and click +Add.

add damaged udemy videos to repairit video repair

Step 2. After selecting the damaged Udemy videos you need to fix, click Repair.

repair damaged udemy videos using repairit video repair

Step 3. Once the process is completed, you can Preview your Udemy video. If you are happy with the outcome, hit Save.

preview and save repaired udemy videos using repairit video repair
Fix Udemy Video Not Playing Issue

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Part 5: How to Prevent Future Udemy Video Not Playing Issues

To avoid problems with Udemy videos, it helps to follow these simple but useful practices:

  1. Choose a reliable browser for learning. Some browsers handle streaming better because they support the latest video formats and security features. Sticking to well-supported browsers reduces the risk of playback errors.
  2. Keep your browser light and clean. Too many unused extensions and stored data can slow down your browser, even if you are not using them. A lighter browser responds faster, which helps videos load smoothly.
  3. Update your device regularly. New updates fix compatibility problems and improve how your system handles video files. Devices that fall too far behind on updates may struggle with modern video players.
  4. Use a stable internet provider if possible. Frequent connection drops not only interrupt videos but can also cause them to freeze after buffering. A stable provider reduces the chances of these interruptions.
  5. Store downloaded videos on safe and reliable storage. If your storage device already has errors or is nearly full, it increases the chance of saving broken files that won’t open later.
  6. Back up important course videos. Saving a copy on cloud storage or an external drive gives you a second chance if the original file gets damaged or lost. This is especially helpful if you study offline often.
  7. Stay informed about Udemy updates and issues. Udemy explains how videos are streamed or changes supported devices. Knowing about these changes helps you adjust early, instead of facing sudden playback problems.

Conclusion

Udemy videos not playing can be annoying, but in most cases, the problem is easy to fix. Browser issues, internet problems, and device compatibility are the most common causes. However, simple solutions like clearing cache can quickly resolve playback issues. If downloaded Udemy videos won’t play, they may be corrupted. Repairit Video Repair is a reliable tool to fix broken video files, restoring them to a playable state.

Fix Udemy Video Not Playing Issue

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FAQ

  • What video quality does Udemy need for smooth playback?
    Udemy recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD videos. This speed allows the video to load without long pauses. If your connection is slower, the video might take longer to start or switch to lower quality. If you want to watch in Full HD, you will need a faster and more stable connection.
  • Do Udemy videos need any special settings to play smoothly?
    Udemy videos do not need any special settings, but your browser must allow cookies and JavaScript. These settings help Udemy’s player load correctly. If either one is blocked, the player might show errors or refuse to load at all.
  • Why do Udemy videos work fine on Wi-Fi but not on mobile data?
    This often happens because mobile data speeds change depending on your location and signal strength. Some mobile carriers also limit video streaming to save bandwidth. If your mobile plan has a video quality cap, Udemy videos may buffer more often or play in very low quality.
Louie Morgan
Louie Morgan Mar 25, 25
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Louie Morgan
Written by Louie Morgan
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