4 Fixes for Google Drive Videos Not Playing or Processing Error

A C.A. by profession and a tech enthusiast by passion, Gaurav loves tinkering with new tech and gadgets. He used to build WordPress websites but gave it all up to develop little iOS games instead. Finally, he dropped out of CA to pursue his love for tech. He has over 5 years of experience as a writer covering Android, iOS, and Windows platforms and writes how-to guides, comparisons, listicles, and explainers for B2B and B2C apps and services. He currently divides his time between Guiding Tech (writer) and Tech Wiser (editor).

Paurush dabbles around iOS and Mac while his close encounters are with Android and Windows. Before becoming a writer, he produced videos for brands like Mr. Phone and Digit. On weekends, he is a full-time cinephile trying to reduce his never-ending watchlist, often making it longer.

Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Open Video in a New Window

Instead of clicking on the video to open it in a pop-up, open it in a new window.

Step 1:Right-click on the video you can’t play and selectPreview.

Step 2:Click on thethree-dotmenu icon and selectOpenin the new window option.

Check if you still get the ‘This video cannot be played’ or ‘Whoops! There was a problem playing this video’ error.

Tip:You can check out our post ifGoogle Drive is not loading in browser.

Fix 2: Allow Third-Party Cookies for Google Drive

Users reported that blocking cookies in their browsers prevented videos from playing in Google Drive.

Step 1:OpenSettingsand click onAdvanced. Click onSite Settingsunder the Privacy and security heading.

Step 2:Click onCookies and site dataand turn off the toggle forBlockedto ensure Google Drive can use them to play videos stored in your account.

It should now read Allow sites to save and read cookie data (recommended).

Fix 3: Make a Copy and Play

Some users discovered that creating a copy of the original video worked. Google Drive makes the process simpler.

Right-clickon the video you want to play and selectMake a copy.

You will name the new file “Copy of X,” with “X” being the name of the old file you copied. Double-click on the video to play it.

Fix 4: Clear Browser and App Cache and Cookies

Clearing your cache will remove all website preferences from your browser. You must then sign in again to your Google Drive account with your password.

On Desktop

Step 1:OpenSettingsand click onAdvanced. Then, selectClear browsing data.

Step 2:Under the Advanced tab, check the box forCookies and other site dataandCached images and files.

Step 3:ClickClear data.

On Mobile

Step 1:If you use the Google Drive app on Android, openSettings> search for and openGoogle Driveunder app list.

Step 2:Tap onClear dataat the bottom of the screen and selectClear all dataandClear cache.

You may have to sign back into Google Drive. Now, see if the “This video cannot be played” or “Whoops! There was a problem playing this video” error.

Tip:Check out our fixes ifGoogle Drive notifications are not working.

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Last updated on 02 July, 2024

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