Jan 15, 2024 • Filed to: Photo/Video/Audio Solutions • Proven solutions
MP4 (or MPEG-4 Part 14) is one of the most commonly used video formats that is originated from QuickTime format. Apart from videos, we can also use MP4 to store audio and include subtitles in a video as well. Though, it is the header component of the file that can contain crucial information about it. Too many times, a corrupted MP4 header can severely affect the overall playback of the file. Sometimes, due to certain reasons, we are unable to access the video file properly. This is usually due to the fact that the header of your MP4 file gets corrupted.
In this post, I will make you familiar with the same and also let you know how to repair MP4 header in different ways.
As stated above, MP4 is a common video and audio format that is used to store, transfer, and compress video files. The format is extensively used in streaming services as well since it supports subtitles with video playback. Apart from that, it is also used in broadcasting, data compression, and video storage as well.
The video format was originated from QuickTime and gradually become universal. Since it is an open format, it is supported by almost every major media player. Therefore, you can easily play MP4 files on QuickTime, Windows Media Player, VLC Media Player, and so on.
An MP4 file is ideally divided into different chunks (parts), and each chunk has an 8-byte header that provides certain details about it. Now, the header section is further divided into 2 chunks (of 4 bytes each). The first section defines the size of the chunk while the second section provides details about it.
The first level of the MP4 header that would define the "type" of the chunk, can be of the following kind:
The second level of the type header can further have additional details. For instance, it can be a container with user track (udta), with one track (trak), with video details (mvhd), and so on.
To further understand the MP4 header information, you can consider this example. The ASCII code for ftype (file type) is defined as MP4. On the left, you can see that the hexadecimal code is defined into different segments with the offset. It presents the size of the chunk, followed by its type and subtype.
I'm sure that after going through the above-listed example, you can get a rough idea about the MP4 header. As you know, an MP4 header can contain crucial details about the chunk type, size, and so on.
If the header is corrupted, then you might not be able to play the video in the right place. Ideally, any forceful change in the header data or its deletion can make the video corrupt.
A corrupted MP4 header can affect the video in several ways. Even if a single chunk is corrupted, and the segment is important, then its corruption can make the video harder to play. After loading on a media player, you might get a logical error about a missing or corrupt segment.
Apart from that, your file can have a missing piece, blurry video, frozen video, blank segment, lack of audio-video sync, missing sound/video, etc. During playback, your video might stop playing in between as well.
The easiest way to fix MP4 header issues is by using a dedicated tool like Wondershare Video Repair. Since it is a professional tool, it can repair MP4 header corruption under different scenarios without causing any harm to the video.
As a result, the MP4 header would be repaired and you will have a 100% working video without any trouble. All you got to do is follow a simple click-through process to fix MP4 header easily.
To learn how to fix MP4 header that has been corrupted or damaged under different scenarios, follow these steps:
Firstly, you can launch the Wondershare Video Repair application on your Mac or Windows PC and load the corrupted video files. You can either drag-and-drop the files to the interface or just click on the "+" button to load a browser window.
After loading the corrupted videos, just click on the "Repair" button and wait for the process to be completed. At first, it will perform a quick repair of the videos.
When the quick repair is done, the application will inform you the same. You can now save the repaired videos to any location of your choice.
If you are not satisfied with the results of a quick repair, then click on the "Advanced Repair" option instead. To proceed, you need to first load a sample video that has to be in the same format and shot on the same device as the corrupt video.
After loading the sample video, the interface will display both the loaded videos (corrupted and sample). Again, click on the "Repair" button to perform an advanced video repair.
Wait for a while for the advanced video repairing operation to complete. In the end, you can check the results and save the fixed MP4 files to a secure location.
Apart from Wondershare Video Repair, there are a few other workarounds and solutions that you can try as well. Although their success rate is not as high as Recoverit, you can give them a go nevertheless.
If you have previously downloaded the MP4 file from an online source, then consider downloading it again. Since the original file has been corrupted now, you can delete it instead and download it again to get a new copy of it.
Codec is an essential part of video compression of any major file container. Sometimes, a fault in the codec process can also make the MP4 header correct.
Therefore, to repair MP4 header, you can just use a video analyzer or inspector tool. Most of the video inspection tools are freely available and will let you know the details about its codec process.
If you are lucky, then this simple solution might fix an MP4 header. In case the file has been corrupted by a malware or virus, then you can use a trusted anti-virus tool.
You can either use Windows Defender or a third-party tool from brands like McAfee, Norton, Avast, AVG, etc. Just scan the storage where the MP4 file is present and get rid of any malware.
As you can see, the MP4 header is stored in the form of hexadecimal codes. If the code has been changed by mistake or any third-party application, then it can corrupt your video.
You can use any freely available hexadecimal editor to view and change the MP4 header details. Please note that you should be aware of the hexadecimal coding before making any vital changes in the file.
If you recently have lost some video files to corruption, you would be completely familiar with the fact that it may turn out to be a highly frustrating experience. So why risk going through again when you can prevent it? A few tips that might come in handy. They would help you detect an issue with your videos and what measures you can take to prevent any damage.
That's a wrap, folks. I'm sure that after reading this post, you would be able to repair MP4 header that has been corrupted or damaged under various scenarios. To further make things easier for you, I have even provided a brief introduction to MP4 header as well.
The easiest way to fix MP4 header is by using Wondershare Video Repair. A professional DIY video repair tool, it can resolve all kinds of major or minor MP4 issues without any hassle. Feel free to give it a try and share this guide on how to repair MP4 header with your friends to help them as well.
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Eleanor Reed
staff Editor