7 Ways to Fix Telegram Cannot Play Video on Android & iPhone

Are you a Telegram user who’s ever wondered, “Why can’t I play video in Telegram?” or “Why are Telegram videos not playing on my iPhone?”

Fret not; you’re not alone! Video playback issues can be a real bummer, especially when you’re trying to catch up on the latest viral videos or share memories with friends and family.

That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you fix Telegram video playback issues on Android and iPhone devices.

Fun Fact #1: Did you know that Telegram was launched in August 2013 by brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov? It's now one of the fastest-growing messaging platforms with over 500 million monthly active users!

Table Of Contents

How to Fix Telegram App Unable to Play Video on iPhone and Android Phones
Conclusion

How to Fix Telegram App Unable to Play Video on iPhone and Android Phones

Here are the seven (7) ways you can use to resolve the problem.

Method 1. Check the Video File Format

Although Telegram supports a wide range of video formats, occasionally, you might come across a video that isn’t compatible with the platform.

This could be the reason why you’re asking, “Why can’t I play video in Telegram?” To resolve this issue, check the video file format and ensure it’s supported by Telegram.

Telegram supports popular video formats like MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, and more.

If the video you’re trying to play is in an unsupported format, consider using a video converter tool to change it to a compatible format, such as MP4, before sharing it on Telegram.

Method 2. Disable VPN or Proxy Services

If you’re using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or proxy service on your device, it could be affecting your Telegram video playback experience.

These services can sometimes cause slower connections or limit the bandwidth available for streaming video content.

To see if this is the issue, try temporarily disabling your VPN or proxy service and then attempt to play a video in Telegram.

If the video plays without any problems, you might need to consider using a different VPN or proxy service or adjusting your current service’s settings to improve performance.

Method 3. Enable Storage Permissions

If you find yourself wondering, “Why are Telegram videos not playing on my iPhone or Android?“.

It could be because the app doesn’t have the necessary permissions to access your device’s storage.

Enabling storage permissions will allow Telegram to read and write files, which is essential for video playback.

For Android users:

Open the Settings app on your device.
Navigate to “Apps” or “Applications.”
Find Telegram and tap on it.
Tap “Permissions,” then enable “Storage” by toggling the switch.

For iPhone users:

Open the Settings app on your device.
Scroll down and tap on “Telegram.”
Ensure the “Photos” permission is set to “Read and Write.”

After adjusting the permissions, check if you can now play videos in Telegram.

Method 4. Clear Cache and Data

As you use Telegram, it accumulates cache and data, which can sometimes cause issues like video playback problems.

Clearing the cache and data can be a quick and effective way to resolve these issues.

For Android users, follow these steps:

Open the Settings app on your device.
Navigate to “Apps” or “Applications.”
Find Telegram and tap on it.
Tap “Storage” and then tap “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data.”

For iPhone users, you’ll need to delete and reinstall the app to clear cache and data, as iOS doesn’t provide an option to clear cache for individual apps.

Keep in mind that clearing data may require you to log back into your Telegram account, so make sure you remember your login credentials.

Method 5. Check Your Internet Connection

Sometimes, you might ask, “Why can’t I play video in Telegram?” simply because of a poor or unstable internet connection.

Video playback requires a stable and relatively fast connection, so you must ensure you’re connected to a reliable network.

Try loading a website or streaming a video on a different app to test your connection. If you’re experiencing slow speeds, consider switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if there’s an improvement.

If you’re using public Wi-Fi or a shared network, keep in mind that connection speeds might be slower due to multiple users.

Method 6. Update Your Telegram App

One of the first things you should do when faced with Telegram video playback issues is to ensure you’re using the latest app version.

Developers are constantly working to improve the app’s performance, fix bugs, and add new features. So, updating your app might just resolve the problem of “Telegram cannot play video.”

For Android users, head over to the Google Play Store, search for Telegram, and tap “Update” if an update is available. iPhone users can do the same via the App Store.

Method 7. Restart Your Device

It may sound cliché, but sometimes the easiest solution to tech issues is to restart your device. Turning your phone off and on again can clear temporary glitches and help your device run smoother.

To restart your Android device or iPhone, follow these steps:

Press and hold the power button on your device until a menu appears.
Tap “Restart” or “Power off” and wait for your device to turn off.
If you chose “Power off,” wait for a few seconds and then press and hold the power button again to turn your device back on.

Once your device has restarted, open Telegram and try playing a video to see if the problem is resolved.

Conclusion

We’ve covered 10 methods to help you resolve Telegram video playback issues on Android and iPhone devices.

With these tips, you should be able to fix the “Telegram cannot play video” problem and get back to enjoying your favorite video content on the platform.

Remember to keep your app and device updated, maintain a stable internet connection, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Telegram Support if needed.

Stay connected with friends and family, and enjoy smooth video playback on Telegram!