How to Fix Video Playback Error Code 224003? [8 Quick Solutions]

Are you getting the “The video file cannot be played: Error Code 224003” message while watching a video online? 

This common issue can pop up in browsers like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, whether you are on a Windows, Mac, iPhone, or even gaming consoles like PS4 or PS5. But don’t worry, you can easily fix this issue by yourself.

I have fixed it myself on several occasions. So, in this guide, I will provide all the possible causes of Error Code 224003 and simple troubleshooting steps to get your video playing again.

Quick Look: How to Fix the Error 224003?

• Fix 1: Make Sure the Internet is Working
• Fix 2: Clear Cache, Cookies, and History
• Fix 3: Update Your Web Browser
• Fix 4: Turn Off Extensions and Add-ons
• Fix 5: Reset Your Browser Settings
• Fix 6: Turn off hardware Acceleration
• Fix 7: Temporarily Turn Off Firewall and Antivirus
• Fix 8: Try a Different Browser

What is Error Code 224003?

The 224003 error code usually shows up when you are trying to play a video online, but the browser cannot load it. Instead of the video, you will see a message like “This video cannot be played Error Code 224003”.

This can happen on any browser (like Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or others) and it affects popular platforms like YouTube, Netflix, or any website that streams videos.

In short, it means your browser is struggling to play the video due to a technical issue, and it needs to be fixed before resuming playback.

Why Does “This Video File Cannot Be Played Error Code 224003” Appear?

This issue usually appears when your browser or device has trouble playing a video. Here are the most common reasons behind the Error 224003:

• Weak Internet Connection: If your connection is slow or keeps dropping, videos won’t load properly.

• Outdated Browser: An old browser might not support the latest video formats.

• Too Much Browsing Data: Cache, cookies, or a heavy browsing history can interfere with smooth video streaming.

• Browser Extensions: Some add-ons or plug-ins can block video playback.

• Flash Player Issues: Although it is outdated, if your browser still uses it, an incompatible version can cause this error.

• Incorrect Browser Settings: Certain settings or security configurations may prevent videos from playing.

• Antivirus or Firewall: These tools sometimes block videos as a precautionary measure.

Apart from these, background apps or third-party tools might also interrupt video playback. I know it is frustrating, but 8 simple fixes covered in the next section can help your videos play normally again.

How to Fix Error Code 224003 on Web Browsers?

Now that you are aware of all the possible reasons, it is time to fight back. You can try the following solutions with almost every browser. However, to keep things simple, I will share the steps for two of the most used web browsers, i.e, Google Chrome and Safari.

Here are the top 8 fixes to resolve the Error Code: 224003 –

Fix 1: Make Sure the Internet is Working

Start by checking your internet connection. Restart your modem or router if required. You can also use your service provider’s app or website to check for outages. If everything is fine, you can proceed with the advanced solutions. 

Fix 2: Clear Cache, Cookies, and History

Stored browsing data, like cache, cookies, and history, can cause several issues. Cleaning them often helps you fix many tough errors. So, let’s see how to fix error 224003 on Chrome and Safari:

On Chrome:

• Click on the three dots (top right) > Delete browsing data.

  

• Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files.

  

• Now, choose a time range and just click on Delete data.

  

On Safari: 

• From the top menu, click on Safari and go to Settings.

  

• Next, go to Privacy > Manage Website Data.

  

• Now, you can remove individual items or click on Remove All.

  

• Finally, just click on Done and restart Safari.

Fix 3: Update Your Web Browser

An outdated browser might not support certain video formats. Updating it can fix bugs and improve overall compatibility to resolve Error224003.

On Chrome:

• Click the three dots, and go to Help > About Google Chrome.

  

• Now, if an update is available, click on Update. Otherwise, just click on Relaunch.

  

On Safari:

• Go to Apple Menu > System Settings > Software Updates.

  

• Click on Check for Update. If available, click on Upgrade Now to install the latest macOS.

  

It is important to note that Apple does not offer a separate update for Safari. When you update your macOS, Safari gets updated too.

Fix 4: Turn Off Extensions and Add-ons

As discussed earlier, some extensions can block video playback. So, it is advisable to try disabling them to see if it fixes the issue. Here, how you can try to fix error 224003 on Safari and Chrome:

On Chrome:

• Start by clicking on the three dots in the top right corner.
• Go to Extensions > Manage Extensions.

  

• Here, turn off all the extensions, then re-enable them one by one to find the problematic one.

  

On Safari: 

• Go to Safari, and click on the Settings option.

  

• Now, click on the Extensions menu.
• Here, select and click Uninstall for the ones you don’t need or the ones that might be causing these errors.

  

Fix 5: Reset Your Browser Settings

Sometimes, browser settings can interfere with video playback and cause the 224003 error code. Resetting your browser can help you fix this easily.

On Chrome:

• Click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
• Next, go to Settings.
• On the left sidebar, click on Reset settings.

  

• Finally, choose Restore settings to their original default and confirm your choice.

  

On Safari:

Safari does not have a direct reset option. However, you can reset it manually. Start with clearing the browsing history, then delete cookies and cache, and disable all extensions. You can follow the earlier steps in this guide for help.

Fix 6: Turn off hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration helps browsers run smoothly by using your computer’s GPU. But sometimes, it can cause issues with video playback, including Error224003. Here’s how to disable hardware acceleration in Google Chrome:

• Click on the three dots and go to settings.
• Use the search bar to look for Hardware Acceleration.
• Now, turn off the option that says Use hardware or graphics acceleration when available.

  

Finally, just restart Chrome and check if the issue is gone.

Important: Safari on Mac does not allow users to disable hardware acceleration.

Fix 7: Temporarily Turn Off Firewall and Antivirus

Your computer’s firewall or antivirus can also block videos from playing, especially if the site seems unknown or untrustworthy. If you are sure the website is safe, try turning them off for a moment to see if it fixes the issue.

For Windows:

• Search and open the Settings.
• Click on Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.

  

• Click on Windows Firewall.

  

• Under Private network settings, turn off the Microsoft Defender Firewall and click on Save.

  

For Mac: 

• Click on the Apple menu, then go to System Preferences.
• Next, choose Network > Firewall.

  

• Now, click on Turn Off Firewall or explore Firewall Options for more settings.

  

Fix 8: Try a Different Browser

Error Code: 224003 often shows up in specific browsers. So, if you are still seeing the error, it might just be a browser glitch. In that case, just open the same video in another web browser. If it works fine elsewhere, the issue is with your original browser.

These browser glitches are temporary in nature. So, it is advisable to use a different browser for some time and keep an eye on your original browser.

One of these 8 solutions should fix the video playback error. However, if you are still getting the same error code, you should consult a tech expert or reach out to the customer support of your browser. 

How to Prevent Error 224003 in the Future?

Now that you know the possible solutions, you should be cautious to avoid facing the same 224003 error again. Just try to follow these simple tips:

• Regularly update your web browser. They include important security fixes that help video files load properly.

• Avoid tweaking advanced browser settings, as they can sometimes interfere with video playback.

• Stick to trusted and secure websites only and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

• Limit browser overload, as too many tabs or tasks can make your browser crash.

• Use only verified and essential browser extensions or plugins to avoid compatibility issues.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy smoother video playback and avoid common errors.

Final Thoughts

I know that facing video playback errors like error code 224003 can be really frustrating. But with the right steps, you can fix it quickly and watch your video without trouble.

The solutions shared above are tried and tested by me and many other users. Plus, they work for most people and most web browsers. So, if this guide helped you, please share it with others in need.