What is Unsupported Format Error

n order to know how to fix the unsupported format error on Android, you will need to have a better understanding of it first: When using an Android or smartphone to access photos or JPEG files, you may receive error messages such as "file type not supported" or "unsupported format error." This problem appears when you try to explore photographs in the Android gallery, Google Photoshop, or even a file manager. When this error happens, you will not be able to open the said photo or file. Sometimes you can recognize this issue from the thumbnail right away, as the thumbnail does not show the preview of the image. So, if your images do not show the thumbnail, there's a big chance it has the unsupported format error.

Why Does It Show "Unsupported Format" Error on Android Phone

1 SD card position It is not uncommon for device owners to accidentally flip their SD card or position them awkwardly. This can cause the phone to fail to recognize the SD card and its items properly, and this can occasionally lead to unsupported file format on Android. 2 Storage issue Another cause for unsupported file format is the storage issue. There are times when the memory is full, and this might cause the files not to be loaded (although this is a rare case). Sometimes having the file in the storage itself causes the file to be broken, resulting in the unsupported format. 3 Sudden shutdown of device Have you ever used your device then it shuts down in the middle of opening a file? If that's the case, there's likely a chance that your file might end up broken. 4 Virus If a storage issue breaks your file, there's a chance that a virus is the reason for the damage. A virus attack can cause some files to be inaccessible on your phone, causing the unsupported format issue. 5 File size Believe it or not, but a large file size can lead to corruption if you place it on your phone. Sometimes you also cannot access the file because, well, it's too big to be accessed. If you have big files, it's best to access them on your PC. 6 Device damage If your device is damaged (especially the inside of it), it can cause minor disturbances, and unsupported file format is one of them. You can reformat the device, but sometimes it won't change the unsupported file format issue.

All about Unsupported File Format Error and How to Fix It

Category: Repair Files

September 15, 2023 4 mins read

Whether using Android or iPhone, you've probably come across the problem of the file format is not supported. This can lead to confusion, as sometimes the unsupported file type can originally be opened before. The unsupported file format can be an issue if it happens to be an important file. Don't worry, this article provides some tips and tricks you can do to fix this format not supported error.

fix unsupported file format

In this article:

Bonus: Tips to Avoid Unsupported File Format Error
FAQs: More about Unsupported Media Format on Android

Part 1: Why the File Format is Not Supported Issue Occurs

In order to know how to solve the file format is not supported issue, you will need to have a better understanding of it first:

When your phone is running out of the storage space, the file type is not supported problem may occur.
The file format you're opening is not supported by the phone you're using, Android or iPhone by natural.
The file is corrupted or damaged that makes its format not supported.
The file is saved or downloaded incompletely, leading to its not-supported problem.

Part 2: Fix Format is Not Supported Error Due to File Corruption

iMyFone UltraRepair

Since there is likely that the file format not supported issue is caused by the damaged file itself, you can seek help from the reliable software - iMyFone UltraRepair. Specifically designed to repair files including photos, videos, files and audios, it is able to repair any corrupted files without modifying the original content. In other words, your files can be fixed hand recovered to its normal state.

Key Features:

Repair corrupted files that cause the file format is not supported error.
Repair file formats including MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, FLV, etc for videos; JPEG, JPG, GIF, RAF, DNG, etc for photos...
Support to repair unsupported file format in batch to save time.
Easily convert video or photo foomats for free.
Support to use on all Windows and Mac operating systems.

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See how to fix unsupported file format error via iMyFone UltraRepair

Step 1: Download and launch the software to chhose Repair tab.

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ultrarepair interface

Step 2: Upload all your unsupported files, videos for example, then click Repair.

start to repair corrupted video files

Step 3: Preview or save the repaired files.

finish repairing corrupted video files

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Part 3: Common Solutions to Solve Format Not Supported Issue

01 Ensure Stable Network Connection

Sometimes the error is caused by our network connection that leads to file download stopping halfway. If this fits your scenario, make sure to check out whether the network connection is stable enough before examaining whether the video format is supported again or not.

ensure stable network connection

02 Restart Your Phone

If the file format is not supported issu e has something to do with your device, you can try restarting the device. Whether for iPhone or Android phone, press the side button and the powerr button can solve the problem. When your phone is restarted, open the file to check out again.

restart android device

03 Reduce File Size

The large file size that takes up too much of your phone's storage spave can also lead to this problem. You can reduce the file size so that the file can be accessible. If the file is a document, you can remove unnecessary things such as images and videos to reduce the size. If it's an image, you can reduce the size with the croping tool or compression tool.

reduce file size with paint

Step 1: Open Paint and load the image.

Step 2: Go to Home > Resize.

Step 3: Change the 100 to the amount of percentage you want (must be smaller).

Step 4: If you use pixels, write how many pixels you want the file to be. Make sure you maintain the ratio.

04 Convert File to Supported Format

Sometimes an unsupported format error happens because the file has the wrong extension that is not supported. If this is the case, you can easily rename the extension by right-clicking the file then choose rename.

convert file format

05 Try Another Media Player

If it's your video format not supported, besides trying to fix the video with the repair tool UltraRepair, you can also try to play it using another media player like VLC.

As a free and open-source media player, VLC is capable of playing almost all kinds of videos. Also, it has the built-in tool to repair the corrupted file.

Bonus: Tips to Avoid Unsupported File Format Error

There are some aspects that need to be watched over when you're handling your files, namely the file size, file extension, and the condition of the device. As long as the size isn't too big, you use the correct file extension, and the device doesn't have the tendency to shut down in the middle of usage, you are good to go.

FAQs: More about File Format is Not Supported

1 Which media format is not supported by Android?

AAC, AMR, FLAC, MIDI, MP3, PCM/WAVE, and Vorbis are the most popular codecs supported by Android handsets. In the meanwhile, Android smartphones do not support the AVI format.

2 Why won't video play on Android?

For a variety of reasons, the video might not be playing. The source of the video could not be downloaded, or the header of the video file may be missing or destroyed. Another reason is that one or both of the video and audio components are out of sync.

3 How do I fix file format not supported on Android?

Try to reboot your phone or reduce the file size. Also, an easier way is to convert the file format, the common type is recommended.

Conclusion

Getting the message of the file format is not supported is an issue that is no longer alien to most of us. Thankfully, files that do not have permanent damage can be fixed using tips above. And if the tips don't work, you can always use software such as iMyFone UltraRepair. It's easy, fast, and does the job well to solve the unsupported file format error. Click to download and try it to say goodbye to file type not supported!

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Melvin Cooper

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