How to play MKV files on Chromebook?
Struggling with playing MKV files on your Chromebook? Fret not, there are many other ways to play an MKV file on a Chromebook and we will be discussing all of these methods in this article. Read on!
If you use Chromebook and you have tried playing MKV files, you certainly would have come across some issue. Sometimes the file does not play at all and if it plays you can just hear the voice and cannot see the video. Now the question is why?
The write-up below gives you the complete details about why the MKV files do not play on Chromebook and how can it be played.Why MKV files won't play on Chromebook?
Let us check different reasons due to which the MKV files do not play on Chromebook:
Though there exist some issues with playing MKV files on Chromebook yet there are certain fixes too that can make your desired videos to be played smoothly on your existing operating system. One of them can be making use of media players. Some of them work well if you have access to the internet while others work offline too.
Let us check all the possibilities that allow MKV files to be played on ChromebookMethod 1: Use of Google Drive for Chromebook Playback
Chromebook can play videos saved in the device, through an external USB device and also through Google Drive. You can easily stream your MKV videos from any of the file storage services that support MKV playback. It can include Google Drive, Dropbox or any other cloud storage solution.
The only drawback if this system is that it is an online way of playing videos and you cannot stream the videos while you are offline. It is perfect for low storage files but for larger files, it is very hectic to upload and then playback. You can try another alternative in such a case.Method 2: By Using MKV Video Players on Chromebook
The default or built-in media player cannot play MKV files but you can surely seek help from some external media player that support MKV format. Here is the list of some popular and effective MKV video players.
So, in short, we can say that there must be some other way to play all the videos and files with no hindrance. Have a look at the next and final alternative.Method 3: Conversion of MKV files to MP4 format
Conversion of MKV files to the Chrome Supported Video File format is the best solution to the problem. MP4 is the most common format of video files that can be played on any operating system. Once you have converted the file in Chromebook compatible file format you need to worry if you are online, offline, you have any additional video player or not.
A step by step guide to convert MKV video files to MP4 format:
Step 1: Upload the Files for Conversion:
To start the conversion of MKV files to Chromebook supported file format you need to install VLC player or any other video converter on your computer. Now open VLC Video Converter and click on Add files. Click on the file that you want to convert in MP4 format.
You are supported with a drag and drop option. You can also carry out batch conversion. It is not at all required to convert the files one by one.
Step 2: Choose the Desired Format:
Now, as you finish uploading the files, click on Format. Once you click on the format button you will be displayed with a long list of formats for conversion of MKV files.
Choose the MP4 or any other video format that is supported by Chromebook. You can also select the conversion in HD quality. Change the settings of the audio and video by clicking on a Setting button.
Step 3: Convert the Files:
Once you are finished setting with all types of video specification, hit the convert button. Now the files are successfully converted in the Chromebook supported video format. Open the converted file and you are good to go.
There are no flaws in this method of playing the video on Chromebook.Final Words
The blog above is a perfect guide to play your MKV files on Chromebook. It suggests all the possible solutions in case you face the issue playing your desired file on Chromebook. You can use any of the methods that you find convenient.
First try the remux option in VLC instead of this, if you want a more clever approach.
9 out of 10 Matroska (MKV) files contain video types that are also allowed in MP4 (usually either H.264 or H.265 (HEVC)). Both file types are containers that can contain these different video types and also different audio types (also known as 'codecs').
Look at the last screenshot from VLC above. Click on the little tool icon. This will open another dialog that has a "Video codec" tab and an "Audio codec" tab. Both tabs have an option called "Keep original track". Tick these boxes.
Finally set a destination folder and file name with the MP4 extension in the output field in the previous dialog (it is not filled in in the screenshot above.