Udemy Video Not Showing or Playback Problems and Solutions – Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Common Udemy Video Issues You Might Be Facing:
- A blank white screen that doesn’t show the video player controls nor the video itself
- The error message “Error Loading Media: File not Found” appears on the screen
- The error message “Error Loading Media: Plugin Not Discovered” appears on display
- Video keeps buffering endlessly without playing
- Audio plays but video shows as black screen
- Video plays but with extremely poor quality or constant stuttering
If you’re encountering audio or video issues while trying to watch a course on Udemy, you’re not alone. Many learners face Udemy playback problems that can interrupt their learning flow. This comprehensive guide explains various methods to troubleshoot these problems, from quick 30-second fixes to advanced technical solutions for persistent Udemy video not showing issues.
Based on official Udemy support documentation and community-tested solutions, this guide covers problems across all platforms: web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge), mobile apps (iOS and Android), and different network environments. Whether you’re dealing with a Udemy black screen issue or constant buffering, follow our structured approach to identify and fix your specific problem.
Quick Fixes for Udemy Video Playback Problems
Try these solutions first—they solve most common Udemy video issues in under 5 minutes:
1. Force Refresh the Page
Hit Ctrl+F5 (Cmd+Shift+R on Mac) on your keyboard to force a complete reload of the page. This bypasses the browser cache and ensures all content is retrieved fresh from Udemy’s servers.
2. Try Incognito/Private Mode
Open an incognito window (Chrome) or private window (Firefox) and try playing the video. This disables all extensions that might be interfering with Udemy’s video player.
3. Lower Video Quality
Click the settings gear icon on the video player and select a lower resolution (480p or 720p instead of 1080p). This helps if you have bandwidth issues causing Udemy video buffering.
4. Check Internet Connection
Udemy requires minimum 5Mbps for smooth playback. Test your speed at Speedtest.net. If below 5Mbps, try off-peak hours or contact your ISP.
Why Udemy Videos Won’t Play: Common Causes
Encountering a black screen while trying to watch videos on Udemy can be frustrating. Several factors could contribute to this issue:
Server Outage
Udemy’s servers may experience temporary disruptions, leading to video unavailability. Checking for any announced maintenance schedules or server status updates can provide insights into whether this is the cause. You can check Udemy’s status at status.udemy.com.
Connectivity Issues
Weak or unstable internet connections can hinder smooth video streaming. Ensuring a stable and robust internet connection is essential for uninterrupted playback. A minimum speed of 5Mbit or 800kbps is required to watch a Udemy course on your device.
Ad Blockers and Firewall
Enabled ad blockers or firewall settings on your device might interfere with Udemy’s video and audio functions. Disabling these settings can often resolve streaming issues. Some ad blockers specifically target video players, mistaking them for ads.
Browser Extensions
Certain browser extensions may block or disrupt video playback on Udemy. Try disabling these extensions to see if it restores the functionality of the video player. Privacy extensions, script blockers, and even certain VPN browser extensions can cause issues.
Issues within the browser, such as cached data or temporary bugs, can also disrupt video playback. Clearing the browser cache can often resolve these issues and lead to a smoother streaming experience.
By troubleshooting these potential causes, you can hopefully resolve the black screen issue and enjoy uninterrupted learning on Udemy.
Minimum Requirements for Udemy Video Playback
Please note that a broadband connection with a minimum speed of 5Mbit or 800kbps is required to watch a Udemy course on your device. The remainder of our system requirements is listed here.
Key Requirements:
- Internet Speed: Minimum 5 Mbps for HD video, 2.5 Mbps for standard quality
- Browser: Latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge
- DRM Support: Enabled for protected content (Widevine for Chrome/Firefox, FairPlay for Safari)
- JavaScript: Must be enabled in browser settings
- Cookies: Third-party cookies should be allowed for Udemy.com
Complete Troubleshooting Guide for Udemy Playback Issues
First: Determine If Your Environment is Causing the Issue
Please try watching a different lecture or course so that we can determine whether or not the issue is being caused by your device, the settings on your device, or your internet connection.
If you can watch other lectures without issues: This indicates a technical problem with that specific video. Please contact Udemy support and report the problem with the specific course and lecture details.
If you have problems with multiple lectures: Follow the comprehensive troubleshooting steps below.
Browser-Specific Solutions for Udemy Video Problems
| Problem | Solution | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Blank white screen, no video player | Clear browser cache & cookies, disable ad blocker, enable DRM content | All Browsers |
| “Error Loading Media: File not Found” | Refresh page (Ctrl+F5), try different browser, check internet connection | Chrome/Firefox |
| “Error Loading Media: Plugin Not Discovered” | Update browser, enable Flash/HTML5 player in Udemy settings | ChromeFirefox |
| Video plays but no audio | Check video player volume, system sound, browser sound permissions | All Browsers |
| Constant buffering or stuttering | Lower video quality, close other tabs/apps, restart router | All Browsers |
Step-by-Step Browser Troubleshooting
Try Incognito/Private Window First
Try watching the single lecture in an incognito window. If the video plays without challenge, your browser extensions are likely causing the issue. Check each extension, plugin, or firewall program on your device to see if it needs to be reconfigured or disabled.
Check Network Restrictions
If you’re encountering the issue while watching the video on your company’s network, try watching the video on a non-company network instead. If you’re able to watch the video without any challenge, report the problem to your company’s IT group. Corporate firewalls often block streaming services or certain video protocols.
VPN Solutions for Restricted Content
If you still do not have access to the course, try downloading a VPN extension for Chrome. With it you can access geographically restricted content. Some countries or networks block Udemy or limit its functionality.
Clear your browser’s cookies and cache and restart it before attempting again. If you have many browser tabs open, close most of them besides the one you’re using to watch the course. Verify your browser version and update it if needed.
Verify Internet Speed and Requirements
A minimum internet speed of 5Mbit or 800kbps is required to watch a Udemy for Enterprise course on your gadget. Check your internet connection speed to ensure your environment meets this and that your system meets our requirements. If your internet speed is low, try lowering the video quality of the lecture, or watching the course during non-peak hours when your internet connection is more reliable.
Check Audio Settings
If you can’t hear any audio, double-check to see that the course player volume is turned up and that the video isn’t muted. Also test the sound settings on your device. Sometimes browser tabs can individually control volume—click the speaker icon in the browser tab to check.
Restart Devices
Restart your computer and network devices (modems/switches/routers). This classic IT solution fixes many unexplained issues by clearing temporary glitches and re-establishing fresh connections to Udemy’s servers.
Try Mobile App as Alternative
As an interim solution, try watching it offline on the mobile app. Sometimes the mobile app works when the browser doesn’t, as it uses a different video player and connection method.
Changing Video Player Format on Udemy
This is an interesting option that many users don’t know about. Udemy supports different video players, and you can change between them in your profile settings.
How to Change Udemy Video Player Format:
- Click on the down arrow icon in the upper right corner of the screen (your profile icon).
- In the menu that opens, click on the edit profile icon or go directly to “Preferences”.
- Select “Preferences” on the left side menu.
- The next page shows the default video player and the option to change to the other supported player.
Note: Modern browsers have largely phased out Flash support, so HTML5 video player is now the default and recommended option. However, toggling between available options can sometimes reset problematic settings.
Ensure Flash is Updated (If Still Using)
If you’re using the Flash video player on Udemy (though this is increasingly rare), make sure that the plugin is updated. You can obtain the latest version of Flash from Adobe.
Important Flash Note:
Adobe Flash Player was officially discontinued in December 2020. Most modern browsers have completely removed Flash support. Udemy has transitioned to HTML5 video player for all content. If you’re being prompted to use Flash, you’re likely on an outdated browser or system. We strongly recommend updating your browser instead of trying to install Flash.
How to Fix Slow Video Streaming on Udemy
You’ve just paid for a course on Udemy, and now you’re experiencing sluggish video streaming. Your interest in and ability to learn from the course may be hampered by the video’s constant buffering, lagging, and stuttering. Here’s what to do about slow video streaming on Udemy:
Check Internet Speed and Connected Devices
First, check your internet speed and how many devices are using it. Other devices streaming video, downloading large files, or online gaming can consume bandwidth needed for smooth Udemy playback.
Download the Course for Offline Viewing
Next, try downloading the course and watching from your own media player. This eliminates streaming issues entirely and lets you watch at maximum quality without buffering.
Adjust Video Quality Settings
Lastly, you can change the video to lower quality. While watching a video, click the settings gear icon and select 480p or 720p instead of 1080p. This significantly reduces bandwidth requirements.
Why is Udemy So Slow? Understanding the Causes
Server Load Issues
Some users have complained that the Udemy server itself is slow. The website provides a large number of courses and continually adds new content daily, which means they have substantial data being used concurrently. This can be too much for their servers to handle at peak times, resulting in slow and jerky video speeds.
Browser Problems
Your browser may be the challenge. Some browsers that aren’t updated to the latest version may have trouble playing Udemy course videos at their designated speed. Try checking your browser version and update it if needed. You may also have better luck using a different browser since some may perform better accessing Udemy’s servers than others.
Internet Speed and Connections
If your internet is restricted or below a certain speed, it may not play Udemy courses correctly. Use this free internet speed tester to see where your internet speed stands! You also need to check what all is using your internet when you’re trying to watch a course. Multiple connected devices can affect available bandwidth.
Session Timeout Issues
Your login may have timed out. If you have been logged into your Udemy account for an extended period of time, you may experience changes in the video server quality. However, this problem can often be resolved by quickly logging out and logging back in. Additionally, refreshing the website can help establish a new connection to the Udemy server.
A Change Can Do Some Good: Alternative Viewing Methods
Changing the device you use to watch the video is another quick fix you may try to speed up video streaming on Udemy.
Change Your Computer or Device
If you have another computer or digital device to stream the course on, this can be a simple fix. Generally speaking, older computers or laptops have more difficulty streaming videos than more modern ones. Additionally, different power settings could affect how well it functions.
You can have plenty of apps or websites that can be using data on your computer or digital gadget. This can influence how well your video is streaming. You can clear your browser and restart it and may see a difference in how well the video streams. Here’s a quick how-to on clearing your browser cache.
Restart Your Devices
Restart your devices and browser to give it another chance to connect to the Udemy server. A simple restart can reboot your computer as well as your browser when you log back into Udemy and try to view your video again. While this option may not work every time, it can help reset your internet connection to the Udemy server.
Adblockers and Firewall: Common Culprits
Your computer or laptop may be running a firewall or ad blocker, which could affect how well the video and audio function. If you’re having trouble streaming videos while on the Udemy website, make sure you turn these off.
Use Incognito Mode to Bypass Blockers
You can open an incognito window, which will help you view Udemy videos privately without all the plugins and adblockers running in your regular browser. If you find that this works, then you know that it was either your adblocker or firewall affecting your browser speed.
Try a VPN Add-on
This may sound counterintuitive to our earlier point. However, users have said good things about an add-on called Touch VPN. It works similarly to an incognito window, where you’d watch the video privately without other apps affecting your video streaming.
Test Other Video Platforms
Try watching videos on other platforms like YouTube, and see if you have similar issues. Though it may not affect other websites, your firewall or ad blocker may specifically affect Udemy’s website. This can help determine whether the problem is with the Udemy server or video streaming in general.
Troubleshooting Video Issues on The Udemy Mobile App
This section explains several solutions if you’re having trouble with the audio or video when trying to view your course on the Udemy mobile app.
Determine If Your Mobile Environment is Causing the Issue
Try watching another lecture or course to determine whether your mobile device, settings, or internet connection may be causing the problem. If you’re able to watch other lectures with no issues, this indicates there’s a technical issue with the original video and not your environment. You can report the problem by clicking here.
If you’re encountering playback issues with other lectures, then please try the troubleshooting steps outlined below.
Troubleshooting Video Loading Issues on Mobile
If you still encounter issues while watching different course videos, then this indicates there’s an issue with your device, settings, or internet connection.
- Make sure that the device/network connection meets our system requirements and make sure you update to the latest Udemy app version.
- You may be viewing the course with a slow internet connection or a weak mobile signal. Please try the following:
- Reduce the video streaming quality to play the video in a lower resolution
- Restart your device and your modem/router if you’re on a WiFi network to see if your internet connection improves
- Turn mobile data off, wait ten seconds, and then turn it back on
- Download the course for offline viewing instead of streaming it online
If you continue to experience playback issues after trying the steps above, please do the following:
- Restart the Udemy app
- Delete the Udemy app from your device and reinstall it. Please remember that any content you have saved for offline viewing will be removed after the app reinstallation. You will need to re-download the content once again.
Troubleshooting Playback Issues with Downloaded Lectures
If you’re encountering playback issues with lectures you’ve downloaded for offline viewing, please try the following:
- Try downloading another lecture and watching it offline. If you’re able to view other lectures offline without any issues, this indicates there’s likely a technical issue with the original video and not your device. You can report the problem by clicking here.
- Verify that the course or lecture was downloaded successfully. Steps on how to download courses and lectures on the mobile app can be found in the articles below:
- Remove the offline content and download the lecture(s) again. While we understand this may be an inconvenience, it may resolve the issue if the data in the memory storage is corrupted or missing.
If you continue to experience issues with the downloaded videos, please do the following:
- Turn on airplane mode on your device and try watching the downloaded lectures. To do so, please close all apps running > check the device’s settings > search AirPlane/Flight mode > turn it on.
- Turn off your internet connection (as well as your mobile data signal) and then try playing the content you’ve downloaded.
- Try restarting the Udemy app.
- Delete the Udemy app from your device and reinstall it. Please note that any offline content you’ve saved from your courses will be removed completely after the app reinstallation. You will need to re-download the content once again.
Fixing “Problem with Your System Settings” Error
If you’re encountering an error notification when viewing courses, which states there’s a problem with your system settings, please try the troubleshooting steps below.
Update Your Browser
Update your browser to ensure you’re using the latest version. This is especially important for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge users.
Enable Protected Content Playback
If you’re on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge, please verify that you’re allowing protected content to play on your device. If any of these settings are disabled, once enabled, clear your browser’s cache once more before checking if video content will now load.
- Learn how Chrome users can manage protected content. You should enable websites to play protected content. If you are using Google Chrome in a Windows setting, you will also need to allow websites to identify your device.
- Learn how Firefox users can manage protected content. The Widevine Content Decryption Module provided by Google Inc. should be set to ‘Always activate’.
- Edge users can navigate to edge://settings/content/protectedContent and ensure both settings for playing protected content and identifiers for protected content are toggled to the ‘On’ position.
Update Widevine Content Decryption Module
If you are using a supported version of Chrome or Edge, and the above steps don’t resolve the issue, please do the following:
- If you’re using Chrome, enter chrome://components/ into the URL bar at the top of your browser. Enter edge://components/ if you’re using Edge.
- Next, navigate to Widevine Content Decryption Module.
- Update the Widevine Content Decryption Module so that the version number is 4.10.2198.0 or better (and/or the status reads it’s up-to-date).
Next Steps If Problems Persist
If you’re still encountering issues after following the steps above, please contact Udemy support. In the interim, if the course is available for downloading, try watching it offline or on the mobile app.
How to Download Udemy Courses for Offline Viewing
Why Downloading Courses Solves Many Playback Issues
An easy solution you can try for slow video speed is to download the Udemy course. You can watch it on your own media player while having it on your computer. You can watch the complete video without having to worry about the Udemy server. You won’t need to worry about the internet either because you’ll have all the content locally.
Benefits of Downloading Udemy Courses
- Rewind and Rewatch Without Buffering: Downloading can allow you to rewatch or rewind the video without any problem. When you finally experience good quality and flawless speeds, you won’t want to fiddle with streaming. Even if you needed to go back and listen to something again, you would be too afraid that it would start buffering all over again.
- Save Storage Space When Done: You can always delete the course once you’re done to free up space on your computer. You will always have access to all the course materials when you enroll in a Udemy course. You can therefore download the course video, erase it from your computer, and still access the online version to download it again later.
- Fix Audio Issues: Downloading the video can also fix any audio issues with the course. Many users have expressed dissatisfaction with the audio quality when trying to stream on the Udemy server. Since all the data is saved to your computer locally, you can avoid streaming-related audio issues.
Downloading Instructions by Platform
| Platform | How to Download | Offline Access Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Web Browser | Click download button below video player (if available) | Limited by course/instructor settings |
| iOS Mobile App | Tap download icon next to lecture title | Unlimited while enrolled in course |
| Android Mobile App | Tap download icon next to lecture title | Unlimited while enrolled in course |
| Udemy Desktop App | Available for select Business accounts | Depends on enterprise license |
Why Fixing Udemy Playback Problems is Important
Fixing Udemy’s video black screen is crucial for several reasons, particularly for learners who invest in Udemy courses:
Uninterrupted Learning
Resolving the black screen ensures a seamless flow of information, allowing learners to absorb course content without disruptions. An uninterrupted experience promotes better understanding and engagement with the material.
Optimal Learning Experience
A clear, visible video is essential for an effective learning experience. Visual aids play a significant role in many courses, and a black screen hampers the delivery of essential information.
Time Efficiency
Fixing the black screen saves valuable time that would otherwise be spent troubleshooting or attempting to watch content under less-than-ideal conditions. This enables learners to dedicate their time and effort to learning rather than dealing with technical issues.
Enhanced Retention
Visual content contributes to better knowledge retention. When videos are displayed correctly, learners can absorb information more effectively, increasing the likelihood of retaining and applying what they’ve learned.
Platform Satisfaction
A glitch-free experience contributes to overall satisfaction with the learning platform. Resolving issues demonstrates the platform’s commitment to user satisfaction and providing a high-quality learning environment. When investing time in learning, technical barriers can significantly diminish motivation and outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Udemy Playback Issues
What should I do if the Udemy video quality appears lower than expected?
If you’re experiencing poor video quality on Udemy, there are a couple of steps you can take. Firstly, ensure that your internet connection meets the recommended speed for HD playback (minimum 5 Mbps). Additionally, you can try adjusting the video quality settings within the Udemy video player to see if that improves the viewing experience. Click the settings gear icon on the player and select a higher resolution if available.
Does Udemy offer any offline viewing options for courses?
Yes, Udemy provides users with the option to download course content for offline viewing through its mobile app. This feature allows learners to access their courses even when they don’t have an internet connection, providing greater flexibility and convenience. Some courses also allow downloads through the web interface, though this is less common.
How does Udemy handle video playback issues caused by geographical restrictions?
While Udemy operates globally, some courses may have geographical restrictions imposed by licensing agreements. If you encounter playback issues due to these restrictions, reaching out to Udemy’s support team can help clarify the situation. They can provide assistance and guidance on how to proceed in such cases. In some situations, using a reputable VPN service may help bypass geographical restrictions.
Why do I see a black screen but hear audio on Udemy?
This is typically caused by graphics acceleration issues, outdated graphics drivers, or problems with the video decoding on your device. Try disabling hardware acceleration in your browser settings, updating your graphics drivers, or switching to a different browser. Also, check if the issue persists in incognito mode with all extensions disabled.
How can I tell if the problem is with Udemy or my computer?
Try accessing Udemy from a different device on the same network. If it works on another device, the issue is likely with your original computer or browser. Also check status.udemy.com to see if Udemy is experiencing widespread issues. Trying a different network (like switching from WiFi to mobile data) can also help identify if the problem is network-related.
Summary: Udemy Video Playback Problems and Solutions
We have discussed the potential causes and solutions for slow Udemy video streaming and playback issues. You can always check your internet speeds to determine if they’re the source of any problems. To get around plugins and adblockers that might be interfering with your high-quality video, use a private browser. You can also download the course to avoid all your prior online issues.
Hopefully one of these tips was successful for you, and you are now enjoying streaming Udemy videos! Remember to approach troubleshooting methodically:
- Start with the quick fixes (refresh, incognito mode, check internet)
- Move to browser-specific solutions (clear cache, update browser, disable extensions)
- Try alternative viewing methods (mobile app, different device, offline downloads)
- Check advanced settings (DRM, Widevine, protected content settings)
You can get assistance and support from Udemy if the problem continues. You might need to immediately get in touch with Udemy support if none of the solutions to your problem worked. Send them an email at help@udemy.com with information about your browser, operating system, the course and video you had trouble with, as well as screenshots of the issue.
For more Udemy-related content, you can also check Top Ten Most Popular Courses on Udemy to discover new learning opportunities once you’ve resolved your playback issues.
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