Have you ever tried to open an image or video in your Android gallery only to be greeted by the frustrating message file format isn’t supported or files are corrupted? This common error can prevent you from viewing important photos or videos, leaving you confused and annoyed. It can be a recent photo you just captured or an old video you have stored for years; not being able to access them can be disheartening.

The good news is that this issue is not as complicated as it seems. In this guide, we will walk you through various methods to resolve the file format is not supported or files are corrupted in gallery issue, as well as some preventative tips to avoid it in the future.

What Causes the File Format Isn’t Supported or “Files Are Corrupted Error?

When you attempt to view a photo or video in your Android gallery and encounter the message file format isn’t supported or files are corrupted, it is often due to one of the following reasons:

• Corrupted SD Card: If your SD card is corrupted, the images or files stored on it may not open correctly.
• Incorrect File Format: Your device may not support the format of the image or video file.
• Insufficient Storage: If your phone’s storage is full, it can lead to errors when opening files.
• File Downloading Issues: Sometimes, a file may not download properly, resulting in corruption.
• Outdated Software: An outdated operating system or app may fail to open certain file types.
• Damaged Files: Physical damage to your phone’s storage or abrupt shutdowns during file saving can cause corruption.

Let’s dive deeper into how to fix these issues and get your files back in working order.

Methods to Fix File Format Isn’t Supported or Files Are Corrupted in Gallery

If you are encountering the file format isn’t supported or files are corrupted error in your gallery, do not worry; there are several methods you can try to fix the issue and regain access to your files.

Method 1: Check for Corrupt SD Card or External Storage

The unsupported media in gallery message is often triggered by issues with your SD card or external storage. If you have an SD card inserted in your phone, try removing it and reinserting it properly. A loose or poorly inserted SD card can prevent your files from being recognized correctly.

Reinsert the SD card into your phone and reboot it. If the issue persists, use a card reader on your computer to check if the files are accessible. If the files are still corrupted, consider reformatting the SD card (but make sure to back up your files first, as reformatting will erase all data).

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Method 2: Resize or Compress the Image Files

Large image files may not open on your Android device if the phone cannot handle the size. This issue often leads to the file format is not supported or files are corrupted error. If this is the case, reducing the size of the image can help.

You can use photo compressor or resizer apps available on the Google Play Store to resize your images without losing much quality. Alternatively, you can also use online tools or photo-editing software to resize the image and save it in a supported format.

Also know: How to Convert EXE File to APK for Android

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Method 3: Reboot Your Android Device

Sometimes, the simplest solution can work wonders. If your Android phone is showing the file format isn’t supported or files are corrupted error, try rebooting your device. A fresh restart can fix many temporary problems, including software bugs that may prevent you from accessing files.

To restart your Android phone, hold down the power switch until the menu appears. Select Reboot or Restart, depending on your device. Once your phone restarts, try opening the file again to see if the issue is resolved.

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Method 4: Convert the File to a Supported Format

One common cause of the file format is not supported or files are corrupted in gallery error is that the file is in a format that your Android phone cannot read. Android phones support various image and video formats like JPEG, PNG, and MP4, but not every file type will work.

To convert the image or video file to a supported format, follow these steps:

• Open the Gallery or File Manager app on your phone.
• Tap on the image or video file you want to convert.
• Select the three dots (menu) icon at the top-right corner.

• Click on Details to check the file format. If the format is unsupported, note the extension (e.g., .webp, .tiff, etc.).

• Use a file converter app to change the file to a supported format like JPEG or MP4. These apps are available for free on the Google Play Store and can help you convert various file types quickly.

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Method 5: Check Your Network Connection

If you are receiving an unsupported file type error when downloading images or videos from the internet, it could be related to a poor or unstable network connection. In such cases, the file may not download properly, resulting in corruption.

Check your Wi-Fi or data connection to ensure it is stable and strong. Retry downloading the file after connecting to a better network.

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Method 6: Update Your Phone’s Software

Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues with certain file formats. To ensure your Android phone is running the latest version of the operating system, follow these steps:

• Go to Settings > Software Update.
• Tap on Download and Install if an update is available.
• Once the update is installed, restart your phone and check if the error persists.

By keeping your phone’s software up-to-date, you ensure that it can handle a wide variety of file formats and perform better overall.

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Method 7: Clear Cache and Data of Gallery App

If the unsupported media in gallery message appears despite having properly formatted files, there could be a problem with the app’s cache or data. To fix this:

• Go to Settings > Apps or Applications.
• Find and choose the Gallery app.
• Go to Storage and select Clear Cache and Clear Data.

This will remove any corrupted temporary files that might be causing the error and give the app a fresh start.

Also know: Best File Sharing Apps For Android Smartphones

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How to Avoid File Format Isn’t Supported or Files are Corrupted Errors in the Future

To avoid facing issues with corrupted or unsupported files in the future, here are a few tips:

• Always use supported file formats (JPEG, PNG, MP4) for images and videos.
• Keep your storage clean and avoid overloading your phone with too many files.
• Regularly backup your files to cloud storage or external drives.
• Keep your software up to date to ensure compatibility with new file formats.
• Use reliable file management apps to organize and store your files.

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Conclusion

Dealing with the file format isn’t supported or files are corrupted error can be frustrating, but with the right methods, you can fix these issues and get your files back in working order. Whether it is resizing large images, converting unsupported formats, or clearing cache, there are multiple solutions available. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to resolve file corruption or format errors on your Android device.