Google Slides Unable to Play Video Error 5

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

1. FIX 1Test in an incognito window

   Copy steps
   1. 01Open a new incognito window (Ctrl+Shift+N / Cmd+Shift+N)
   2. 02Sign in and open the presentation
   3. 03If the video plays, an extension or cached data is the cause
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. FIX 2Clear cache and cookies

   Copy steps
   1. 01In Chrome open Settings > Privacy and security > Delete browsing data
   2. 02Select Cookies and Cached images and files
   3. 03Delete and reload the presentation
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. FIX 3Disable extensions

   Copy steps
   1. 01Open chrome://extensions
   2. 02Turn off ad blockers and video extensions
   3. 03Reload Slides and try again
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. FIX 4Turn off hardware acceleration

   Copy steps
   1. 01Open Chrome Settings > System
   2. 02Turn off 'Use graphics acceleration when available'
   3. 03Relaunch Chrome
   Did this fix it? Yes No

5. FIX 5Check the Drive file

   Copy steps
   1. 01Open the video in Google Drive and confirm it plays and has finished processing
   2. 02Click Share and give viewers access (or 'Anyone with the link')
   3. 03Delete the video from the slide and insert it again via Insert > Video > Google Drive
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

The video thumbnail shows 'Unable to play video. Error 5.' in edit mode or during the slideshow, often only in Chrome.

Why it happens

• C-01Corrupted browser cache and cookies
• C-02A browser extension (ad blocker, video tool) blocking playback
• C-03GPU or hardware acceleration problems
• C-04The Drive video is still processing or the viewer has no access
• C-05Unstable connection

// this guide also covers

• google slides video error 5
• unable to play video error 5
• google slides video not playing
• google drive video not playing in slides

The same problem in other apps

All not loading, error messages & connection guides →

• An Error Occurred While PowerPoint Was Saving the File (Microsoft PowerPoint)
• Canva Not Loading or Stuck on White Screen (Canva)
• Pitch Not Loading or Can't Connect (Pitch)

Other Google Slides errors

• Google Slides Unable to Play Video Error 150
• Google Slides Not Loading or Not Working
• Google Slides Presenter View Not Working
• Google Slides Audio Not Playing
• Google Slides Offline Not Working
• Google Slides Messes Up PowerPoint Formatting
• Why Is Google Slides So Slow?
• Google Slides Not Showing in Google Meet