iMovie Not Working? Common Errors & Fixes

iMovie Share Failed usually comes from a corrupt clip, a damaged library, outdated software or low space. Moving the project to a new library and exporting from there is the most reliable test.

iMovie shows not enough disk space on import even with free space. Free room on the startup disk, move the library to an external drive or reinstall iMovie.

On iPhone and iPad, exports can fail with not enough space even when storage looks fine. Users report render leftovers; freeing space and exporting a lower resolution can help.

iMovie freezing with a spinning beach ball is reported on current macOS. Update, reset preferences and test a new library.

iMovie crashes are usually caused by corrupt media, outdated software or preferences. Update, reset preferences and remove the bad clip.

A library that will not open can be tested by opening or creating another library. Restore from Time Machine or an iMovie backup if needed.

Some iPhone clips will not import because of HEVC, HDR or variable frame rate. Switch the iPhone camera to Most Compatible or convert the clip to constant frame rate H.264.

Audio can drift in exported iMovie files, often with slow-motion clips. Set custom speeds to standard values or test a short export.

When you add a voiceover, iMovie lowers the main clip volume, which can look like missing audio. Check clip volume and mute settings.