[Solved] How to Fix Plex Won't Play AVI Files?

The reason that I've published this post is quite a lot of people wonder whether Plex supports AVIs. Actually, I've seen plenty of similar issue topics, posts, threads on various social media, discussions and even Plex official forum. Yes, it always does. And few of them had provided with a solution that works.

Well, can Plex play AVI files? Based on the Plex official supported media formats list, I sum it up that AVI container with H.264, MPEG4 or MJPEG video encoding is natively supported for direct playing. On the contrary, the video codec that is not natively supported will automatically be Direct Streamed or transcoded by the Plex Media Server. That is, if there is an AVI video encoded by DivX or Xvid, Plex cannot directly play the file but to transcode it.

However, as you know, video compatibility varies by devices, platforms, models, etc., and the video transcoding process is not always successful due to a variety of cases. To bet on the sure thing, the most recommended solution is to re-encode AVI to Plex Direct Play Video Format MP4 (H.264/AAC) in advance. Next, two free programs are introduced below with corresponding operation steps.

It has to be said that HandBrake would be the first choice for many people when it comes to free video transcoders. Compared with Free HD Video Converter Factory, HandBrake is somewhat more complicated for green hands. For the first time you use it, download and install the latest version via https://handbrake.fr/. Then follow the main steps below to finish the transcoding.

Step 1. Run HandBrake, you'll be requested to drag an AVI file or a folder to the window. It will show some basic information after loading.

Step 2. On the right side, select your desired preset based on your need. It's recommended to select 720p30 or 1080p 30. If you cannot see the sidebar, click on Presets button on top menu bar to unfold it.

Step 3. Under Summary tab, MP4 is chosen by default as the output format. Select H.264 and AAC respectively under Video and Audio tabs.

Step 4. Set a destination path on the bottom, lastly, hit the green Start Encode button on top menu bar.

Note. If want to use HandBrake batch conversion, remember to switch to each title and press "Add to Queue" button beforehand. Otherwise, it only starts the conversion for the current title.

Pick any method as you like to complete the AVI re-encoding. After that, Plex is supposed to play the video smoothly without a hitch. Instead of wasting much time finding the root cause and solution of Plex AVI playback issue for a specific model, it's better to transcode AVI files to fundamentally solve any possibility.

By the way, this tutorial is also helpful to fix other Plex conversion failed errors, such as Plex VOB playback issue, Plex won't play MP4, Plex not playing MOV, and the like.

If this post doesn't work for you or there is any better solution available, you're welcomed to contact us.

A: The best format to convert AVI files to for Plex is MP4 (H.264 for video, AAC for audio). This format is widely supported by Plex and most devices, ensuring smooth playback without transcoding.

A: In addition to converting the AVI file to a Plex-supported format, try to enable transcoding in Plex's settings, or optimize the media for your device. Additionally, ensure both Plex Media Server and your playback device are updated.

A: Buffering can occur for several reasons, such as a weak network connection, high-resolution AVI files that require a lot of processing power, or a lack of proper transcoding. To reduce buffering, try converting the AVI file to a more efficient format like MP4, or reduce the playback quality to match your server's capabilities.