Best Tools for Recovering .M4V Files on Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .M4V file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

Best Tools for Recovering .M4V Files on Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .M4V file?

An M4V file is an MPEG-4 file used to store video downloaded from the Apple iTunes store, such as TV episodes, music videos, and full-length movies. It is similar to the .MP4 file, but may be copy-protected using Apple's FairPlay DRM copyright protection.

What Are Common Causes of ".M4V" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".M4V" file loss or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: This is one of the most common causes of file loss. Users may mistakenly delete ".M4V" files while trying to delete other files or folders.
  2. Formatting or corruption: If the storage device containing the ".M4V" files gets corrupted or is accidentally formatted, it can result in file loss or failure.
  3. Virus or malware attack: Viruses or malware can infect the storage device and corrupt or delete ".M4V" files.
  4. Interruptions during file transfer: If there is a sudden power outage or any other interruption during the transfer of ".M4V" files from one device to another, it can lead to file loss or failure.
  5. Operating system or software issues: Sometimes, issues with the operating system or software can cause ".M4V" files to become inaccessible or corrupted.
  6. Hardware failure: If the storage device or any hardware components fail, it can result in the loss or failure of ".M4V" files.
  7. Human error: Accidental overwriting, improper handling of storage devices, or any other human errors can also cause ".M4V" file loss or failure.

It is always recommended to regularly backup important ".M4V" files to prevent data loss in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

How to recover lost ".M4V" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".M4V" file may be deleted.

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🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".M4V" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".M4V" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".M4V" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".M4V" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".M4V" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo iTunes Video File image file file?

Programs that open ".M4V" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Microsoft Windows Media Player Microsoft Windows Media Player
Apple iTunes Apple iTunes
Nullsoft Winamp Nullsoft Winamp
Corel VideoStudio 2019 Corel VideoStudio 2019
Media Player Classic Media Player Classic
VideoLAN VLC media player VideoLAN VLC media player
PCF Miro PCF Miro
Mac
Apple iTunes Apple iTunes
Apple QuickTime Player Apple QuickTime Player
Eltima Elmedia Player Eltima Elmedia Player
ShedWorx Smart Converter ShedWorx Smart Converter
VideoLAN VLC media player VideoLAN VLC media player
PCF Miro PCF Miro
Linux
VideoLAN VLC media player VideoLAN VLC media player
PCF Miro PCF Miro
Web
Google Drive Google Drive
iOS
Apple Music Apple Music
VideoLAN VLC for Mobile VideoLAN VLC for Mobile
PentaLoop PlayerXtreme Media Player PentaLoop PlayerXtreme Media Player

Additional Information

  • File type: iTunes Video File

  • File extension: .M4V

  • Developer: Apple

  • Category: Video Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: video/x-m4v

  • HEX: 00 00 00

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:32 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .M4V files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the common reasons for a .M4V file to become corrupted or damaged, requiring repair?

    There are several common reasons for a .M4V file to become corrupted or damaged, including:

    1. Incomplete or interrupted file download: If the .M4V file is not downloaded properly or the download process is interrupted, it can result in a corrupted file.
    2. Virus or malware infection: If the .M4V file gets infected by a virus or malware, it can lead to file corruption and make it unreadable.
    3. Improper file conversion: Converting the file format of a .M4V file using unreliable or faulty software can cause corruption.
    4. File system errors: Issues with the file system, such as disk errors or bad sectors on the storage device, can corrupt the .M4V file.
    5. Power failure or system crash: Sudden power failure or system crashes while the .M4V file is being accessed or modified can result in corruption.
    6. Software or hardware conflicts: Conflicts between different software applications or incompatible hardware components can cause damage to the .M4V file.
    7. Physical damage to storage media: Physical damage to the storage device where the .M4V file is stored, such as a hard drive failure or a damaged memory card, can lead to file corruption.
    8. Improper file transfer: If the .M4V file is not transferred correctly, such as being interrupted or disconnected during the transfer process, it can become corrupted.

    It is important to note that these are just some common reasons, and there may be other factors that can cause .M4V file corruption.

  • What are the available methods or software options for repairing a damaged .M4V file?

    There are several methods and software options available for repairing a damaged .M4V file. Here are a few:

    1. VLC Media Player: VLC is a popular media player that can sometimes fix minor issues with damaged M4V files. Simply open the file in VLC and let it attempt to repair the file automatically.
    2. Remo Repair MOV: Remo Repair MOV is a dedicated software for repairing corrupt or damaged MOV and M4V files. It can fix various issues such as header corruption, video/audio synchronization problems, and more.
    3. Stellar Phoenix Video Repair: Stellar Phoenix Video Repair is another software specifically designed for repairing corrupt or damaged video files, including M4V. It can fix issues like video playback errors, freezing, and frame distortions.
    4. MP4Fix: MP4Fix is a mobile app available for Android devices that specializes in repairing corrupted MP4 and M4V files. It can fix various issues caused by file corruption or incomplete file transfers.
    5. Online file repair services: There are also online services available that claim to repair damaged M4V files. These services usually require you to upload the file to their server for analysis and repair. Examples include Online File Repair, File Repair Online, and File Repair Toolkit.

    It's important to note that not all damaged M4V files can be repaired, especially if the damage is severe or the file is heavily corrupted. It's always a good idea to create backups of important files to avoid such issues.

  • Are there any specific techniques or steps to follow when attempting to repair a .M4V file, and what are the potential risks or limitations involved in the repair process?

    When attempting to repair a .M4V file, you can follow these techniques or steps:

    1. Rename the File: Sometimes, simply changing the file extension from .M4V to .MP4 can fix minor issues.
    2. Update Software: Ensure that you have the latest version of the media player or software you are using to play the .M4V file. Outdated software may struggle to handle certain codecs or file formats.
    3. Use VLC Media Player: VLC is known for its ability to play damaged or corrupted files. Try opening the .M4V file with VLC and see if it can repair and play it.
    4. Convert the File: If the .M4V file is severely damaged, you can try converting it to a different format using video conversion software. This process may help recover some parts of the video.
    5. Seek Professional Help: If the above steps fail, you can consider seeking assistance from professional data recovery services or specialized software designed to repair video files.

    Potential risks or limitations involved in the repair process include:

    1. Data Loss: Repairing a damaged .M4V file might lead to further loss or corruption of data. Always make a backup of the original file before attempting any repairs.
    2. Quality Loss: Depending on the severity of the damage, the repaired file may have reduced video or audio quality, missing parts, or out-of-sync audio.
    3. Time-consuming: Repairing damaged video files can be a time-consuming process, especially if the file is large or severely corrupted.
    4. Unrecoverable Damage: In some cases, the damage to the .M4V file may be too severe to repair, and the file may be permanently unplayable.

    It's important to note that the success of repairing a .M4V file depends on the extent and nature of the damage.
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