Downloading free YouTube videos online to watch offline can be very convenient, especially when traveling or in areas with poor internet connection. However, many users encounter a frustrating issue: the downloaded videos won’t play on their phones. This common frustration is almost always due to a format incompatibility between the downloaded video and your phone's media player. This guide will show you how to use Wise Video Converter to convert the video to a phone-friendly format and enjoy them on any device.
Wise Video Converter is a desktop software for Windows that allows you to convert video files from one format to another. With just a few clicks, you can turn unplayable YouTube downloads into smooth and high-quality videos.
How to Fix Unplayable YouTube Videos with Wise Video Converter: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1. Download and Install
Download Wise Video Converter from the official website and install it on your PC. Then run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
Step 2. Add Your YouTube Video

- First, connect your phone to your computer via USB. Find the YouTube video file and copy it to your desktop, which makes it easier to work with.
- Launch the program and drag the video file from the desktop into the converter window. You can add multiple videos here to convert them all in one go.
Step 3. Select the Output Format
In the Output format menu:
- Choose MP4 in the Video tab, which is the most widely supported format for both Android and iPhone.

- If you prefer, you can also go to the Device tab. Choose your specific phone model (e.g., iPhone 11 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S+).

Step 4. Add Effect & Watermark (Optional)
You can usually leave the default settings, but if you need to add any effect or watermark to your video, you can do so in the Effect & Watermark menu before converting.

Step 5. Start the Conversion
- Choose the Output path to select a folder where you want to save the new, converted file.
- Click the Convert button to let Wise Video Converter process all the videos.
- Wait a few moments and go find the compatible video files under the Completed tab or in the folder path where you chose.

Step 6. Transfer to Your Phone
Move the converted video to your phone via USB. Now, the video should play without any issues.
Conclusion
If your YouTube downloads refuse to play on your phone, do not waste time trying random players or re-downloading the file over and over. The most reliable fix is to convert the video to a universal format like MP4 using Wise Video Converter. By following the steps above, you will be able to watch your videos anytime and anywhere without playback errors.