File isn't recognized or doesn't load on Galaxy phone or tablet

It can be frustrating when a certain file format is not recognized or the file won't open on your Galaxy phone, especially when you need to access important documents, photos, or videos. This guide provides a list of supported file formats. If the file type is supported, you can try updating your apps, clearing the cache and data, and more. However, it may be necessary to convert the file to a different format.

An error message on a Galaxy S21 screen stating that a file couldn't be opened due to an unsupported format.

File isn't recognized or doesn't load on Galaxy phone or tablet

Make sure the file is supported by your Galaxy device.

Your Galaxy device natively supports the following file formats:

Music: mp3, m4a, mp4, 3gp, 3ga, ogg, oga, aac, and flac
Image: bmp, gif, jpg, and png
Video: avi, flv, mkv, mp4, 3gp, webm, and ts
Document: doc, docx, xls, xlsx, ppt, pptx, pdf, and txtf

If the app is supported, proceed with Step 2. If the app is not supported, skip to Step 6.

Update the app.

If the file is supported, ensure that the app you're using to open the file is up-to-date. Navigate to and open the Play Store, then tap your profile icon, and then tap Manage apps & device. Tap Updates (if available), and then update the app if it appears in the list.

Check for app permissions.

Make sure the app has the necessary permissions to access the file. Navigate to and open Settings, then tap Apps, and then select the app. Tap Permissions and review the necessary permissions.

Clear the cache and data.

Clearing the cache and data for the app can help resolve issues with file loading. Navigate to and open Settings, then tap Apps, and then select the app. Tap Storage, then tap Clear cache, and then tap Clear data. Tap Delete when prompted.

Restart your device.

Sometimes, simply restarting your device can help resolve issues with file loading. Swipe down from the top right of the screen to open the Quick panel, and then tap the Power icon. Tap Restart, and then tap Restart again.

Try a different app or convert the file.

If the file still doesn't load, try using a different app to open it. You may need to convert the file.

Note

If none of the above steps work, contact the app developer's support team for further assistance.

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