3 February 2025

How to Fix Coursera Videos Not Working on Chrome

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to learn something new on Coursera, only to have video playback stop working. If you’re using Google Chrome and finding that Coursera videos won’t load, buffer endlessly, or won’t play properly, don’t worry. You’re not alone, and better yet, there are some quick fixes you can try. This guide will walk you through step-by-step solutions to get your Coursera videos working smoothly again.

1. Clear Chrome’s Cache and Cookies

One of the simplest fixes for video playback issues is clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. Over time, temporary files and cookies can corrupt, which may interfere with website performance.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Settings > Privacy and security.
3. Select Clear browsing data.
4. Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
5. Click Clear data.

Once the cache and cookies are cleared, reload the Coursera website to see if the videos play correctly.

2. Disable Chrome Extensions

Browser extensions are great for boosting productivity, but some of them can interfere with video playback or block scripts necessary for Coursera videos to work.

Follow these steps to disable extensions:

1. Click on the three dots in the top-right corner and select Extensions under the More Tools menu.
2. Toggle off or remove unnecessary extensions, especially ad blockers, VPNs, and script blockers.
3. Refresh the Coursera page and test the video functionality.

If disabling extensions solves the problem, try enabling them one by one to identify the culprit.

3. Enable JavaScript

Coursera heavily relies on JavaScript for rendering videos and other interactive content. If JavaScript is disabled, the platform may fail to function as intended.

You can enable JavaScript in Chrome by doing the following:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings.
2. Scroll down to Javascript and ensure it is toggled on.
3. Reload the Coursera page.

This often resolves video playback issues immediately.

4. Check for Chrome Updates

An outdated browser can lead to compatibility issues with modern platforms like Coursera. Here’s how to make sure your Chrome is up to date:

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner and select Help > About Google Chrome.
2. Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them if available.
3. Once updated, restart the browser and try playing the videos again.

Keeping your browser updated ensures maximum compatibility with web technologies.

5. Try Incognito Mode or a Different Profile

Sometimes, your browser’s saved data or settings may cause interference. Opening Chrome in Incognito mode, which uses temporary default settings, can help you determine if this is the cause.

Here’s how:

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner and select New Incognito Window.
2. Log in to Coursera and try playing a video.

If the issue persists, try creating a new browser profile in Chrome for a fresh start.

6. Check Your Internet Connection

Video playback issues can occur if your internet connection is unstable or inadequate. To ensure your connection isn’t the problem, try the following:

• Check your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection and reconnect if necessary.
• Do a speed test to ensure you have adequate bandwidth (a minimum of 5 Mbps is typically recommended for video streaming).
• Restart your router if the connection seems slow or unstable.

A solid, stable connection can make all the difference when streaming educational videos.

7. Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration is designed to improve performance by offloading certain tasks to your GPU. However, it can sometimes cause video playback issues.

You can disable hardware acceleration with these steps:

1. Go to Settings > System.
2. Turn off the toggle for Use hardware acceleration when available.
3. Restart Chrome.

This quick setting change can help you resolve playback glitches effectively.

8. Contact Coursera Support

If all else fails, the issue may be on Coursera’s end, not yours. Contact their support team for help. Be sure to provide details about your problem, including your operating system, Chrome version, and any troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried.

Coursera’s team is generally responsive and can help pinpoint the problem or suggest further steps.

Final Thoughts

Coursera is a fantastic resource for online learning, but technical hiccups like video playback problems can slow you down. By following the tips outlined above, you should be able to resolve most issues with Coursera videos not working in Chrome. Just remember, the key is to troubleshoot systematically. With these solutions in hand, you’ll be back to learning in no time!