Your iMovie Keeps Crashing? [OFFICIAL FIX Options 2024] (2024)

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  • Your iMovie Keeps Crashing? [OFFICIAL FIX Options 2024]

If you feel frustrated as your iMovie won't open or keeps crashing, you are not alone. It is one of the most common issues that iMovie users face. Editing videos using iMovie might turn into a devastating job due to this. So, why isn’t iMovie working? In this article we offer some of the solutions that you can try if the app is not updating or working. You can also consider using Movavi Video Editor as alternative software.

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There might be several reasons behind a software crash. But fixing iMovie crashing issues on a MacBook is not that tough. You might wonder what to do when iMovie freezes when opening or in the middle of a project. Here are some probable reasons and a few solutions to the problem.

  • So, why does iMovie keep crashing? One of the most obvious reasons behind iMovie not working on a Mac is importing a corrupted file. If you do so, iMovie will surely crash. So, you can try to work with some other file. It would be better for you if you could multiple copies of your files.

  • The same problem will arise if you try to import a file whose codecs are unsupported by iMovie. Video codecs permit video files to be decompressed and compressed. So, in case the codec is unsupported when importing, you will face file codec issues.

  • Another probable reason behind iMovie crashing is the version you are using, and that might not be to run by the version of macOS that you use.

iMovie import solutions

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It is common that iMovie keeps freezing while importing any file, or iMovie keeps quitting unexpectedly while getting started with a new project. Here are the most straightforward solutions to the problem.

  • It is a common thing that the file you are trying to work with is a corrupted one and won’t play. It might not be possible to use a different file all the time. To avoid this, ensure that you have various copies of the file. Redundancy in file management is excellent if you need to work with complex files. Or, you can find out and delete the corrupted files. Click on Users in the Finder window, right-click on iMovie, and you can see the package contents. Delete the files and load the right ones.

  • If the problem is a compile-time or a run-time errors, you have no choice left other than to wait for the new version of iMovie. iMovie keeps developing new bugs. So, it depends on the development of the solution team.

  • Application not responding is a common problem in iMovie. You might only require to delete some preferences on certain occasions. Activate safe mode and open iMovie. Press one of the command keys and hold the option key to delete preferences.

iMovie keeps quitting unexpectedly

For problems related to iMovie quitting unexpectedly, you can try out the following solutions.

  • Try to update the version of iMovie.

  • Activate the safe mode and log in to your computer. Try to launch iMovie.

  • A great solution is to delete the iMovie caches.

  • You can also delete the corrupted project files in iMovie.

  • Video editing in iMovie needs a vast space. Check the available storage and make sure that you have at least 10GB of available space.

What to do when iMovie freezes

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iMovie freezing is quite a normal thing as it is something that almost every iMovie user faces. Let us check out some of the standard solutions.

  • You can start by trying out the old method of restarting your computer. Then try to launch the software by holding Command and Option keys. Delete preferences from the dialog box. Most of the time, this can cure freezing glitches.

  • If you face the same problem again, launch the software by holding down the Option key. It will let you create a different library or select a different library where you can open iMovie. Select one and check if iMovie works appropriately.

  • If none of the above tips work, open iMovie from a different user account. You can create a new account or just use the Guest account.

iMovie crashes when exporting and sharing

When it comes to iMovie, some users report that iMovie crashes when exporting or sharing. Here are some of the solutions to this problem.

  • If iMovie crashes when sharing or exporting, try to restart your computer. Restarting will let macOS reload the resources that might have resulted in the glitch.

  • It is a common issue that you are using an outdated version of iMovie. So, if iMovie won’t export your file, make sure to update the app for smooth work.

  • iMovie does not permit the usage of special symbols and characters in the name of the export file. If any, check the name and remove the special characters and symbols, as iMovie won’t just export if the name is not supported.

  • Check the export settings as H.264 codec in iMovie might result in export problems. Tweak the setting and try exporting again.

  • It might be the case that iMovie is not exporting a specific project. You can check this out by exporting some other project.

Summary

iMovie is one of the common names when it comes to video editing on a Mac. But, unfortunately, some users may face problems when using this app. We hope this guide will help you if iMovie won't update or keeps crashing. These tips are mainly for the Mac version of the software but you can also try using some if iMovie is not working on your iPhone. Additionally, you can always try out other alternatives like Movavi Video Editor for a smooth workflow on your Mac.

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Your iMovie Keeps Crashing? [OFFICIAL FIX Options 2024] (5)

Frequently asked questions

How do I empty my iMovie cache?

Follow these steps to empty the iMovie cache:

  • Open iMovie and click on Preferences.

  • Click on Delete by Render Files.

  • Click on Confirm.

Why does the iMovie library take up so much space?

iMovie saves lots of cache files. It is also because of the iMovie trash size. It keeps saving the deleted items if you want to undo your delete in any case.

How do you clean up iMovie?

Here’s how you can clean up iMovie:

  • You can delete the render files that you can find from the Preferences option. Or, you can just select and delete the files manually.

  • Another great alternative to clean up iMovie is to move your library to an external hard drive.

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Your iMovie Keeps Crashing? [OFFICIAL FIX Options 2024] (2024)

FAQs

Your iMovie Keeps Crashing? [OFFICIAL FIX Options 2024]? ›

Restart your Mac after reconnecting a device if the device requires it. If iMovie still doesn't work, you might need to update your device's firmware or have the device serviced.

Why is my iMovie app not working? ›

Restart your Mac after reconnecting a device if the device requires it. If iMovie still doesn't work, you might need to update your device's firmware or have the device serviced.

Is iMovie no longer available? ›

iMovie is pre-installed on all new Macs, iPhones, and iPads, and is available for free on the App Store.

How do you unfreeze iMovie? ›

To force quit an application, choose Force Quit from the Apple menu (or press Command-Option-Esc), then choose the unresponsive application in the Force Quit window, and click Force Quit. Optionally, you may be able to Option-right click the application's icon in the Dock and choose Force Quit from the contextual menu.

Why is iMovie not playing my video? ›

If you're in this situation, all you must do is quit iMovie, then reopen it and re-import your video clip correctly. If any mistakes happened during the installation process or when it was updated, you'll get a black screen why you try to edit your video clips using iMovie.

How do I fix iMovie from crashing? ›

iMovie keeps quitting unexpectedly
  1. Try to update the version of iMovie.
  2. Activate the safe mode and log in to your computer. Try to launch iMovie.
  3. A great solution is to delete the iMovie caches.
  4. You can also delete the corrupted project files in iMovie.
  5. Video editing in iMovie needs a vast space.
Mar 13, 2024

Does deleting iMovie app delete projects? ›

Back up your iMovie projects

Once you've uninstalled iMovie, you will no longer be able to access iMovies projects on your Mac. They will still be available on other devices, but if you have only used it on your Mac, you won't have any way of accessing them.

What app replaced iMovie? ›

Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to iMovie include features and projects. We have compiled a list of solutions that reviewers voted as the best overall alternatives and competitors to iMovie, including Adobe Premiere Pro, Camtasia, Adobe Creative Cloud Express, and Wondershare Filmora.

What program replaced iMovie? ›

What is the best alternative to iMovie?
  • Movavi Video Editor.
  • Fastreel.
  • Movavi App.
  • Kdenlive.
  • Animoto.
Apr 6, 2024

Can I reinstall iMovie if I delete it? ›

Note that if you don't find anything related to iMovie in these folders, you're more than likely fine. Empty your Trash, then reinstall iMovie from the Apple App Store. You can empty your Trash by right-clicking or control-clicking on the Trash icon.

Why does iMovie keep crashing? ›

File Codec Error. iMovie does not support most the file codecs. So, incompatible codecs and unavailable imported files could be the reasons for “Why does iMovie keep crashing?”.

How do I unfreeze iMovie on my iPhone? ›

Try deleting/resetting preferences. To do that open iMovie while holding down the Option and Command keys and select to delete preferences in the box that appears. iMovie will open in a new library. Reopen your old library to get back to your projects.

Why did my iMovie go black? ›

Some of the common issues that cause a black screen to appear in iMovie on Mac include the following: Distorted video files due to incorrect importing procedure. iMovie may not be working properly. Glitch in iMovie when it was updated.

Why is iMovie muted? ›

Make sure the sound output settings of your Mac are set up correctly. at the top, and click Reset. Quit and reopen iMovie.

How do I get iMovie to play? ›

Play video

In the iMovie app on your Mac, do one of the following: Position the pointer over a clip in the browser or timeline where you want to begin playing, and press the Space bar. Click a clip in the browser or timeline where you want to begin playing, and then click the Play button below the viewer.

Why is my iMovie not working on iPhone? ›

For a good functioning of iMovie app on iPhone, you have to make sure your device has enough space left. To do that, you could head to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, see the storage spaced used and delete some files to make out rooms. Alternatively, you could also remove unwanted apps on your iPhone Home screen.

Why won't my iPhone videos play in iMovie? ›

You probably need to download the videos before iMovie will recognize them. Try downloading your videos to your physical Photos app library. Then access them in iMovie from the Photos item in the iMovie project media sidebar.

Why is iMovie not working on my iPad? ›

I would suggest updating your iOS to the latest version, then updating iMovie for iOS to the latest version, and restarting your iPad to initially address the issue. If the issue persists, then delete the iMovie for iOS app and redownload it from the Purchases tab of the App Store.

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