How to Fix QuickTime Operation Could not be Completed?

QuickTime software is a great media player and screen recorder for macOS users. It allows its users to play videos and record screens with ease. But sometimes you may also experience some issues with the QuickTime player on your Mac.

When any error occurs, you’ll see an error message on the screen, such as QuickTime operation could not be completed. It may happen anytime when you’re playing a video, recording your screen, editing video, or using your iPhone or iPad together with your Mac. 

However, getting this kind of message on QuickTime is frustrating enough. It will stop you operating this software on your device. So, in this guide, we’ll explore some effective solutions for correcting this error message on Mac. 

What is QuickTime Player? 

QuickTime is an incredible built-in multimedia player for the macOS devices developed by Apple Inc.. It is a group of applications, files, and plug-ins that can be used as a video player, audio player, movie player, and screen recording tool for Mac devices. You can also connect your iOS device to operate QuickTime from your MacBook.

This is also used as a virtual reality tool. It is also a great video editor. The QuickTime player on the Mac will also allow you to trim a movie into different clips as well as manipulate each one of them particularly. 

Best of all, this software is free of charge for both the Mac and iOS operating systems. With this software, you can easily capture your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch screen. It also lets you record the display of your MacBook with the audio, or even a portion of it. 

If you want to use the QuickTime player on your computer, go to the Finder > Application folder. Now, double click on the QuickTime player. It will open the app and allow you to use it. 

Why Does QuickTime Show “The Operation Could Not Be Completed? 

There have been multiple reasons that caused the QuickTime player to show “The operation could not be completed.” Some of the most possible reasons will be the following:

• Your QuickTime is not up-to-date
• Damaged USB cable
• Bug issues with the QuickTime player
• Problem with the location and privacy settings
• Malware or virus issues 
• Bug issues with your Mac
• Your device is not updated 
• Weak internet connection

How to Fix QuickTime Operation Could Not be Completed? 

Now that we know the common reasons why QuickTime operation could not be completed, we’ll figure out some solutions for this problem. You can try the following fixes to solve this issue on your MacBook.

Fix 1: Check the USB Cable 

The most common reason why QuickTime operation could not be completed while connecting your Mac and iOS device together is a damaged USB cable. So, check the cable if it is bent, broken, or corroded. 

You should also make sure that it is plugged well on both sides. After diagnosing, if you find everything is fine, but the error is still appearing, then remove the old cable and try a new one. 

Fix 2: Force Quit QuickTime and Reopen it 

If you still get the error “QuickTime operation could not be completed” after the first solution, try to force quit your QuickTime and reopen it. To do so, here are the steps to follow:

• First tap the Apple Menu and select Force Quit QuickTime from the menu bar.
• Then, you will get the Force Quit Applications window.
• Here, select QuickTime and click on Force Quit. 

Once you’re done, re-open QuickTime and check if the error is still happening. If so, try the next solution. 

Fix 3: Update QuickTime player on Mac

Most often, QuickTime Player shows “The operation could not be completed” because of its old version. So, make sure that you update your QuickTime software regularly and that you’re currently operating the latest version of it. 

If you update your computer, it will automatically update the QuickTime player as it is a built-in program for it. In the following section, we’ll describe how you can update your mac with ease. 

Fix 4: Update your both Mac and iOS devices

The first and foremost duty while using a Mac or iOS device is that you should update it regularly. Otherwise, it will show various errors, such as QuickTime operation could not be completed. 

To update your Mac, here are the steps to go through:

• Click on the Apple Menu and go to the System Preferences. 
• Next, click on the Software Update.
• If macOS update is available on the screen, then tap on the Upgrade Now option.

Similarly, if you want to update your iPhone or iPad, below are the steps to follow:

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

• Now, scroll down and tap on the General button.

• Then, select Software Update.

• If any iOS update is available, tap on Download and Install. 

Fix 5: Restart your Mac 

Sometimes, a simple restart can help you to solve the problem like an operation could not be completed on the QuickTime Player. So, restart your Mac with the following steps:

• Locate the Apple menu and click on it.
• Scroll down and select Restart.
• Wait until your device restarts completely.

Fix 6: Reset All Settings 

The next solution to the problem that QuickTime operation could not be completed is to reset all settings on your iOS device. To do so, below are the instructions to follow:

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
• Now, select General. 
• Next, scroll down and select Reset. 
• Now, tap on Reset All Settings.
• Then, you will be asked to enter the passcode.
• Again select Reset All Settings to confirm the process.

Note: When you try this method, all your customized settings will go back to default settings. But no data or media files will be deleted. 

Fix 7: Disconnect All Peripherals 

When you get the error message that QuickTime operation could not be completed, disconnecting the peripherals can be a successful solution. This is useful when you have connected any peripherals to your Mac except the mouse and keyboard. 

Fix 8: Reset Location and Privacy 

Now, this is another possible solution for the problem where QuickTime operation could not be completed, which is to reset location and privacy on your iOS device. To do so:

• Launch the Settings app and select General.
• Now, scroll down and tap on Reset.
• Next, select the Reset Location and Privacy button from the bottom of the screen.
• Now, enter the passcode and select Confirm.
• Finally, connect your device to your Mac. Once you’re done, you’ll get a pop-up window on your iOS device that says Trust this Computer.
• Tap on the Trust button to finalize the process. 

Fix 9: Install an antivirus software

One of the most possible causes of the issue QuickTime operation could not be completed is malware or virus attacks. So, install an antivirus software on your Mac and try QuickTime again. 

Fix 10: Reinstall SMC 

Sometimes, resetting SMC can solve issues like QuickTime operation could not be completed. So, reinstall SMC on your Mac.

If you’re using a Mac with a non-removable battery, go through the following steps:

• First, turn off your Mac.
• Now, connect it to a power source.
• Next, press and hold the Shift+Control+Option keys and the Power button or touch ID at the same time.
• Hold it for about 10 seconds.
• Then, release the keys and finally, power on the Mac by pressing the Power button.

On the other hand, follow the following steps, if you’re using a Mac with a removable battery:

• Start by turning off your Mac.
• Then, unplug it from the Power source and remove the battery.
• Now, wait for a while, and insert the battery back in.
• Next, plug your Mac back into the Power source and, finally, power it on. 

FAQs 

There have been a lot of questions related to QuickTime player errors on Mac computers. Now, we’ll get through some of them.

How to fix QuickTime player error code 2041 on Mac? 

This error is usually a result of malware or virus infections on your Mac. So, diagnose your device and remove all infected files, applications, and programs. You should also download and install an antivirus software on your device to prevent such infections. 

Why won’t QuickTime allow me to export a video?

The main reason for this error is that the video format isn’t well supported. You should also make sure that your account has write permission. For this, go to File > Get info. Now, change the permission from Read to Read-Write. 

How do I update QuickTime player on my macOS? 

You can update your QuickTime player by going to its official download page and install the latest version of this software. But, usually, QuickTime will be automatically updated while you update your Mac device. 

Why can’t I open QuickTime on my device?

It’s because of a bug or the Software is running on an old version. If it’s a bug, reboot or restart your device to solve the issue. But, if the method fails to fix the problem, reinstall the software on your macOS. 

How do I fix QuickTime player not working on my Mac?

You can usually fix QuickTime software problems on your Mac by reinstalling it. First, uninstall the QuickTime player on your device. Then, install the latest version of this software again from the App Store. 

Conclusion 

That’s all about the solutions to the problem: quicktime operation could not be completed on Mac. You can try the methods gradually to sort out the reasons and solve them. 

Unfortunately, if any of them doesn’t work, you can try any of the alternative media player and screen recording software for your Mac. There are a lot of third-party media player and recorder applications available on the internet. 

Some of the most trusted screen recorders will include FoneLab Screen Recorder, Snagit, Loom, and OBS. But you must be careful while using a third-party app as it may include viruses or malware infections in it.