If you own an Android phone, you may have encountered an ‘Unsupported Format Error‘ when trying to open photos. This error typically occurs when the image file format is not supported by your phone’s default photo viewer. This can be frustrating, especially if the photo is important to you. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to fix this error and view your photos.
One of the easiest ways to fix the ‘Unsupported Format Error’ is to use a photo repair software. These tools can repair any sort of image corruption issues like grainy, pixeled, out-of-sync, blurry photos, and many more. Another option is to reboot or restart your Android phone, which can sometimes resolve the issue.
There are also other methods that you can try to fix the ‘Unsupported Format Error,’ such as converting the image file to a supported format or using a third-party photo viewer app. In this article, we will explore these methods in more detail, so you can fix the error and view your photos on your Android phone.
Causes of Unsupported Format Error
There are various possible causes for an unsupported format error while trying to open images on your Android device. Understanding the reasons behind this issue can help you find the right solution to fix it.
One of the most common causes of unsupported format errors is the file type of the photo itself. Android devices support a range of file formats, including JPEG, PNG, HEIC and GIF. If the photo you are trying to open is saved in a format that is not supported by your device, you may see an error message. In this case, you may need to convert the file to a compatible format or use a third-party app that can open the file type.
The corruption of a file is another possible cause of an unsupported format error. Photos can become corrupted for numerous reasons, including a defective SD card or a software error. If this occurs, your Android device may not recognize the photo’s format and will display an error message. In this instance, you may need to utilize a photo restoration software application to resolve the corruption.
Memory issues can also cause unsupported format errors. If your device’s memory is full, it may not be able to open new photos or may display errors when trying to do so. Similarly, if you save new photos to an SD card without realizing that the memory is full, you may encounter an error message when trying to open them. In this case, freeing up space on your device or properly managing your SD card storage may be necessary.
Solutions for Unsupported Format Error
If you are facing the unsupported format error while trying to open photos on your Android device, don’t worry. There are several solutions available to fix this issue. In this section, we will discuss three different methods that can help you to resolve the unsupported format error on your Android device.
Method 1: Clear Cache and Data of Gallery App
The first method that you can try to fix the unsupported format error on your Android device is to clear the cache and data of the Gallery app. Here’s how you can do it:
- Go to “Settings” on your Android device.
- Scroll down and tap on “Apps & notifications.”
- Tap on “See all apps.”
- Find and tap on the “Gallery” app.
- Tap on “Storage & cache.”
- Tap on “Clear cache” and then tap on “Clear storage.”
- Restart your Android device and try to open the photo again.
Method 2: Use a Third-Party App
If the first method doesn’t work, you can try using a third-party app to open the unsupported format photo. Here are some of the best third-party apps that you can use:
| App Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Google Photos | Google Photos is a free app that can help you to open and manage your photos. It supports various image formats and can also backup your photos to the cloud. |
| QuickPic | QuickPic is a fast and lightweight photo viewer that supports various image formats. It also has some advanced features like password protection and hiding albums. |
| MX Player | MX Player is a popular video player app that can also play some image formats like GIF and JPEG. It has a simple and user-friendly interface. |
Method 3: Convert the Unsupported Format to Supported Format
If the above methods don’t work, you can try converting the unsupported format photo to a supported format. There are several online tools available that can convert your photo to a different format. Here are some of the best online tools:
Once you have converted the photo to a supported format, try opening it again on your Android device.
Prevention of Unsupported Format Error
If you want to avoid the unsupported format error when opening photos on Android, there are a few tips that you can follow:
Tip 1: Keep Your Gallery App Up-to-date
Keeping your gallery app up-to-date is important to ensure that it can support the latest photo formats. Check for updates regularly and install them as soon as they are available. This will help prevent the unsupported format error from occurring.
Tip 2: Use a Reliable Third-Party App
If you are using a third-party app to open your photos, make sure it is a reliable and reputable app. Some apps may not support certain photo formats, which can cause the unsupported format error. Do some research before downloading any app to make sure it supports the formats you need.
Tip 3: Check the Supported Formats before Saving Photos
Before saving photos to your phone, check the supported formats of your device. This will help you avoid saving photos in formats that are not supported by your device. You can also convert the format of your photos using a reliable photo converter app before saving them to your phone.
