Can’t play audio files in Files app

Why is it that I can’t play SOME audio files in the Files app? And, before someone comments on “it isn’t a supported format”, don’t… because, as an audio engineer, I keep a lot of WAV files on my phone to play back in different environments. They are ALL WAV FILES. Yet, some of them I can play and some of them I can’t. It’s such a strange issue because I opened an audio file, played it, and then opened it back up again (the same exact file) 10 minutes later and couldn’t. You can see that the audio files that I can play have the music note icon and the ones I can’t play have the waveform lines. If I go to “Get info” for both, you’ll see that they are both in the same format.

iPhone 14 Pro Max, iOS 17

Posted on Oct 26, 2023 09:23 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 27, 2023 11:07 AM

I actually found a workaround. However, this workaround only further identifies that this a bug.


All I have to do is make a duplicate of the file in the files app and then I can play it just fine.

Similar questions

13 replies

Oct 27, 2023 10:56 AM in response to JasonB26

Hello JasonB26,


As a test, are you able to play these WAV tracks with any other apps on the iPhone? Per If a media file doesn't open or play on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad - Apple Support, " if you still don't have an app that supports the media format used by the file, search the internet or App Store for an app that does". So this may require testing with the use of a third-party app that is known compatible with WAV format files.


Thanks!


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Can’t play audio files in Files app

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.