Why won't videos play on an iPad with error 5051?
Answer
Error 5051 during video playback is most often a temporary problem with the app's connection to its streaming service. Fully restarting the device and updating the video app usually clears it.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Deleting an app also removes its downloaded videos, so anything saved for offline viewing will need to be downloaded again afterward.
- Only enter the app's sign-in details inside the official app or on the service's official website, never on a page reached from a pop-up or unexpected email.
Follow these steps
Restart the device completely
Hold the top (or side) button and a volume button until the power slider appears, slide to power off, wait about 30 seconds, then turn the device back on.
You should see: The device restarts and the Apple logo appears before the home screen returns.
Check the internet connection
Open Settings > Wi-Fi and confirm the device is connected. Load a website in Safari to verify the connection is actually working, and move closer to the router if the signal is weak.
You should see: Web pages load quickly, confirming the connection is stable.
Update the video app
Open the App Store, tap the profile icon, and pull down to refresh the list of updates. Install any update shown for the video app that displays the error.
You should see: The app updates to the latest version, or no update is listed.
Sign out and back in to the app
In the affected app's settings, sign out of the account, then sign back in with the same credentials and try the video again.
You should see: The video begins playing without the 5051 error.
Reinstall the app if the error remains
Press and hold the app icon, choose Remove App > Delete App, then reinstall it from the App Store and sign in again.
You should see: A fresh copy of the app plays videos normally.
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Extra tips
What to look for: A message containing the number 5051 appears when a video or movie is started, while the rest of the device works normally.
Before you change anything: Note which app shows the error and whether it happens on every video or just some. Make sure you know the sign-in details for the video app before signing out of it.