Why is my SRT file not working?

The most common causes are malformed timestamps (SRT requires HH:MM:SS,mmm with a comma), end times that are not after start times, overlapping or badly numbered cues, empty cues, and a hidden byte order mark (BOM) at the start of the file. Many players reject the whole file over one bad cue — this validator pinpoints the exact cue and the exact problem.

What SRT format errors can this tool fix automatically?

It strips the BOM, normalizes Windows line endings, renumbers non-sequential or duplicate cue numbers, moves end times that are before their start time forward by one second, trims overlapping cues, and removes empty cues. Cues with unreadable timestamps are reported as errors and excluded from the fixed file.

Is my subtitle file uploaded to a server?

No. Validation and fixing run entirely in your browser using JavaScript — the file never leaves your device, and no account or signup is required.

Free subtitle tool

SRT Validator & Fixer

SRT file not working? Validate your SRT file and fix SRT format errors instantly — bad timestamps, overlapping or out-of-order cues, broken numbering, and empty cues. Free, no signup, and your file never leaves your browser.

Drop your .srt file here

or click to browse — validation runs 100% in your browser

How it works

Upload the .srt file that is not working — the validator checks every cue for bad timestamps, overlaps, numbering problems, and empty cues.
Review the report: errors and warnings are listed with the exact cue number so you can see why your SRT file fails.
Download the auto-fixed .srt with standard timestamps, sequential numbering, sorted cues, and overlaps resolved.

FAQ

Why is my SRT file not working? Most players reject the whole file over one bad cue — usually a malformed timestamp, overlapping or out-of-order cues, broken numbering, or a hidden BOM.
Is my file uploaded? No — validation and fixing run entirely in your browser, and your subtitles never leave your device.
What gets fixed automatically? Timestamps are rewritten in standard form, cues are sorted and renumbered, overlaps are trimmed, and empty cues are removed.