Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: Android TCP error failed to resolve host name from static library

FFmpeg error on Android with static library, unable to resolve hostname

Quick Answer: Try using a different DNS server or enabling DNS resolution in the FFmpeg configuration.

The error 'Failed to resolve hostname r8---sn-ivuoxu-ua8l.googlevideo.com: Name or service not known' occurs when using FFmpeg on Android, specifically with the stable 3.1.5 x86_64 build from John Van Sickle's website. This issue affects both the emulator (Genymotion API 22 Nexus 6P) and the physical phone (Nexus 5 running CyanogenMod 6, API 22).

This error can be frustrating as it prevents FFmpeg from functioning correctly for video playback or other tasks that rely on hostname resolution. In this guide, we will walk you through the root causes of this issue and provide two primary fix methods to resolve it.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The primary reason for this error is due to the use of a static FFmpeg build, which may not include the necessary libraries or configuration options required for hostname resolution on Android. Additionally, the emulator's network settings or the phone's DNS configuration might be causing issues.
  • Another possible cause could be related to the specific FFmpeg version or build used on your device. Some versions or builds might have known issues with hostname resolution, which can lead to this error.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes

Resolving Hostname Resolution by Modifying FFmpeg Configuration

  1. Step 1: Open the FFmpeg command-line interface and modify the 'dns' option to include the DNS server IP address. For example: `ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 -c:a aac output.mp4 dns 8.8.8.8`
  2. Step 2: Alternatively, you can try using the '--dns' option with the 'google.com' hostname, which might resolve the issue: `ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 -c:a aac output.mp4 --dns google.com`
  3. Step 3: If the above steps do not work, try resetting the FFmpeg configuration to its default values using the '-y' option: `ffmpeg -y -i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 -c:a aac output.mp4`

Resolving Hostname Resolution by Using a Different DNS Server

  1. Step 1: On your Android device, go to the Settings app and select 'Network & internet' or 'Wireless & networks'. Then, tap on 'Advanced' or 'More settings' and look for the 'DNS server' option. Change it to use a different DNS server IP address, such as 8.8.4.4 or 1.1.1.1.
  2. Step 2: Alternatively, you can try using a third-party DNS service like Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS on your Android device.

💡 Conclusion

By following these steps and adjusting the FFmpeg configuration or DNS settings, you should be able to resolve the 'Failed to resolve hostname' error and get FFmpeg working correctly on your Android device. If you encounter any further issues, please refer to the FFmpeg documentation or seek assistance from the community forums.

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