VHS Tracking: How to Fix That Wavy, Fuzzy Tape Playback

What Is VHS Tracking?

VHS tracking is a manual or automatic feature on VCRs that aligns the magnetic tape with the video head. When tracking is off, the video looks warped—horizontal lines may roll across the screen, and the sound might crackle or cut out.
For anyone who grew up with a VCR, adjusting tracking was a familiar dance: a few clicks of the “+” or “–” button while watching the picture stabilize. It was an early lesson in problem-solving, but also a reminder that analog technology required a little patience.

Why VHS Tracking Problems Happen

Tracking issues occur when the VHS tape has stretched over time, when the tape heads inside the VCR are dirty, or when the tape was recorded on a different machine than it's being played on.
Here are some common signs of bad tracking:

• The picture appears distorted or jittery
  
  
• Thick white lines move up and down the screen
  
  
• Audio cuts in and out
  
  
• The tape stops playing altogether
  
  

If you’ve experienced any of these, you’re not alone. VHS tapes are aging, and how to fix VHS problems like tracking is one of the top concerns for anyone hoping to rewatch old home videos.

How to Fix VCR Tracking Problems

Before tossing the tape or the machine, try these simple steps:

1. Use the manual tracking button on your VCR remote or the front panel. Slowly adjust until the lines disappear.
2. Clean the VCR’s heads using a head-cleaning cassette or by having it serviced. Dust and mold buildup can worsen tracking.
3. Try another VCR. Tracking is mechanical, and some machines handle certain tapes better than others.
4. Fast forward and rewind the tape completely. This can help reseat the tape and relieve tension.

If none of this works, you might be dealing with a warped, sticky, or moldy tape. In that case, it’s best to avoid further damage and send it to a trusted video conversion service that can repair or digitize it.

When Tracking Can’t Be Fixed

Some tapes simply can’t be played well on any home equipment. If the image is still distorted after trying all your options, the issue may be embedded in the tape itself—especially if it was poorly recorded or damaged by heat or humidity.

At this point, the best way forward is a professional VHS to digital service like Heirloom. We’ve rescued countless tapes that wouldn’t play at home, including those rejected by other digitizers. And we credit you for blanks, so there’s no risk in sending them in.

To see what makes a difference, read our guide on VHS to digital, or preserving mini VHS-C tapes to digital to safely recover that content.

📧 Want more tips like this?

Subscribe to Heirloom emails to learn how to preserve your priceless memories. Get discount codes for expedited shipping, quality digitizing, and secure cloud storage. We never spam, and it’s easy to unsubscribe at any time.