generic error attempting import of file

[ROY CROSS]

Why will Adobe Premiere Elements 14 NOT accept video MP4 File recorded on moto g9 plus phone. Error Message reads: "The importer repoted a generic error."

[John T Smith]

MP4 is a wrapper, what is inside YOUR wrapper - Exactly what is INSIDE the video you are editing?
Report back with the codec details of your file, use the program below
Free program to get file information for PC/Mac http://mediaarea.net/en/MediaInfo/Download
- when you analyze your file in MediaInfo and post a screen shot in the forum, do so in TREE view
- post your information IN your message, not as an attachment that someone would have to download
.
Does your video use a Variable Frame Rate? See https://community.adobe.com/t5/Premiere-Pro/Variable-frame-rate-video-with-Premiere-Pro/td-p/4601935
If yes, use https://handbrake.fr/ open source transcoder/converter to convert to Constant Frame Rate

[Bill Sprague]

In addition to Johns comments and questions, what video record settings did you pick on your phone?

[ROY CROSS]

Thank you for replying to my request.

Camera settings :
Video Size FHD
Save Settings:
Efficient Videos selected
Reduce file size for UHD videos by saving as H.265/HEVC instead of H.264/AVC. Some platforms may not support the HEVC format

Is this the problem. How do I proceed to fix it>
Many thanks
Roy
Sent from Mail for Windows 10

[Ann Bens]

H.265 is definitely out of the question when it comes to E14 (2015)

Might not even accept the H.264 files.

Please read my previous answer again:

HandBrake

Converting videos with Handbrake - YouTube

[Bill Sprague]

( On edit, it appears that I have been too slow typing again.  I do not mean to 'step on' Ann's post.  )

The H.265 codec was not a regualar part of the world until well after version 14.

For your existing H.265 footage for use in PrE 14, convert it to H.264 in the (free and good) program Handbrake.   

For future footage from your phone, set it to a "most compatible" or H.264 mode.  Picture quality will be the same.  With H.264 it is only that file sizes are larger.   

If you want to edit H.265 video directly you need to update your video editing software.

[Ann Bens]

Most likely E14 (quite old) is not optimized (read codec) for a modern phone.

Use Handbrake to convert.