Making MX Player Your Default Video Player on Android: A Comprehensive Guide

Android’s flexibility allows users to customize their experience extensively, and one common desire is to set a preferred video player as the default. If you’re a fan of MX Player and want it to handle all your video playback automatically, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. We’ll cover various Android versions and troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth transition.

Table of Contents

Understanding Default App Settings In Android

Before diving into the specifics of setting MX Player as your default, it’s important to understand how Android manages default applications. The operating system uses a system of “intents” to determine which app should handle a specific action, such as opening a video file. When you tap on a video file, Android sends an intent to find an app that can handle the “.mp4,” “.avi,” or other video format. If multiple apps can handle the intent, Android will typically present you with a choice. This is where the “Always” or “Just Once” prompt appears. However, if you’ve already set a default, Android will bypass this prompt and launch the designated app directly. Understanding this intent system is key to troubleshooting issues later on.

Android handles default apps differently across versions. Older versions offered simpler controls, while newer versions have tightened security and permissions, requiring a bit more digging in settings.

Setting MX Player As Default: The Straightforward Approach

The most common and direct method involves the following steps. This should work for many users.

Install MX Player: If you haven’t already, download and install MX Player from the Google Play Store.
Open a Video File: Locate a video file on your device (e.g., in your file manager or a messaging app).
The “Open With” Prompt: Tap on the video file. You should see a prompt asking “Open with.” This prompt will list the applications on your device that can play the video.
Select MX Player: Choose MX Player from the list of applications.
Choose “Always”: Crucially, select the “Always” option instead of “Just Once.” This tells Android to remember your choice and use MX Player as the default for all video files of that type in the future. Failing to choose “Always” means you’ll be prompted again next time.

This simple process is often all that’s needed. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned. The “Open With” prompt might not appear, or you might accidentally select the wrong app as the default. That’s where the next section comes in.

Clearing Existing Default App Settings

If you’ve already set a different video player as the default, or if the “Open With” prompt isn’t appearing, you’ll need to clear the existing default settings. This will allow you to start fresh and choose MX Player.

Accessing App Settings

The location of app settings varies slightly depending on your Android version and manufacturer. However, the general steps are similar:

Open the Settings App: Locate and open the Settings app on your Android device. It’s usually represented by a gear or cogwheel icon.
Find “Apps” or “Applications”: Scroll through the settings menu until you find an option labeled “Apps,” “Applications,” “Application Manager,” or something similar. The exact wording varies, but it should be related to managing installed applications.
Locate the Default Video Player: Within the Apps section, you’ll see a list of all the apps installed on your device. Find the app that is currently opening your video files by default (e.g., Google Photos, VLC, a gallery app, or another video player).
Access App Info: Tap on the app’s name to open its “App info” page. This page provides details about the app, including storage usage, permissions, and default settings.

Clearing Defaults

Once you’re on the app’s “App info” page, look for an option related to “Defaults,” “Open by default,” or “Set as default.” The specific wording may differ, but it should be fairly obvious.

Clear Defaults Button: On this screen, you should find a button labeled “Clear defaults” or something similar. Tap this button. This will remove the app’s current status as the default video player.
Re-attempt Setting MX Player: After clearing the defaults, go back and try opening a video file again. You should now see the “Open With” prompt, allowing you to select MX Player and choose “Always.”

Alternative Methods For Clearing Defaults

In some cases, the “Clear defaults” button might be grayed out or unavailable. This can happen if the app isn’t currently set as the default for any specific action. In such situations, you can try a different approach:

Check “Open supported links”: On the “App info” page, look for an option like “Open supported links” or “Open by default.” Tap on this option.
Set to “Ask every time”: If the option is enabled and set to “Open in this app,” change it to “Ask every time.” This will force Android to prompt you with the “Open With” dialog whenever you try to open a video file.
Clear App Data: As a last resort (and with caution), you can try clearing the app’s data. Be aware that this will reset the app to its initial state, potentially deleting any saved settings or preferences. To clear app data, go to the “App info” page and look for a “Storage” option. Tap on it, and then you should see buttons for “Clear data” and “Clear cache.” Tap “Clear data.” After clearing the data, try setting MX Player as the default again.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, despite following the steps above, you might encounter issues preventing you from setting MX Player as the default. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

No “Open With” Prompt: If you’re not seeing the “Open With” prompt, double-check that you’ve cleared the defaults for any other video players. Also, ensure that the video file you’re trying to open is a format that MX Player supports. If the file is corrupted or uses an uncommon codec, it might not trigger the prompt.
“Always” Option Not Working: If you’re selecting “Always” but Android keeps prompting you to choose an app, there might be a conflict with another app or a system setting. Try clearing the cache and data for both MX Player and the app that keeps opening the videos. Also, ensure that you have the latest version of MX Player installed.
Specific File Types Not Opening with MX Player: Android allows you to set different default apps for different file types. If you want MX Player to handle all video files, make sure you’ve selected “Always” when opening various video formats (e.g., .mp4, .avi, .mkv).
Third-Party File Managers: Some third-party file managers have their own settings for handling file associations. If you’re having trouble setting MX Player as the default through your file manager, try using a different file manager or the default file manager that came with your device.
Android Version Compatibility: While these steps generally apply to most Android versions, specific settings and menus may differ slightly. If you’re using an older or heavily customized version of Android, consult your device’s documentation or search online for instructions specific to your device and Android version.
Restricted Settings: Some apps or device manufacturers might restrict the ability to change default apps. This is rare, but if you suspect this is the case, you might need to root your device or use a custom ROM to gain more control over system settings. However, rooting your device can void your warranty and pose security risks, so proceed with caution.

Advanced Techniques (Use With Caution)

These techniques are generally not recommended for novice users, as they involve more technical steps and potential risks.

Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge): ADB is a command-line tool that allows you to communicate with your Android device from a computer. You can use ADB to manually set the default app for specific intents. This requires installing the Android SDK and using command-line commands. Due to the complexity and risk involved, we won’t provide detailed instructions here.
Rooting and Custom ROMs: Rooting your device gives you root access, allowing you to modify system files and settings. You can then use apps or scripts to set default apps. Custom ROMs often come with more granular control over default app settings. However, rooting and installing custom ROMs can void your warranty and potentially brick your device if not done correctly.

Verifying MX Player Is The Default

After following the steps above, it’s important to verify that MX Player is indeed the default video player. Here’s how:

Open a Video File: Locate a video file on your device and tap on it.
Check Which App Opens: If MX Player opens the video file directly without prompting you to choose an app, then it’s likely set as the default.
Try Different File Types: Repeat the process with different video file types (e.g., .mp4, .avi, .mkv) to ensure that MX Player is set as the default for all your preferred video formats.
Restart Your Device: Sometimes, Android needs a restart to fully apply changes. Restart your device and then try opening a video file again to confirm that MX Player is still the default.

Why Choose MX Player?

MX Player is a popular choice for Android video playback for several reasons:

Wide Format Support: MX Player supports a wide range of video and audio formats, including popular formats like MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV, and more. This reduces the need for transcoding or using multiple video players.
Hardware Acceleration: MX Player utilizes hardware acceleration to improve playback performance and reduce battery consumption.
Subtitle Support: MX Player offers advanced subtitle support, allowing you to load subtitles in various formats, customize their appearance, and even download subtitles online.
Gesture Controls: MX Player features intuitive gesture controls for adjusting volume, brightness, seeking, and zooming.
Kids Lock: MX Player includes a “Kids Lock” feature that prevents children from accidentally exiting the video or making unwanted changes.
Customization Options: MX Player offers a variety of customization options, allowing you to adjust the playback speed, aspect ratio, audio tracks, and more.

Conclusion

Setting MX Player as your default video player on Android enhances your multimedia experience by ensuring that your preferred app always handles your video playback. While the process is usually straightforward, understanding how Android manages default app settings and knowing how to troubleshoot common issues is crucial. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can confidently make MX Player your go-to video player on your Android device. Remember to always exercise caution when modifying system settings or using advanced techniques like rooting, and prioritize your device’s security and stability. Enjoy your videos!

Why Should I Make MX Player My Default Video Player?

MX Player is renowned for its extensive codec support, enabling it to play virtually any video format you throw at it. This eliminates the frustration of encountering compatibility issues with built-in or other third-party players. Furthermore, MX Player boasts a user-friendly interface with a wealth of customization options, including gesture controls, subtitle support, and hardware acceleration, resulting in a superior viewing experience.

Beyond mere playback, MX Player offers features like a built-in file manager, offline video downloads (depending on the content provider), and the ability to stream content from URLs. These additional functionalities make it a versatile media hub, capable of handling various video-related tasks beyond simply playing local files. Its active development and regular updates ensure continued compatibility with new formats and improvements to performance and security.

How Do I Set MX Player As The Default Video Player On My Android Device?

Setting MX Player as your default video player generally involves two approaches. The simplest method is to open a video file. Your Android device should then prompt you to choose which app you want to use to open it. Select MX Player from the list and, importantly, choose “Always” or “Set as default” (the exact wording may vary based on your Android version).

If the prompt doesn’t appear, you can manually manage app defaults in your phone’s settings. Navigate to Settings > Apps > Default apps (or similar, depending on your Android skin). Look for an option related to video players or media playback. Select MX Player from the list of available apps, ensuring it’s designated as the default for opening video files. You might need to clear the existing default for another video player first.

What If I Don’t See MX Player As An Option When Trying To Set A Default Video Player?

First, ensure that MX Player is properly installed and that you’ve granted it the necessary permissions, particularly storage access, to access video files on your device. Without storage permission, MX Player might not be recognized as a potential video player by the system. You can check permissions in Settings > Apps > MX Player > Permissions.

If MX Player is installed and has the correct permissions, try clearing the app’s cache. Go to Settings > Apps > MX Player > Storage > Clear cache. Then, restart your device. This can resolve temporary issues that might be preventing MX Player from registering as a default app. If the problem persists, a reinstallation of MX Player may be necessary.

How Do I Remove MX Player As The Default Video Player?

To remove MX Player as the default video player, you need to clear its default settings. Navigate to your device’s Settings menu, then go to Apps (or Application Manager). Locate MX Player in the list of installed apps and tap on it. On the app info screen, find the section labeled “Open by default” or similar.

Within this section, you’ll typically find a button labeled “Clear defaults” or “Clear supported defaults”. Tapping this button will remove MX Player as the default app for opening video files. The next time you open a video file, your Android device will prompt you to choose which app you want to use, giving you the option to select a different player or set a new default.

Will Making MX Player My Default Video Player Affect Other Apps?

Making MX Player your default video player primarily impacts how your device handles video files directly opened from file managers, web browsers, or other apps. It means that when you tap on a video file, MX Player will automatically launch to play it, rather than another video player.

However, it generally does not affect video playback within other apps that have their own built-in video players. For example, if you’re watching a video within the YouTube app, that video will still be played using YouTube’s integrated player, regardless of your default video player setting. The default setting applies mainly to standalone video files.

Does Setting A Default Video Player Affect Streaming Apps Like Netflix Or Hulu?

No, setting MX Player as your default video player will not affect streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+. These apps utilize their own internal video players specifically designed for streaming content. They do not rely on the system’s default video player setting.

The default video player setting primarily applies to locally stored video files on your device. Streaming apps handle video playback directly through their own proprietary technologies, which are independent of system-wide defaults. Therefore, you can continue to use your preferred streaming services without any interference from the default video player configuration.

Is There Any Downside To Making MX Player My Default Video Player?

The primary potential downside lies in situations where a specific app or service is designed to work optimally with its own integrated video player. In rare cases, forcing the use of an external player like MX Player might result in unexpected behavior or compatibility issues within that particular app. However, this is not common.

Another minor consideration is personal preference. While MX Player is feature-rich, some users might prefer the simplicity or specific interface of a different video player. Setting MX Player as the default might require a conscious effort to choose an alternative player if desired for a specific video. Ultimately, the “downside” is subjective and depends on individual needs and preferences. You can always easily revert the default setting if needed.