Before uninstalling MX Player from your Android device, you need to back up your personal settings, custom themes, download history, and offline watch later lists. Without a proper backup, removing the app will permanently erase your local playback preferences, subtitle folder paths, and hidden video folders. This quick guide walks you through the exact steps to protect your data before deleting the popular media player.
Why You Should Back Up MX Player Data Before Uninstalling
When you clear app data or completely uninstall MX Player, Android automatically wipes its internal database. While standard video files stored on your phone’s main storage or SD card remain safe, all your app-specific configurations disappear.
What Gets Deleted vs. What Stays Safe
| Item / Data Type | Gets Deleted on Uninstall? | Stays Safe? |
|---|---|---|
| Downloaded Videos (Offline) | Yes | No (unless moved) |
| App Preferences & Themes | Yes | No |
| Subtitle Settings & Custom Decoders | Yes | No |
| Media Files in Phone Storage | No | Yes |
| External SD Card Videos | No | Yes |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Back Up Your MX Player Data
Follow these straightforward steps to secure your settings, export your crucial media, and prepare your Android phone for a clean uninstallation.
Step 1: Move Offline Downloads and Private Videos
If you downloaded videos directly inside the MX Player app for offline viewing, those files will be removed during uninstallation.
- Open your Android File Manager app (you can use Google’s official Files by Google app).
- Navigate to internal storage and look for the
MXPlayerfolder. - Select your downloaded media or hidden video files and move them to a secure directory (like your main Download or Movies folder) so they are not tied to the app’s cache.
Step 2: Note Down Custom Settings and Decoder Preferences
MX Player does not currently offer a built-in cloud sync button for custom settings.
- Take screenshots of your preferred decoder settings (Hardware/Software decoding options).
- Note down any custom audio boosts, gesture controls, or subtitle styling you have configured so you can easily recreate them later.
Step 3: Clear App Cache (Optional Troubleshooting)
If you are uninstalling MX Player to fix a bug, freezing issue, or storage error:
- Go to your Android Settings.
- Tap on Apps > See all apps > MX Player.
- Tap Storage & cache, then select Clear Cache (avoid tapping “Clear Storage” unless you are ready to delete everything immediately).
Step 4: Proceed with the Uninstallation
Once your personal media files are safely moved to standard phone folders, you can safely uninstall the app from your device settings or Google Play Store. When you are ready to reinstall, you can download the latest verified version directly from the Google Play Store listing for MX Player.
Pros and Cons of Backing Up MX Player
Pros
- Zero Data Loss: Protects your valuable offline downloads and custom video paths.
- Saves Time: Prevents you from having to reconfigure complex hardware decoder settings and custom subtitle folders from scratch.
- Peace of Mind: Ensures a smooth transition if you are troubleshooting a crashing app or upgrading your phone.
Cons
- Manual Effort: Requires manual file moving since MX Player lacks an automated cloud backup feature for app settings.
- Storage Space: Moving downloaded files temporarily takes up extra space on your internal storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will uninstalling MX Player delete my downloaded videos?
Yes, any videos downloaded directly inside the MX Player app for offline use will be deleted when you uninstall the app. You must move these files to a standard folder on your phone before removing the app.
2. Can I back up my MX Player settings to Google Drive?
MX Player does not feature an automatic cloud backup option for app settings. You will need to manually reconfigure your preferences after reinstalling the app.
3. Will my media files stored on my SD card be deleted?
No. Media files stored on an external SD card or standard phone folders (like DCIM or Pictures) remain completely untouched and safe when you uninstall MX Player.
4. How do I restore my subtitle settings after reinstalling?
Because settings cannot be auto-restored, you will need to open the fresh installation of MX Player, go to Settings > Subtitle, and manually re-apply your preferred font sizes, colors, and encoding styles.
5. Why is my MX Player crashing and forcing an uninstall?
Apps often crash due to corrupted cache files or outdated software versions. Always make sure you are running the most stable version available on official platforms like the Google Play Store.
6. Do I lose my custom decoder configurations upon uninstallation?
Yes, removing the app completely clears all custom decoder setups, audio boosting limits, and screen orientation locks. Taking screenshots of these menus beforehand makes setup much faster later.