Learning how to use MX Player on Android is simple, as this powerful media player handles almost any video or audio file you download. To get started, download the app from the Google Play Store, open it to automatically scan your device for media, and tap any file to begin playback.
Whether you are trying to watch downloaded movies, stream online content, or manage your personal media library, this complete beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know about mastering MX Player on your Android device.
What is MX Player?
MX Player is one of the most popular and versatile media player applications available for Android devices. Unlike standard stock video players that often struggle with unsupported file formats, MX Player is famous for its robust multi-core decoding capabilities. This ensures smooth playback without stuttering, lagging, or missing audio codecs.
Key Features at a Glance
- Universal Format Support: Plays MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, FLV, and almost every other video file type.
- Hardware Acceleration: Uses advanced hardware decoding (HW and HW+ decoders) to save battery life and improve playback performance.
- Gesture Controls: Easily adjust volume, brightness, and video seeking with simple swipes on the screen.
- Subtitle Compatibility: Supports multiple subtitle formats with tools to adjust text size, color, and synchronization.
- Kids Lock: Prevents accidental touches or exits from the app while children are watching videos.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set Up and Use MX Player on Android
If you are new to the app, follow these simple steps to set up your media library and start watching videos.
Step 1: Download and Install
- Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone or tablet.
- Search for MX Player.
- Tap Install and wait for the download to finish.
Step 2: Grant Storage Permissions
- Tap the MX Player icon on your home screen or app drawer to open it.
- When prompted, allow the app to access your device’s storage so it can locate your media files.
Step 3: Browse and Play Media
- The app will automatically organize your videos into folders (such as Downloads, Camera, WhatsApp Video).
- Tap on any folder to view its contents.
- Tap the video file you want to watch to launch the playback screen.
Step 4: Master In-App Gestures
Once your video is playing, use these intuitive touch controls:
- Brightness: Swipe up or down on the left side of the screen.
- Volume: Swipe up or down on the right side of the screen.
- Fast Forward / Rewind: Swipe left or right anywhere across the middle of the screen.
- Zoom: Pinch in or out with two fingers to change the video aspect ratio.
MX Player vs. Default Android Video Players
To help you understand why millions of users choose third-party apps, here is a quick comparison table outlining MX Player against standard built-in gallery video players.
| Feature | MX Player | Default Android Video Player |
|---|---|---|
| File Format Support | Excellent (MKV, FLV, AC3, DTS, etc.) | Limited (mostly MP4 and 3GP) |
| Hardware Decoding | Yes (HW, HW+, SW Decoders) | Basic or manufacturer-dependent |
| Subtitle Support | Advanced (Sync, font styling, online search) | Minimal or none |
| Child Safety Lock | Built-in Kids Lock feature | Rarely available |
| Ads | Free version includes ads (Ad-free Pro version available) | Usually ad-free |
Pros and Cons of MX Player
Pros
- Plays Everything: You rarely encounter the dreaded “codec not supported” error message.
- Customizable Interface: Easily customize themes, subtitle fonts, and playback speeds.
- Background Play: Listen to audio or music from videos while using other apps.
- Subtitle Downloads: Download missing subtitles directly from within the app using OpenSubtitles.org integration.
Cons
- Ad-Supported Free Version: The free tier displays banner and video ads between interactions.
- Excessive Permissions: Modern versions include online streaming tabs and games, which some users find cluttered compared to the classic local-only player.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is MX Player free to download and use on Android?
Yes, MX Player is completely free to download from the Google Play Store and use for local media playback. It is supported by advertisements, but you can upgrade to an ad-free version if desired.
2. How do I fix “audio not supported” errors in MX Player?
If you see an audio decoding error (often related to AC3 or DTS codecs), you can easily fix it by downloading custom codec packs online or switching the audio decoder setting from HW to SW (Software) in the app settings menu.
3. How do I add subtitles to a video in MX Player?
If your video doesn’t have built-in subtitles, tap the menu icon (three dots) during playback, select Subtitle, and then tap Open to select a downloaded subtitle file from your device storage. You can also tap Online to search for subtitles directly.
4. How does the MX Player Kids Lock work?
The Kids Lock feature locks your screen and touch inputs so that children cannot accidentally press buttons, exit the video, or make unwanted calls/purchases. You can enable it by tapping the lock icon on the playback screen and unlocking it with a simple tap pattern.
5. Can I play network streams or online video URLs in MX Player?
Yes. Tap the three-dot menu button in the top right corner of the home screen, select Network Stream, and paste your valid streaming URL (such as an RTSP, HTTP, or M3U link) to watch online streams.
6. Does MX Player support background play for music?
Yes. You can configure MX Player to play videos or audio in the background by going to Settings > Player and enabling background play options, allowing you to listen to lectures, podcasts, or music while using other apps.