If your MX Player keeps crashing on Android, the issue is usually caused by corrupted cache files, outdated app versions, or hardware acceleration conflicts. You can typically fix this problem by clearing the app’s cache, updating MX Player to the latest version, or switching the decoder settings inside the app.
MX Player is one of the most popular media players for Android devices, known for its ability to play almost any video format. However, sudden app crashes, freezing, or “MX Player has stopped” errors can quickly ruin your viewing experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through why these crashes happen and how to fix MX Player on your Android phone or tablet once and for all.
Why Does MX Player Keep Crashing on Android?
Before jumping into the solutions, it helps to understand why the app is misbehaving. Common triggers include:
- Corrupted Cache: Over time, temporary files build up and become corrupted, leading to forced closures.
- Outdated App Version: Running an old version of MX Player on a newly updated Android OS often causes compatibility bugs.
- Hardware Decoding Issues: Some Android devices struggle with HW+ (Hardware Accelerated) decoding, causing the video player to crash the moment you play a file.
- Storage Shortage: Low internal storage can prevent MX Player from running smoothly.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix MX Player Crashing
Follow these troubleshooting steps in order to get MX Player running smoothly again.
Step 1: Force Stop the App
Sometimes, background glitches cause the app to loop and crash.
- Open your Android Settings.
- Tap on Apps or Apps & Notifications.
- Find and select MX Player.
- Tap Force Stop. Try opening the app again.
Step 2: Clear Cache and App Data
Corrupted cache files are the #1 reason for media player crashes.
- Go to Settings > Apps > MX Player.
- Tap on Storage & Cache.
- Tap Clear Cache. (If the problem persists, come back and tap Clear Storage or Clear Data, though this will reset your app preferences).
Step 3: Change Decoder Settings (Hardware to Software)
If MX Player crashes specifically when you try to play a video file, the decoder setting is likely the culprit.
- Open MX Player.
- Tap the Menu icon (three lines) or go to Settings.
- Tap Decoder.
- Uncheck HW+ decoder or switch your decoding method from Hardware to Software (SW) decoder.
Step 4: Update or Reinstall MX Player
Running an outdated build can cause stability issues.
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for MX Player. If an Update button is available, tap it.
- If updating doesn’t work, uninstall the app completely, restart your phone, and download it fresh from the Play Store.
Quick Comparison: Fixing Methods
| Fix Method | Effectiveness | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Cache | High | Very Easy | General lag and random closing |
| Change Decoder | High | Easy | Crashing right when playing a video |
| Reinstall App | Medium | Easy | Persistent bugs and corrupted files |
| Update Android OS | Low-Medium | Moderate | System-wide compatibility issues |
Pros and Cons of Changing Decoder Settings in MX Player
When troubleshooting crashes, you will often need to toggle between Hardware and Software decoders. Here is what you need to know:
Pros:
- Software Decoder: Uses your phone’s CPU. It is extremely stable and rarely crashes, making it ideal for stubborn video files.
- Hardware Decoder: Uses your phone’s graphics chip. It saves battery life and provides smoother playback for high-resolution (1080p and 4K) videos.
Cons:
- Software Decoder: Can consume more battery power and may cause slight heating on older phones during heavy video playback.
- Hardware Decoder: Prone to crashing if your Android device’s custom user interface (UI) has poor codec optimization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does MX Player crash when I try to play MKV files?
MKV files often use advanced codecs that standard hardware decoders struggle with. Go to MX Player Settings > Decoder and switch from HW+ to Software decoding to fix this.
2. Will clearing MX Player data delete my downloaded videos?
No, clearing the app cache or data will only reset your app preferences, playback history, and settings. Your downloaded videos and media files stored in your phone’s internal storage or SD card remain safe.
3. Does uninstalling MX Player delete my custom codecs?
Yes, if you installed custom codecs (like AIO codecs) for custom audio support, you will need to reinstall them after deleting the app.
4. Why does MX Player keep stopping on my Android TV?
Android TVs have limited RAM and storage. Clearing the cache via your TV’s app settings or checking for system updates usually resolves the freezing and crashing.
5. Is there a good alternative if MX Player keeps crashing?
Yes. If you continue to experience issues, reliable alternatives include VLC for Android or KMPlayer, both of which are available on the Google Play Store.
6. How do I report a bug to the MX Player developers?
You can report persistent bugs directly through the Google Play Store review section or via the help and feedback section inside the MX Player application settings.