MX Player is much more than just a standard video player for Android devices; it is a feature-packed media powerhouse loaded with hidden shortcuts and customization options. Most users only scratch the surface by playing local files, missing out on powerful tools like background play, gesture controls, and built-in subtitle downloads. This guide covers the best MX Player tips and tricks to help you upgrade your Android viewing experience instantly.
Why MX Player Remains the Top Choice for Android
When it comes to offline media playback on Android, MX Player has stood the test of time. While streaming services dominate our screens, millions of users still rely on local storage players for downloaded movies, personal videos, and customized subtitle viewing.
Quick Overview: MX Player at a Glance
| Feature | Standard Setting | Pro / Hidden Capability |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Playback | Stops when app closes | Background play & Kids Lock |
| Gestures | Basic volume/brightness | Custom double-tap & zoom controls |
| Subtitles | Manual loading | Direct online search & synchronization |
| Decoding | Hardware decoder | Hardware-accelerated HW+ decoder |
Top MX Player Tips and Tricks You Need to Try
1. Enable Background Play (Listen to Videos Like Music)
Do you have a video, podcast, or lecture that you only want to listen to while multitasking on your phone? You do not need to convert the file to MP3.
- Open MX Player and play your chosen video.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
- Go to Player settings, then tap Background Play.
- Select Play video in background or Audio player mode.
Now, your audio will keep playing even when you switch to other apps or turn off your screen.
2. Master Gesture Controls for Brightness and Volume
One of MX Player’s standout features is its intuitive gesture system, which lets you control your media without touching your phone’s physical buttons.
- 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 screen.
- Zoom In / Out: Pinch two fingers together or pull them apart on the video.
3. Download Subtitles Directly Within the App
Tired of searching sketchy websites for the right subtitle file? MX Player has an integrated search tool that grabs subtitles instantly.
- While playing a video, tap the Subtitle icon (speech bubble) at the top of the screen.
- Select Subtitle > Online Subtitle.
- Tap Search and type in your movie or TV show title.
- Choose the correct language file and tap Download.
4. Activate Kids Lock to Prevent Accidental Touches
If you hand your phone to a toddler to keep them entertained with a cartoon, accidental screen taps can pause the video or open unwanted menus.
- Tap the three-dot menu > Settings > Player > Controls.
- Look for Lock mode and set it to Kids lock (touch effects).
- To unlock your screen, simply tap the four corners of your screen in a clockwise sequence.
5. Switch to HW+ Decoder for Smoother Playback
If your high-resolution (1080p or 4K) videos are lagging or stuttering, your device might be using the wrong software decoder.
- Open Settings > Decoder.
- Check the boxes for HW+ decoder (Hardware accelerated).
- This forces your phone’s hardware to handle the heavy lifting, resulting in smooth, battery-efficient playback.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Optimize MX Player on Android
If you want to get the absolute best performance out of the app, follow these quick setup steps:
- Download and Install: Ensure you are using the official version by downloading it directly from the Google Play Store.
- Grant Storage Permissions: Open the app and allow access to your device storage so it can automatically index all your media files.
- Configure Audio Boost: Go to Settings > Audio and check Volume Boost. This allows you to push the volume past 100% for quiet video files.
- Organize Folders: Go to the app’s folder settings to hide unwanted WhatsApp status videos or audio clips from cluttering your main video library.
Pros and Cons of Using MX Player
Pros:
- Supports almost every known video and audio format (.MKV, .MP4, .AVI, .FLV, etc.).
- Extremely lightweight and responsive on both budget and flagship Android devices.
- Advanced hardware acceleration reduces battery drain during long movie sessions.
Cons:
- The free version displays banner and pop-up advertisements.
- Some advanced audio codecs (like AC3 and DTS) require manual external codec installation due to licensing restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is there no sound playing on some of my videos in MX Player?
This usually happens because of unsupported audio codecs like AC3 or DTS. You can fix this by downloading the custom codec pack matching your app version from trusted developer forums, or by switching the audio decoder to software mode in the settings menu.
How do I remove advertisements from MX Player?
The standard free version of MX Player is ad-supported because it is free to use. To remove ads completely, you can upgrade to the paid ad-free version available on the Google Play Store.
Can I play network streams (URL) using MX Player?
Yes! Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner, select Network Stream, and paste the direct video URL (such as an IPTV link or direct video stream) to watch it instantly.
How do I hide specific folders from showing up in MX Player?
Long-press the folder you want to hide within the app’s local file list, tap the menu option, and select Hide. Alternatively, you can create a .nomedia file inside that specific folder using a file manager app.
Is MX Player safe to use on Android?
Yes, MX Player is entirely safe when downloaded from official sources like the Google Play Store. Always avoid downloading modified or “mod APK” versions from third-party sites, as they may contain malware.
How can I make subtitles bigger in MX Player?
Go to Settings > Subtitle, and tap Text size. From here, you can increase the font size, change the text color, and even add a background box to make subtitles easier to read against bright video backgrounds.