Getting Started with MX Player on Android

MX Player is one of the most feature-rich video players available for Android. Whether you're playing local media files or exploring its streaming library, setting it up correctly from day one makes a huge difference. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.

Step 1: Download and Install MX Player

You can install MX Player from the Google Play Store for free. Simply search for "MX Player" and tap Install. There are two versions available:

  • MX Player (Free) – Includes ads but offers full playback functionality.
  • MX Player Pro – A paid version with no ads and some additional features.

Once installed, open the app and grant the requested permissions, including access to your device's storage so MX Player can scan and find your video files.

Step 2: Let MX Player Scan Your Media Library

On first launch, MX Player will automatically scan your device for video files. You'll see your videos organized by folder. If some files are missing, go to Settings > List > Scan Folders and manually add the directories where your videos are stored.

Step 3: Configure Your Decoder Settings

MX Player supports both hardware (HW) and software (SW) decoding. Getting this right ensures smooth playback:

  1. Tap the three-dot menu while a video is playing.
  2. Select Decoder.
  3. Choose between HW (Hardware), HW+, or SW (Software).

Hardware decoding is faster and uses less battery. Software decoding is more compatible with tricky file formats. Start with HW and switch to SW if you experience playback issues.

Step 4: Set Up Gestures for Easy Control

One of MX Player's best features is gesture-based control. By default:

  • Swipe up/down on the left side – Adjusts screen brightness.
  • Swipe up/down on the right side – Adjusts volume.
  • Swipe left/right in the center – Seeks forward or backward.
  • Double-tap left/right – Jumps back or forward by 10 seconds.

You can customize all of these in Settings > Controls.

Step 5: Adjust Subtitle and Audio Settings

MX Player has robust subtitle support. To load subtitles:

  1. Place your subtitle file (.srt, .ass, .ssa) in the same folder as your video with a matching filename.
  2. MX Player will automatically detect and load it.
  3. You can also tap the subtitle icon during playback to manually browse for a file.

For audio, you can select different audio tracks (if available) by tapping the audio icon during playback.

Step 6: Explore the Streaming Section

Beyond local media, MX Player offers a built-in streaming platform with free movies, TV shows, and web series. Access it via the Home tab in the app. You can browse content by genre, language, and popularity — all without a subscription.

Tips for the Best Experience

  • Keep the app updated via the Play Store to get the latest codec improvements and bug fixes.
  • Use Kids Lock (Settings > Player > Kids Lock) to prevent accidental touches during playback.
  • Enable Background Play to continue listening to audio when the screen turns off.

With these steps, you're fully set up to enjoy everything MX Player has to offer. From crisp local video playback to built-in streaming, it's one of the most versatile media apps on Android.