How to change default music or video player

Updated: 02/04/2024 by Computer Hope
Generic media player.

Many apps are available for various platforms to play music or videos on a computer or mobile device from Internet downloads, CDs, or thumb drives. If you don't like the application you're currently using, or want to experiment with a new one, this page helps you change the default media player on your device. To proceed, select your operating system or device from the list below and follow the instructions.

Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and 11

To change the default media player for a specific music or video file type, you must change its file association. For example, for music, you may need to change the program that deals with MP3 files; for movies, MP4 files. In either case, see our page: How to associate a file with a program in Windows.

Apple macOS

  1. Open the folder containing the music or video file type you want to change the default player. If the file is on the desktop, you don't need to locate the folder.
  2. Click the file, and press Command+I. Or from the main menu, select File, and then Get Info.
  3. In the dialog box that appears, expand the Open with section by clicking the arrow next to it. Then, click the current app used to open this file type (e.g., an MP3).

Selecting the default player for an mp3 file in macOS.

  1. Select a different application from the drop-down menu.

Changing the default music player in macOS.

  1. After you've selected a new media player, click Change All.

Change all button in macOS.

  1. Confirm your choice in the prompt by clicking the Continue button.

Confirming a new media player in macOS.

Android smartphone or tablet

Note

Because there are so many Android phone manufacturers, you may need to adapt these steps for your device.

  1. Locate the Settings menu on your device. It is found by swiping down from the top of the screen on your home screen.
  2. In the Settings menu, locate your Application Manager.
  3. In the Applications Manager, locate the app you're currently using to play music or movies, and tap to open it.
  4. Scroll down to the Launch By Default section, or something similar, and tap Clear defaults.
  5. The next time you open a music or video file, you are prompted to select a default player. Select the new application you want to use and tap Always.

Apple iPhone/iPad

Due to their strict regulations, you can't change the default application for movies and music on your iPhone or iPad without jailbreaking it first. If you don't care for QuickTime or iTunes, our recommendation is to download the VLC media player for iOS.