How to change the default player on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 working ways

The standard MIUI Video Player or Xiaomi Video (in the newer versions of HyperOS) is not always satisfactory for users. Slow work with heavy formats, no subtitles, advertising in the free version or just an inconvenient interface are reasons to replace the mass. Fortunately, there are several ways to change the default player to Xiaomi, and not all of them require root rights or complex manipulation.

In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven methods: from basic Android settings to advanced tricks ADB Note that some methods only work on certain versions. MIUI (12/13/14) You will also learn how to circumvent Xiaomi's restrictions on changing players for system applications (for example, Gallery) - this is relevant for Redmi Note models. 12/13, POCO X5/F5 and flagships Xiaomi 13/14.

1. Method through Android settings (the easiest)

If you only need to change the player to open files from the file manager (like Files by Google or Mi File Explorer), this method is best suited. It works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the firmware version.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open any file manager and find a video file (for example,.mp4 or.mkv).
• 🔗 Click on the file and in the window that appears, select "Open with" (or "More" if the player is already assigned by default).
• 🔄 In the list of applications, tap on the desired player (for example, VLC or MX Player).
• 🔘 Check the box "Always" or "Use by default" and confirm the choice.

⚠️ Note: This method will not change the player in the Xiaomi Gallery or system applications. These will require other methods (see sections 3-5). №2.

2. Assignment of the player through the settings of the application

If the first method didn’t work (for example, the player you want doesn’t appear in the list), try assigning it manually through Android settings.This is true for MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS, where the system can block third-party applications to open media.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the player you want to make the main player (for example, MX Player).
3. Slip it and select "Open by default" (or "Default settings" in HyperOS).
4. Click Add Support and select file types (e.g..mp4,.avi,.mkv).
5. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

🔹 Note: Some firmware may not have the "Open by default" option, in which case try to remove updates for the standard player. MIUI Video Player (if possible) or use the method №3.

3.Use of ADB for forced player change (for advanced)

If the system blocks the player change (e.g., in the Xiaomi Gallery or Mi Video), you can use ADB, the Android debugging tool, which works on all versions of MIUI and HyperOS, but requires a connection to a PC.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (or HyperOS Build Number). Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.

ADB

adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer

This command will reset the settings of the standard player, after which the system will prompt you to select a new one when you first open the video.

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.mxtech.videoplayer.ad

(Replace com.mxtech.videoplayer.ad with the right player package).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Before you execute commands, back up your data and make sure the application package is correctly listed:

4.Replacement of the player through an alternative launcher

If you need to change the player globally (including opening a Gallery video or Mi Video), you can use launchers like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, which allow you to assign applications by default, bypassing the limitations of MIUI.

Step-by-step:

• 📥 Install Nova Launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher.
• 🔧 Open Nova Settings and go to Apps and Notifications → Application default settings.
• 🎬 Find the Multimedia or Video Player section and select the desired application.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone to make changes take effect.

💡 Useful tip: Nova Launcher can also disable system applications (such as Mi Video) so that they do not interfere with the work of a third-party player:

1. Press the Mi Video icon on the home screen.
2. Select "Application Information".
3. Press "Disable" (if the button is active).

💡

If, after changing the launcher, videos from the Gallery still open in a standard player, clear the cache and data of the Gallery application (Settings → Applications → Gallery → Storage → Clear cache).

5 Manual removal of the standard player (requires root)

The most radical way is to completely remove the built-in player through root access, which will force the system to use the default alternative player, a method suitable for MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, but requires an unlocked bootloader and superuser rights.

Instructions:

• 🔓 Get root rights (for example, through Magisk).
• 📁 Install a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
• 🗑️ Cross the path. /system/app/MiuiVideo or /system/priv-app/MiuiVideo.
• 🚮 Delete the MiuiVideo folder or rename it to MiuiVideo.bak.
• 🔄 Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications may cause firmware to work unstable or update errors. Before deleting, backup through TWRP Also note that on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) the player can be integrated into the Gallery, and its removal will damage the functionality of viewing photos.

💡

Removing a standard player through root is the most reliable way, but only for power users. On new Xiaomi models (2023-2026), this could disrupt HyperOS.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Not all methods are equally effective. Here is a quick comparison of MIUI/HyperOS versions and Xiaomi models:

🔹 Recommendations for selection:

• 📱 For POCO X3/X4, Redmi Note 10/11 (MIUI 12–13) fit №2 or №3 (ADB).
• 🆕 For Xiaomi. 13/14 or POCO F5 (HyperOS is better to use the launcher (#4) or ADB (#3).
• 🛠️ If you are ready to experiment and have an old model (like Redmi 9), you can try the root method (#5).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after a player change, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If after changing the player, the video in the Xiaomi Gallery stopped playing, check if access to the storage for the new player is disabled. → Annexes → [your player] → Permits and Enable "Storage" and "Multimedia".

Problem 1: The player is reset after the MIUI/HyperOS update.

Solution: Repeat the default player setting (method) №1 №2. If it doesn't help, use it. ADB Reset the settings of the standard player (command from section 3).

Problem 2: Videos from Telegram or WhatsApp open in a standard player.

Solution: Clear the messenger cache and in its settings select "Open links in the external application".

Problem 3: There is no sound in the alternative player.

Solution: Check the audio settings in the player itself (e.g., Audio Drive may be disabled in the VLC) and also make sure that Settings → Sound does not activate Speaker Only.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions