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 you 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, and 10

  • 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.
  • Right-click the file, scroll down to Open with, and then select Choose default program.
  • Select the program that you want to use to open this file type.
  • Check the box next to Always use the selected program to open this kind of file, and then click OK.

Apple macOS

  • 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.
  • Click the file, and then press Command+I. Or from the main menu, select File, and then Get Info.
  • In the dialog box that appears, locate the Open with section, and then change it to the application of your choice.
  • Click Change All, and then click Continue.

Android smartphone or tablet

  • Locate the Settings menu on your device. It is found by swiping down from the top of the screen on your home screen.
  • In the Settings menu, locate your Application Manager.
  • In the Applications Manager, locate the app you’re currently using to play music or movies, and then tap to open it.
  • Scroll down to the Launch By Default section, or something similar, and then tap Clear defaults.
  • 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 then 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.

  • Windows 7, 8.1, and 10
  • Apple macOS
  • Android smartphone or tablet
  • Apple iPhone/iPad

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

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