Are you tired of using the default media player on your Android device when browsing with Chrome? Do you want to enhance your media playback experience with a more feature-rich player? Look no further. In this article, we will walk you through the process of changing the media player on Android Chrome, exploring the reasons why you might want to make the switch, and highlighting the benefits of using alternative media players.
Why Change the Default Media Player on Android Chrome?
The default media player on Android Chrome is a basic player that gets the job done, but it lacks many features that can enhance your media playback experience. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider changing the default media player:
- Limited features: The default media player on Android Chrome has limited features, such as no support for subtitles, no ability to adjust playback speed, and no option to change the aspect ratio.
- No support for advanced codecs: The default media player may not support advanced codecs like H.265, VP9, or AC-3, which can limit your ability to play certain types of media files.
- No customization options: The default media player has a basic interface that cannot be customized to suit your preferences.
Choosing an Alternative Media Player
Before we dive into the process of changing the media player on Android Chrome, let’s take a look at some popular alternative media players that you can use:
- VLC Media Player: VLC is a popular media player that supports a wide range of codecs, including H.265, VP9, and AC-3. It also has a range of features like subtitle support, playback speed adjustment, and aspect ratio change.
- MX Player: MX Player is another popular media player that supports advanced codecs and has features like subtitle support, playback speed adjustment, and aspect ratio change. It also has a range of customization options, including themes and gesture controls.
- KMPlayer: KMPlayer is a feature-rich media player that supports advanced codecs and has features like subtitle support, playback speed adjustment, and aspect ratio change. It also has a range of customization options, including themes and gesture controls.
Changing the Media Player on Android Chrome
Now that we have explored the reasons why you might want to change the default media player on Android Chrome and looked at some popular alternative media players, let’s dive into the process of changing the media player:
Method 1: Using the “Open With” Option
One way to change the media player on Android Chrome is to use the “Open With” option. Here’s how:
- Open Chrome on your Android device and navigate to a webpage that has a media file that you want to play.
- Long press on the media file to open the context menu.
- Tap on “Open With” and select the alternative media player that you want to use.
- If you want to set the alternative media player as the default player for all media files, tap on “Always” when prompted.
Method 2: Using the “Settings” App
Another way to change the media player on Android Chrome is to use the “Settings” app. Here’s how:
- Open the “Settings” app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Application Manager.”
- Find the Chrome app and tap on it.
- Tap on “Storage” or “Storage & Cache.”
- Tap on “Clear Defaults” or “Reset Defaults.”
- Go back to the “Settings” app and scroll down to find the alternative media player that you want to use.
- Tap on the alternative media player and select “Set as Default” or “Set as Default Player.”
Method 3: Using a Third-Party App
There are also third-party apps available that can help you change the media player on Android Chrome. Here’s how:
- Download and install a third-party app like “Default App Manager” or “Better Open With” from the Google Play Store.
- Open the third-party app and find the Chrome app.
- Tap on the Chrome app and select the alternative media player that you want to use.
- Follow the prompts to set the alternative media player as the default player for all media files.
Benefits of Changing the Media Player on Android Chrome
Changing the media player on Android Chrome can have several benefits, including:
- Improved media playback experience: Alternative media players can offer a range of features that can enhance your media playback experience, such as subtitle support, playback speed adjustment, and aspect ratio change.
- Support for advanced codecs: Alternative media players can support advanced codecs like H.265, VP9, and AC-3, which can allow you to play a wider range of media files.
- Customization options: Alternative media players can offer customization options like themes and gesture controls, which can allow you to personalize your media playback experience.
Conclusion
Changing the media player on Android Chrome is a simple process that can enhance your media playback experience. By choosing an alternative media player that supports advanced codecs and offers features like subtitle support, playback speed adjustment, and aspect ratio change, you can improve your media playback experience and enjoy a wider range of media files. Whether you use the “Open With” option, the “Settings” app, or a third-party app, changing the media player on Android Chrome is a straightforward process that can have several benefits.
What is the default media player on Android Chrome, and can I change it?
The default media player on Android Chrome is the Android System Webview or the Google Chrome browser’s built-in media player. However, you can change it to a third-party media player if you prefer. Changing the default media player can be useful if you want more features or better performance. For example, some third-party media players support more video formats or offer additional features like subtitle support or pop-out video windows.
To change the default media player on Android Chrome, you’ll need to install a third-party media player app from the Google Play Store. Some popular options include VLC Media Player, MX Player, and KMPlayer. Once you’ve installed a new media player app, you can set it as the default player for Android Chrome by following the steps outlined in the article.
Why would I want to change the media player on Android Chrome?
There are several reasons why you might want to change the media player on Android Chrome. One reason is that the default media player may not support all the video formats you want to play. For example, if you try to play a video in a format like MKV or AVI, the default media player may not be able to play it. A third-party media player may offer better format support, allowing you to play a wider range of video files.
Another reason to change the media player is that you may prefer the features or user interface of a third-party player. For example, some media players offer additional features like subtitle support, video playback speed control, or the ability to play videos in a pop-out window. If you find that the default media player is lacking in features or doesn’t meet your needs, changing to a third-party player can be a good solution.
How do I set a third-party media player as the default player on Android Chrome?
To set a third-party media player as the default player on Android Chrome, you’ll need to follow a few steps. First, install the third-party media player app from the Google Play Store. Then, go to the Android Settings app and select “Apps” or “Application manager.” Find the Google Chrome app in the list and select it. Tap the “Open by default” or “Set as default” option, and then select the third-party media player app as the default player.
Alternatively, you can also set the default media player from within the Google Chrome browser. To do this, go to the Chrome settings menu and select “Site settings” or “Advanced settings.” Scroll down to the “Media” or “Video” section and select the third-party media player app as the default player. You may need to restart the Chrome browser for the changes to take effect.
Will changing the media player on Android Chrome affect other apps?
Changing the media player on Android Chrome should not affect other apps on your device. The default media player setting only applies to the Google Chrome browser, so other apps will continue to use their own default media players. However, if you’ve set a third-party media player as the default player for all apps on your device, then changing the media player on Android Chrome may not have any effect.
It’s worth noting that some apps may have their own built-in media players, so changing the default media player on Android Chrome may not affect those apps. For example, video streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube may use their own media players, regardless of the default media player setting on your device.
Can I change the media player on Android Chrome for specific websites only?
Yes, you can change the media player on Android Chrome for specific websites only. To do this, you’ll need to use the Chrome browser’s “Site settings” or “Advanced settings” menu. Go to the website you want to change the media player for, and then select the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of the Chrome browser. Select “Site settings” or “Advanced settings,” and then scroll down to the “Media” or “Video” section.
In the “Media” or “Video” section, you can select a specific media player app to use for that website only. This will override the default media player setting for that website, allowing you to use a different media player for specific sites. You can also use this feature to block video playback on certain websites or to set specific video playback settings for individual sites.
Will changing the media player on Android Chrome improve video playback performance?
Changing the media player on Android Chrome may improve video playback performance, depending on the specific media player app you choose. Some third-party media players are optimized for better performance, especially on lower-end devices. For example, a media player app like VLC Media Player may offer better hardware acceleration support, which can improve video playback performance.
However, the impact of changing the media player on video playback performance will depend on various factors, including the device’s hardware, the video format, and the media player app itself. In some cases, changing the media player may not have a significant impact on video playback performance. You may need to experiment with different media players to find the one that works best for your device and video playback needs.
Can I reset the default media player on Android Chrome to its original setting?
Yes, you can reset the default media player on Android Chrome to its original setting. To do this, go to the Android Settings app and select “Apps” or “Application manager.” Find the Google Chrome app in the list and select it. Tap the “Open by default” or “Set as default” option, and then select the “Clear defaults” option. This will reset the default media player setting to its original value.
Alternatively, you can also reset the default media player setting from within the Google Chrome browser. To do this, go to the Chrome settings menu and select “Site settings” or “Advanced settings.” Scroll down to the “Media” or “Video” section and select the “Reset to default” option. This will reset the default media player setting to its original value, and the Chrome browser will use the Android System Webview or the built-in media player again.