how to set default video player mac

Daniel Parker

3 min read

·

07-02-2025

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Choosing your preferred video player on your Mac is a simple process that significantly enhances your viewing experience. This guide will walk you through setting your default video player, whether it's VLC, QuickTime, MPV, or another app of your choice. Knowing how to do this will save you the hassle of manually selecting your player every time you open a video file.

Understanding Default Applications on macOS

macOS, Apple's operating system, allows you to specify which application opens specific file types. When you double-click a video file (like an .mp4, .mov, or .mkv), your system checks its settings to determine which application is designated to handle that file type. This default application then launches, automatically playing the video.

Method 1: Using the Get Info Panel (Most Common Method)

This is the most straightforward and widely used method to change your default video player. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Locate your video file: Find any video file on your Mac.

2. Right-click (or Control-click): Right-click the video file.

3. Select "Get Info": In the context menu that appears, choose "Get Info."

4. Locate "Open with": In the Get Info window, scroll down until you see the "Open with" section. It will likely show the currently assigned application.

5. Change the application: Click the dropdown menu next to "Open with" and select your desired video player from the list.

6. Apply to all similar files (Optional but Recommended): Below the "Open with" section, you'll see a checkbox labeled "Change all...". Tick this box if you want to make this your default video player for all files of that specific type (e.g., all .mp4 files). This is highly recommended to avoid having to repeat this process for every video file.

7. Close the "Get Info" window: Once you've made your selection and chosen the "Change all..." option (if desired), close the window. Your default video player is now set!

Method 2: Using the Terminal (Advanced Users)

For advanced users comfortable with the command line, you can also change default applications using the Terminal. This method requires knowing the exact file type and the path to your preferred video player's executable file. This method is generally unnecessary unless you encounter problems using the "Get Info" method.

Caution: Incorrect commands in Terminal can have unintended consequences. Exercise caution when using this method.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Video player not appearing in the list: Ensure the video player is installed correctly and is accessible to your system. You may need to reinstall the app.

• Changes not taking effect: Try restarting your Mac. Sometimes, system caches can interfere with the changes.

• Specific file types not changing: The "Change all..." option only affects files of the same type as the one you selected. If you want to change the default player for different video file extensions (like .mov and .avi), you will have to repeat this process for each type.

Choosing the Right Video Player for You

Several excellent video players are available for Mac, each with its strengths:

• QuickTime Player: Apple's built-in player, suitable for basic playback.

• VLC Media Player: A highly versatile and powerful open-source player supporting a wide range of formats.

• MPV: A lightweight and highly customizable command-line player favored by some users. Requires some technical knowledge to configure fully.

• Other players: Numerous other players are available, including specialized players for specific formats or with advanced features.

By following these steps, you can easily set your preferred video player as the default on your Mac and enjoy a streamlined video viewing experience. Remember to choose the method that best suits your comfort level and technical skills.