Quick answer
MX Player is a free video player for Android, known for hardware-accelerated playback, gesture controls and wide subtitle support, now published by Amazon Mobile LLC. The latest MX Player APK is version 3.3.1, updated October 30, 2026, and needs Android 7.0 or newer. It's free with ads, plus optional in-app purchases.
| App name | MX Player |
|---|---|
| Developer | Amazon Mobile LLC |
| Latest version | 3.3.1 |
| Updated | Oct 30, 2026 |
| Requires Android | 7.0 and up |
| Package name | com.mxtech.videoplayer.ad |
| Category | Video Players |
| Price | Free |
| Contains ads | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes |
On this page
What is MX Player?
MX Player is one of the oldest and most popular video players on Android. It's been on Google Play since July 2011 and has passed a billion downloads, mostly thanks to two things: it played almost any file smoothly on cheap phones, and its gesture controls made watching videos easier.
The app is now published by Amazon Mobile LLC, after Amazon acquired MX Player's business in 2024. Alongside the local video player, MX Player has a streaming section with films and series in some regions, especially India, which is ad-supported.
At its core, though, it's still a player for your own files: videos you've downloaded or recorded, files on an SD card or USB drive, and network streams. It's one of the best-known video player apps, and the main thing to understand before installing it is that the free version shows ads.
What's new in MX Player 3.3.1
MX Player 3.3.1 reached Google Play on October 30, 2026. The release notes on Play describe a stability update: bugs were fixed and performance optimized for a smoother, faster and more reliable app.
The developer doesn't list specific changes for this version, so there's nothing more detailed to report.
Key features
Hardware-accelerated playback
MX Player can decode video using your phone's hardware (HW and HW+ decoders) or software (SW). If a video stutters or shows no picture, switching the decoder from the playback menu often fixes it.
Gesture controls
Swipe up and down on the right side to change volume, on the left side to change brightness, and left or right to seek. Pinch to zoom and pan. Once you're used to them, it's hard to go back to tiny on-screen sliders.
Subtitles
MX Player supports embedded subtitles and separate subtitle files in common formats. You can change the subtitle track, adjust timing, and change font size, color and position while watching.
Kids lock
Kids lock blocks touches and calls while a video plays, so a child can watch without accidentally leaving the app or changing settings.
Multi-core decoding and audio tracks
MX Player uses multiple processor cores to decode demanding files, and lets you switch audio tracks in videos with several languages.
Tips for smoother playback
If a video won't play, try switching between the HW, HW+ and SW decoders from the playback menu. Turn on background playback for audio if you're listening to something, so it keeps going with the screen off. Use the network stream option to play a URL directly. And if you mostly watch your own files, keep an eye on data usage: the streaming sections can play video ads that use mobile data.
MX Player vs VLC at a glance
| MX Player | VLC for Android | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free with ads | Free, no ads |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Gesture controls | Yes, a highlight | Yes |
| Streaming content | Yes, in some regions | No, plays your own media |
| Android needed | 7.0 or newer | 4.2 or newer (F-Droid build) |
Both play common formats and subtitles well. The ads and the streaming section are the main differences.
How to install MX Player APK on Android
Install MX Player from Google Play if you can. Without Play Store, install the official app carefully.
- Check your phone runs Android 7.0 or newer.
- Get the app only from Google Play or the official MX Player site. "MX Player Pro" or ad-free files from other sites aren't official.
- If you downloaded the file from APKPeer, check that the SHA-256 matches the one on this page. We currently link to Google Play only, so there's no APKPeer file for MX Player.
- Open the APK and allow your browser or file manager to Install unknown apps when Android asks.
- Tap Install, open MX Player and allow access to your videos.
- Turn off the install permission under Settings → Apps → Special app access → Install unknown apps.
Is MX Player APK safe?
The official MX Player app is safe to install. It's published by Amazon Mobile LLC on Google Play and rated Everyone. Play marks it as containing ads and in-app purchases, from $0.49 to $239.99 per item.
The ads are the main downside. They appear around playback and in the streaming sections, which some people find intrusive. MX Player also needs access to your videos to play them, which is expected for any media player.
Because people dislike the ads, modified "ad-free" MX Player APKs are widely shared. They aren't made by the developer, they're a common way to get adware or worse onto a phone, and they don't receive updates. If you want an ad-free player, the safer choice is a free open-source player like VLC. APKPeer only links to the official app.
MX Player vs alternatives
- VLC for Android is free, open source and has no ads at all, with very wide format support. Its gestures are a bit less polished.
- mpv-android is an open-source player with excellent quality and lots of configuration, aimed at more technical users.
- Just (Video) Player is a small, open-source, ad-free player with a minimal interface.
If you like MX Player's gestures and don't mind ads, it's still a capable player. If ads bother you, try VLC first.
Version history
MX Player 3.3.1Latest
What changed (1)
- Bug fixes and performance optimization for a smoother, faster, more reliable app.
Source: play.google.com
Frequently asked questions
How do I install MX Player on Android?
Open Google Play, search for MX Player and check the developer is Amazon Mobile LLC before tapping Install. It needs Android 7.0 or newer. It's free to install, and Play keeps it updated automatically, so you never need to download an APK by hand. Avoid copies from other sites: they aren't from Amazon Mobile LLC and may be altered, so the safest way to use MX Player is the official listing.
Is MX Player free?
Yes, MX Player is free to download and use, and it's supported by ads. Google Play lists in-app purchases from $0.49 to $239.99 per item, which cover optional paid features and subscriptions. The core video player works fully on the free version.
Who owns MX Player now?
MX Player is published on Google Play by Amazon Mobile LLC. Amazon acquired MX Player's business in 2024 and combined its streaming service with Amazon's own free video offering in India. The local video player itself still works the same way.
Does MX Player support MKV and subtitles?
Yes. MX Player plays common formats including MKV and MP4, and supports subtitle files and embedded subtitles. During playback you can change the subtitle track, adjust timing if subtitles are out of sync, and change their size and color.
How can I use a video player without ads?
MX Player's free version shows ads. If you want a video player with no ads at all, VLC for Android is free, open source and ad-free. Avoid modified ad-free MX Player APKs, which aren't official and can carry malware.
