How to use Android's built-in video player?

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How to use Android's built-in video player?

Monday, 5 August 2024

ANDROID OPERATING SYSTEM

Androids built-in video player is a simple and convenient way to watch videos on your device. While not as feature-rich as dedicated third-party apps, it provides a solid foundation for basic playback needs. Heres how to use it effectively:

Accessing the Built-in Video Player

The Android video player is usually accessed through the following methods:

File Manager: Navigate to the folder containing your video file. Tap on the video to start playback. Many file managers have built-in video players, and you can typically switch to the native player through settings.
Gallery App: If the video file is located in your Gallery, you can directly open it from there and start playback.
Downloads: When you download a video, the device often automatically suggests opening it in the native video player.
Recent Files: On some Android devices, you can find recently accessed videos in the "Recent Files" section of the settings or launcher app.

Basic Video Player Controls

Once the video player is launched, you can interact with it using standard playback controls:

Play/Pause: Tap on the play/pause button (usually a triangle or a double vertical bar) to control the videos playback.
Seek: Drag the slider at the bottom of the screen to jump to a specific point in the video.
Volume: Adjust the volume by using the volume buttons on your device.
Full Screen: Tap the full-screen icon (usually an arrow expanding to fill a rectangle) to toggle between standard and full-screen modes.
Rotation: On most devices, you can rotate your device to switch between portrait and landscape viewing orientations.
More Options: Tap the "More" icon (often represented by three vertical dots) to access additional options, including:
- Speed: Adjust the videos playback speed.
- Subtitles: Enable subtitles if available.
- Screen Mirroring: Mirror your screen on compatible devices.

Using External Video Players

While the native Android video player offers a basic experience, there are many third-party apps available that provide a more robust feature set. These can offer advantages such as:

Customizable playback controls: Control features like playback speed, subtitles, and screen ratios with greater granularity.
Enhanced video quality: Support for higher video resolutions and advanced codecs for a smoother viewing experience.
Streaming capabilities: Play videos directly from online services or URLs.
Multiple playback modes: Offer options for different aspect ratios and screen sizes.

Some popular external video player apps include VLC for Android, MX Player, and KMPlayer. You can download them from the Google Play Store.

Choosing the Right Player

Ultimately, the best video player for you depends on your needs. If you are happy with basic playback, Androids built-in video player should be sufficient. However, if you need more features or support for specific file formats, consider using a dedicated third-party app.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you may encounter with Androids built-in video player and potential solutions:

Video Wont Play: Make sure your device has sufficient storage space and that the video file format is supported. Some file formats may require external player apps.
Video Plays Choppily: Ensure your internet connection is strong (for online videos), and consider closing other applications running in the background to free up resources.
Video Wont Go Full Screen: This might occur with some specific videos. Try switching to a different video player.
Subtitles Are Missing: The subtitles may not be included in the video file or the player might not support them. Check the videos properties and consider using a different video player.

Conclusion

Androids built-in video player provides a simple and convenient way to watch videos on your device. It covers the basics of playback and navigation. If you require more advanced features, exploring dedicated video player apps can enhance your video-watching experience.