MX Player is one of the most popular media players for Android devices, known for its versatility, wide range of supported formats, and powerful video decoding capabilities. However, there may be times when you try to play an Xvid-encoded video, and the player displays an error message or fails to play the file. This is because the necessary codec to decode Xvid videos is not installed by default in the app. Fortunately, MX Player allows users to install additional codecs, including Xvid, to ensure smooth playback of such videos.
In this tutorial, we will guide you step-by-step on how to download and use the Xvid video codec for MX Player.
What is Xvid?
Xvid is an open-source video codec used for compressing and decompressing video files, similar to DivX. It’s widely used for video encoding due to its high-quality output and efficient compression. Xvid is commonly used for compressing video files in AVI or MP4 containers, and you may encounter it in movies, TV shows, and other video content.
Why You Need the Xvid Codec for MX Player
MX Player supports a wide range of codecs by default, but Xvid is one of the few codecs that may not be included. If you try to play an Xvid-encoded video file without the necessary codec installed, MX Player will either display an error or fail to play the video.
Fortunately, MX Player offers a simple way to add extra codecs, including the Xvid codec. By downloading and installing the appropriate codec file, you can ensure that MX Player will be able to decode and play Xvid videos smoothly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download and Use the Xvid Codec for MX Player
Step 1: Download the Xvid Codec
- Open MX Player on your Android Device
Launch MX Player on your device. If you don’t have it installed yet, you can download it from the Google Play Store. - Check for Missing Codec
Try playing an Xvid-encoded video. If the codec is missing, MX Player will display an error message saying, “This video cannot be played.” At the bottom of the screen, you will see an option to download the codec. - Tap on the Codec Link
Tap on the “Download” option that appears in the error message. This will direct you to the MX Player’s codec download page. - Download the Xvid Codec
On the codec download page, you will find different versions of codecs. Look for the Xvid Codec (usually listed as a “ARMv7” or “ARMv8” version based on your device architecture). Tap on the download link for the Xvid codec.
Step 2: Install the Codec
- Download the Codec File
The codec will be downloaded as a.zipfile. Once the download is complete, you will receive a notification. - Extract the Codec Files
Using a file manager app on your device, locate the downloaded.zipfile. Extract it to a folder, and you will find a set of codec files, including thelibxvid.sofile. - Install the Codec into MX Player
After extraction, go back to MX Player. Open the menu (three horizontal lines in the top-left corner), then go to Settings > Decoder. Select Custom Codec and browse to the location where you extracted the codec file. - Select the Xvid Codec
Tap on thelibxvid.sofile to apply the codec to MX Player. The app will prompt you to restart. Once restarted, MX Player will now be able to decode and play Xvid videos.
Step 3: Play Xvid Videos on MX Player
After installing the Xvid codec, you can easily play any Xvid-encoded video on MX Player. Simply open the video file, and the app will automatically use the installed codec to decode and play the video without issues.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Codec Not Working: If after following these steps the Xvid codec still does not work, try downloading the latest version of MX Player and the codec. Ensure that you’re using the correct version of the codec for your device’s architecture.
- Video Lag or Stuttering: If your video is stuttering or lagging, it might be due to hardware limitations or the resolution of the video. Try adjusting the video settings within MX Player by lowering the playback resolution or switching between hardware and software decoding modes.
- Unsupported Video Formats: While the Xvid codec handles most Xvid files, if you encounter an unsupported file format or container, consider converting the video into a more widely supported format like MP4.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is Xvid codec?
Xvid is an open-source video codec used for compressing and decompressing video files. It’s commonly used for encoding video files into formats like AVI and MP4.
2. Why do I need to install the Xvid codec?
MX Player supports most video formats, but the Xvid codec may not be included by default. Installing this codec allows you to play Xvid-encoded videos on your Android device using MX Player.
3. How do I check if my video is encoded with Xvid?
You can check the video file’s properties using a media player like VLC or a video analysis tool that will tell you the video codec. If it is encoded with Xvid, you will see “Xvid” listed as the video codec.
4. Can I play Xvid videos on MX Player without the codec?
No, MX Player will not be able to play Xvid-encoded videos without the appropriate codec installed. The codec allows MX Player to decode and display the video correctly.
5. What should I do if the Xvid codec is not working?
If the codec isn’t working, try reinstalling MX Player and the codec. Make sure you’ve downloaded the correct version of the codec for your device architecture (ARMv7 or ARMv8). You can also try using the software decoding option in MX Player if the hardware decoding isn’t working.
6. Where can I download the Xvid codec for MX Player?
You can download the Xvid codec directly from within MX Player when you try to play an unsupported video file. Alternatively, you can find the codec file from MX Player’s official website or trusted forums.
7. Is Xvid codec safe to download?
Yes, the Xvid codec is safe to download from official sources such as MX Player’s website. Avoid downloading codec files from untrusted third-party websites to prevent the risk of malware or corrupted files.
Conclusion
Downloading and installing the Xvid codec for MX Player is a quick and easy process that can help you enjoy your Xvid-encoded videos without issues. By following the steps in this tutorial, you’ll be able to smoothly play Xvid videos and enhance your overall media experience on Android devices.