I want to change my default video player on Mac, but I’m unsure how. Recently, I installed a new video player app, and now I want it to open all my videos by default instead of the current one. Could someone guide me step-by-step on how to do this?
It is very ease:
- Find a Video File – Open Finder and locate a video.
- Open “Get Info” – Right-click the file and select “Get Info”.
- Change Default App – Under “Open with”, choose your new video player.
- Apply to All – Click “Change All…”, then confirm with “Continue”.
By the way, you’re hunting for a video player that works seamlessly on macOS—here’s a fresh tip you might just fall in love with: Elmedia Player. It’s shaping up to be a stellar alternative to QuickTime Player and might even become your go-to for media playback.
Elmedia Video Player effortlessly supports a wide range of video formats, from MP4 to MKV to FLV, and even lesser-known ones like 3GP. Gone are the days of worrying whether or not your file will play. Instead, you just hit ‘play’ and kick back.
But that’s not the only thing that sets Elmedia Player apart. Quick question: have you ever felt like your media player lacked customization? Maybe you wished for a deeper level of control—over subtitles, playback speed, or even creating bookmarks in your favorite scenes. Well, Elmedia checks all those boxes. It’s the digital equivalent of swapping out your invisible “meh” player for one that understands your every need.
As for the interface – it’s clean, intuitive, and sublimely Mac-like in its feel, fitting right into macOS’s sleek aesthetic. Not clunky, not overwhelming—just efficient and elegant. With app’s premium features like AirPlay streaming and picture-in-picture mode, you’re not just watching videos—you’re upgrading the entire way you experience them. It’s like moving from black-and-white TV straight to 4K HDR streaming.
So, if QuickTime Player has been feeling a little ‘blah’ or you’re simply tired of having to convert file types all the time, this might just be your ultimate switch. Elmedia Player might not only meet your expectations but completely rewrite them. Give it a try and see why it’s earning a spotlight in the world of Mac media tools.
Gah, changing the default video player sounds so simple, right? But macOS likes to make you work for it. Don’t feel bad—it’s not super obvious. MikeAppsReviewer’s steps are solid, but let me throw another angle at you, just in case you want to think a bit differently.
Instead of hunting for a single file to tinker with, you could try this shortcut method (especially if you’re dealing with loads of video file formats and don’t want to manually fix them one by one). Dive into System Preferences (or System Settings depending on your macOS version). While there’s no “default app” section here, you should double-check Extensions > File and App Associations or something similar (this can vary depending on macOS). From there, it’ll let you review what extensions a new app has claimed. If the new player grabbed certain formats (like .mp4 or .mkv automatically during install), you may need to override it.
But, okay, real talk: QuickTime Player runs out of steam fast with all these formats now. If you’re sick of messing with compatibility, Mike mentioned Elmedia Player, and yep, it’s no joke. I’d totally back checking it out. You’ll get flexibility with formats (RIP those random “why won’t this .MOV file open” headaches). Plus, rumor has it the interface is clean and pretty customizable—subtitle syncing looks like a dream for binge-watchers.
If you’re still seeing QuickTime pop up even after tweaking defaults, double-check that pesky “File Format Override” thing under Preferences—it might still be holding back certain filetypes. Let me know if the player switch doesn’t stick.
Oh, and one last nitpick—if streams like Airplay are your thing, Elmedia’s a considerable upgrade. QuickTime just can’t hang when it comes to stuff like casting without hiccups. So yeah, level up.
Alright, changing the default video player on a Mac is honestly not rocket science, but it’s not screamingly obvious either. The steps outlined by @mikeappsreviewer are solid (finding a file, using ‘Get Info,’ and applying the changes to all files of that type). It’s a straightforward process if you want a per-file-type solution. But honestly, isn’t that a bit tedious?
Here’s where I side-step slightly: rather than changing defaults through Finder every time the file format changes, another smarter way (which macOS doesn’t advertise enough) is to set preferences in the app itself, assuming the new video player app has such options. Many third-party video players allow you to claim all media types from their settings menu. If the app you installed has this feature, it’s a huge time saver—no manual tweaking for every extension (like .mp4, .avi, etc.).
And I saw Elmedia Player pop up in their replies. It’s honestly worth more than a mention, especially if you’re tired of QuickTime Player’s limited format support. But let’s take it one step further: Elmedia doesn’t just handle your random .MKV or 3GP files; it’s designed with useful features like AirPlay streaming, subtitle adjustments, and playback speed control that elevate your viewing experience. The simplicity of its interface, combined with macOS-native vibes, makes it a fantastic option. If you’re curious, take a look: check out Elmedia Player’s awesome features.
Now, for all the hype, I do have one tiny gripe: no matter how ‘perfect’ we say an app is, you may still need to tweak Finder settings to ensure consistency across all file types—since macOS defaults can be oddly stubborn. So if the above fails, back to square one with ‘Get Info.’ Sigh. Sometimes Apple gives you an intuitive interface, sometimes it wants you to decode its secrets.
Lastly, whether you go with something fancy like Elmedia or stick to basic workarounds, embrace that process of making your Mac truly yours. Who has time for QuickTime forcing itself to the front seat? Let it stay in the trunk where it belongs!