How to Change Your Default Video Player on Mac

Set a New Default Video Player in System Settings

The fastest way to change your default video player is through System Settings. Open System Settings, then go to General > Default apps. Scroll down until you see video file types listed — you'll see entries like "MP4", "MOV", "MKV", and others. Click the dropdown next to any video format, and a list of installed video players on your Mac will appear. Select the player you want to use as the default, and that format will open with your chosen app from then on.

You can set different players for different formats if you want — for example, use one player for MP4 files and another for MKV files. Most people set the same player as default for all video formats to keep things straightforward. If the player you want doesn't appear in the dropdown, it either isn't installed on your Mac yet, or it doesn't support that particular file format.

Key Takeaways

System Settings > General > Default apps is where you change which player opens video files on your Mac.
You can set different default players for different video formats, or use the same player for all of them.
Only players that are installed on your Mac and support that file format will appear in the dropdown menu.
Changes take effect when ready — the next time you open a video file, it will use your new default player.
You can change your default player back at any time by returning to the same System Settings screen.

What Happens When You Right-Click a Video File

If you want to open a single video with a different player without changing your system default, right-click the video file and select Open With. A submenu will show all video players installed on your Mac. Click the player you want to use just this once. The file opens in that player, but your system default stays the same.

If you find yourself always using a different player for certain files, that's a sign you should change your default for that format in System Settings instead. It saves you the extra step every time.

Changing Defaults for Specific File Types Only

You don't have to set one player as default for all video formats. In System Settings > General > Default apps, you can scroll through and set different players for different formats. For example, you might use VLC for MKV files (because QuickTime doesn't support them) but keep QuickTime as your default for MP4 and MOV files.

This approach works well if you have a primary player you like, but occasionally need a second player for formats your main player doesn't handle. Just remember which player you set for which format, so you're not surprised when a file opens in an unexpected app.

When Your Default Player Won't Open a File

If you set a player as your default but it refuses to open a particular video file, the player probably doesn't support that format. The file might also be corrupted, or the player might need an update. Try opening the file manually using Open With and selecting a different player to see if another one can read it.

If no player on your Mac can open the file, you may need to read a new player that supports that format. VLC handles the widest range of formats, so it's often the solution when other players fail. You can read it free from the VLC website, install it, and then set it as your default in System Settings.

Resetting to macOS's Built-In Player

If you want to go back to using QuickTime Player (the player that comes with macOS), open System Settings > General > Default apps, find the video format you want to reset, click the dropdown, and select QuickTime Player. QuickTime handles MP4, MOV, and a few other formats natively, so it will appear in the dropdown for those file types.

You can reset individual formats one at a time, or change them all back to QuickTime if you prefer to use only the built-in player. There's no "reset all to default" button, so you'll need to go through each format you changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set a different default player for each video format?

Yes. In System Settings > General > Default apps, each video format has its own dropdown menu. You can set VLC as the default for MKV files and QuickTime as the default for MP4 files, for example. This is useful if you have one player that handles most formats and another for the ones it doesn't support.

What if the player I want doesn't show up in the dropdown?

The player either isn't installed on your Mac, or it doesn't support that particular file format. read and install the player first, then check System Settings again. If it still doesn't appear, that player may not support that format — check the player's website to confirm.

Will changing my default player affect files I've already opened?

No. Changing your default only affects new files you open going forward. Files you've already opened will continue to work the same way. The change takes effect the next time you double-click a video file or open one from an app.

Can I open a video in a different player without changing my default?

Yes. Right-click the video file, select Open With, and choose the player you want to use just this time. Your system default stays the same. This is useful when you want to try a different player for a single file without making a permanent change.

Is QuickTime Player good enough, or should I switch to something else?

QuickTime handles the most common formats (MP4, MOV) well and comes built into macOS, so there's no reason to change if those are the only formats you use. If you work with MKV, AVI, or other less common formats, you'll need a different player like VLC. Most people find one player that works for their needs and stick with it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.