How To Fix “MX Player Custom Codec Not Supported” (ARMv7 Vs ARM64 Explained)

Seeing the “Custom codec is not supported” message in MX Player is frustrating because it usually appears right when you are trying to play a video that needs AC3, DTS, EAC3, or another audio codec your current build cannot decode. The good news is that this error is typically fixable once you match three things correctly: your phone’s CPU architecture (ARMv7 vs ARM64), your MX Player app variant, and the exact custom codec package version.

1. What The Error Actually Means.

MX Player can use its built-in decoders, Android’s system decoders, or a “custom codec” package (commonly based on FFmpeg) to handle certain audio and video formats. When MX Player says a custom codec is “not supported,” it usually means one of these is true:

• The codec package you installed does not match your device CPU architecture (for example, you installed ARMv7 on an ARM64 device, or vice versa).
• The codec package version does not match your MX Player app version (a common cause after updating MX Player).
• You installed a codec intended for a different MX Player variant (for example, MX Player vs MX Player Pro, or different package naming).
• The codec package did not install correctly, is blocked by Android, or is corrupted.

In other words, the error is less about the file you are playing and more about a mismatch between MX Player and the codec library it is trying to load.

1.1 Why Some Codecs Need A “Custom Codec”

Some formats, especially certain surround-sound audio formats, may not be supported by a specific MX Player distribution or by the Android device’s built-in decoders. In the past, many Android media players depended on optional FFmpeg-based components to expand format support.

MX Player still supports loading a custom codec in many cases, but you must use the correct one for your setup. If you use the wrong architecture or wrong version, MX Player will refuse to load it and you will see the unsupported message.

1.2 The Fastest Fix Conceptually

The fastest fix is simple to describe:

1. Identify your device architecture (ARMv7 or ARM64).
2. Identify your installed MX Player version.
3. Install the custom codec package that matches both.

The rest of this guide walks you through doing that safely and correctly, with troubleshooting steps if it still fails.

2. ARMv7 Vs ARM64 In Plain English (And Why It Matters).

ARMv7 and ARM64 (also called AArch64) refer to different CPU instruction sets. Put simply:

• ARMv7 (32-bit) is older and runs 32-bit code.
• ARM64 (64-bit) is newer and can run 64-bit code, and often also 32-bit code (depending on the device and Android build).

Custom codec packs include native binary libraries compiled specifically for a CPU architecture. If the codec pack contains the wrong type of native library, MX Player cannot load it.

2.1 Quick Comparison Table

Most people encountering this issue are on ARM64 devices and accidentally install an ARMv7 codec (or install a codec that does not match their MX Player version).

2.2 How To Check Your Device Architecture

Use one of these reliable methods:

• Use a device info app (for example, an app that reports “ABI” or “CPU Architecture”). Look for arm64-v8a (ARM64) or armeabi-v7a (ARMv7).
• Check Android’s “ABIs” if your device info tool lists multiple ABIs. The first ABI is often the preferred one.
• Check your SoC model (Snapdragon, Exynos, MediaTek) and confirm whether it is 64-bit. Most modern chips are 64-bit, but older budget devices can still be 32-bit.

If your device lists arm64-v8a, choose the ARM64 codec pack. If it lists only armeabi-v7a, you need ARMv7.

3. Step-By-Step Fix: Install The Correct MX Player Custom Codec.

This section focuses on the most common successful path: matching MX Player version and CPU architecture, then installing the codec pack.

3.1 Step 1: Confirm Your MX Player App Version

Open MX Player and locate its version information (usually under Settings, About, or App info). Write down the exact version number.

Version matching matters because custom codec packages are built for specific MX Player versions. If you update MX Player from the Play Store, the codec you installed last month can become incompatible overnight.

3.2 Step 2: Remove Old Or Conflicting Codec Packages

If you previously installed multiple codec packages, remove the old ones first to reduce conflicts:

1. Go to Android Settings and open Apps.
2. Locate any installed codec package that is clearly related to MX Player custom codec (the name often includes “codec” or “FFmpeg”).
3. Uninstall it.
4. Force stop MX Player.

This makes the next installation cleaner and helps ensure MX Player is not detecting an outdated library.

3.3 Step 3: Download The Correct Codec Pack From A Trusted Source

Only download codec packages from sources you trust. Codec packs are native code and installing them from random sites is a real security risk.

In many cases, users obtain the correct pack from the official MX Player support resources or well-known Android developer communities where version-specific codec packages are maintained and discussed. The key rules are:

• Match your MX Player version.
• Match your CPU architecture (ARMv7 vs ARM64).
• Prefer a reputable publisher and avoid “repacked” downloads.

3.4 Step 4: Install The Codec Pack APK

After downloading the correct codec APK:

1. Open the APK to install it.
2. If Android blocks the installation, you may need to allow “Install unknown apps” for the app you used to open the file (for example, your browser or file manager).
3. Complete the install.

Then reopen MX Player. Many users will see MX Player detect the codec automatically on launch.

3.5 Step 5: Point MX Player To The Codec Manually (If Needed)

If MX Player does not auto-detect the codec, use the in-app option to select a custom codec file or library (location varies by MX Player version). The general idea is that MX Player can be directed to the installed codec so it can load the correct native libraries.

After setting it, restart MX Player and try playback again.

4. Common Scenarios And Exact Fixes.

If the basic process did not solve it, the cause is usually one of these common scenarios. Use the matching fix below.

4.1 You Installed ARMv7 On An ARM64 Phone

This is one of the most frequent mistakes, especially when download pages list many similar options.

Fix:

• Uninstall the ARMv7 codec pack.
• Install the ARM64 (arm64-v8a) codec pack that matches your MX Player version.
• Restart MX Player.

Even though some ARM64 devices can run 32-bit apps, the codec pack still has to match what MX Player expects to load. If MX Player is a 64-bit build and the codec is 32-bit, it can fail to load.

4.2 Your MX Player Updated And The Codec Did Not

If the error appeared right after an MX Player update, version mismatch is highly likely.

Fix:

1. Check the new MX Player version number.
2. Uninstall your old codec pack.
3. Install the codec pack explicitly built for the new MX Player version.

If you prefer stability, consider turning off auto-update for MX Player so you can update only when you have a matching codec pack ready.

4.3 You Are Using MX Player Pro (Or A Different Variant)

Some users have multiple MX Player variants installed, or they switch between free and Pro. Codec packages can be targeted to specific package names or builds, which can cause detection failures.

Fix:

• Confirm which MX Player app you are actually opening.
• Install a codec pack that is known to support your specific variant and version.
• Avoid having multiple MX Player variants installed at once while troubleshooting.

4.4 Android Blocks The Codec Installation Or It “Installs” But Does Not Work

Modern Android versions can block or restrict certain installations, especially if the file came from an untrusted source or the install permission is disabled.

Fix:

• Enable “Install unknown apps” temporarily for your browser or file manager.
• Redownload the codec pack in case the file is corrupted.
• After installing, force stop MX Player and reopen it.

4.5 The Video Plays But There Is No Sound (AC3, DTS, EAC3)

Sometimes the message is not the main symptom. Instead, you might get video with silent audio, or an error that the audio format is unsupported.

Fix options:

• Install the correct custom codec pack (most common fix).
• Switch MX Player’s decoder settings between HW decoder and SW decoder for the audio track and test again.
• As a fallback, remux or transcode the audio to AAC using a trusted video tool, especially if you need broad compatibility across devices.

Remuxing keeps video quality and can be fast when only the audio needs changing, but it depends on your specific file and toolchain.

5. A Safe Troubleshooting Checklist (In Order).

If you want a clean, systematic approach, follow this sequence. It is designed to prevent endless trial and error.

5.1 Checklist Steps

1. Confirm CPU ABI: arm64-v8a vs armeabi-v7a.
2. Confirm MX Player version: note the exact version string.
3. Uninstall old codec packs: remove anything codec-related.
4. Force stop MX Player: then reopen it.
5. Install matching codec pack: same version, correct architecture.
6. Restart the phone: optional, but helpful if loading behavior is inconsistent.
7. Test with the same file: avoid changing multiple variables at once.

If it fails after all that, the issue is usually that the codec pack does not match your exact MX Player build, or the pack is not intended for your variant.

6. What To Do If You Cannot Find A Matching Codec Pack.

Sometimes you will not find a codec pack that matches your exact MX Player version, especially if you updated recently or if the distribution you installed has constraints.

6.1 Option 1: Try A Different MX Player Version (With Caution)

If your goal is to regain playback for a specific set of files, you can consider installing an MX Player version known to work with an available codec pack. This approach can work, but it comes with tradeoffs:

• Older versions may have security issues or bugs fixed in newer releases.
• You must disable auto-updates, or the codec mismatch will return.

If you take this route, only download the MX Player APK from reputable archives and verify what you are installing.

6.2 Option 2: Use Another Player With Built-In Codec Support

If you do not want to manage codec packs, consider a reputable player known for broad codec support out of the box. This can be the simplest solution if you just want your media to play reliably without version matching.

6.3 Option 3: Convert The Audio Track For Maximum Compatibility

If the core issue is an unsupported audio codec, converting the audio track to AAC (or another widely supported format) can make the file play on almost any device and player.

This is especially practical if you are sharing the file across multiple devices where you cannot control the player setup.

7. FAQs People Ask About “Custom Codec Not Supported”.

7.1 Is ARM64 Always Better Than ARMv7?

ARM64 is generally newer and offers more capabilities, but “better” is not the point here. You must match the codec library to the architecture that MX Player is using. Installing an ARM64 codec on an ARMv7 device will not work, and installing ARMv7 on a 64-bit-only setup may not work either.

7.2 Can An ARM64 Phone Use ARMv7 Codecs?

Some ARM64 devices can run 32-bit apps, but codec loading depends on the MX Player build and the native libraries it expects. If MX Player is running as a 64-bit process, it cannot load 32-bit native libraries. The safe rule is to install the codec pack that matches your ABI and MX Player build.

7.3 Why Does The Codec Stop Working After An Update?

Custom codec packages often need to match internal expectations of a specific MX Player version. When the app updates, the codec package you installed previously may no longer be compatible, and MX Player will reject it.

7.4 Is It Safe To Install Codec Packs?

It can be safe if you only install codec packs from reputable sources. Codec packs include native code, so treat them like you would treat any APK: avoid unknown download sites, avoid modified or “repacked” builds, and prefer official guidance or widely scrutinized community sources.

7.5 Does This Fix Work On Android TV And Fire TV?

The same principles apply: correct ABI, correct MX Player version, and a matching codec package. Many TV devices are ARM64, but some older ones are ARMv7. Use a device info tool to confirm.

8. The Bottom Line.

“MX Player custom codec not supported” is almost always a compatibility mismatch, not a mystery. Once you identify whether your device is ARMv7 or ARM64, confirm your exact MX Player version, and install a codec pack that matches both, the error typically disappears and your audio support returns.

If you still cannot get a match, do not keep installing random codec APKs. Instead, pick a safer path: switch to a player with built-in codec coverage, or convert the audio track for universal playback.

Citations

• Android Developers. Application Binary Interfaces (ABIs). (developer.android.com)
• MX Player Help Center. General MX Player support and troubleshooting resources. (support.mxplayer.in)
• XDA Developers Forums. MX Player custom codec discussions and version-matching guidance. (xdaforums.com)
• FFmpeg Project. About FFmpeg and multimedia codec libraries. (ffmpeg.org)