You don't directly "download the AV1 codec" on Android - instead, it works through compatible media players and your Android system.
Here's exactly how to play AV1 videos on your Android device right now.
Quick Solution: Download These Apps
MX Player remains the top choice for Android AV1 playback.
→ Download MX Player and install the ARMv7 NEON codec package for your device architecture. This combination handles AV1 files seamlessly.
VLC for Android offers another reliable option.
→ Update to the latest version of VLC for Android, as recent updates include improved AV1 support through VideoLAN's libdav1d decoder.
MPV for Android provides the most advanced AV1 support with GPU-based decoding, which helps reduce CPU usage and provides a seamless viewing experience MPV for Android.
→ Download the MPV APK directly from codecs.com since it's not available on Google Play Store.
This lightweight, open-source player features gesture controls, network stream playback, and background/Picture-in-Picture support.
System Requirements
Your Android device needs Android 10 or later for optimal AV1 support.
The codec integration happens at the operating system level, making newer Android versions naturally better at handling AV1 content.
What Makes AV1 Special
AV1 (AOMedia Video 1) delivers superior video quality at lower bitrates compared to codecs like H.265/HEVC.
This free, open-source format was developed by the Alliance for Open Media specifically to make streaming more efficient while maintaining quality.