How to Switch Audio Languages in MKV Files

Yes, you can easily switch between different language audio tracks in an MKV file. Because the MKV (Matroska) format is a container file, it can hold multiple audio, video, and subtitle tracks simultaneously. This article explains how to change the audio language in popular media players like VLC and MPC-HC, how to do it on smart TVs, and how to permanently set your preferred language as the default.

How to Switch Audio Tracks in Popular Media Players

Most modern media players recognize multiple audio tracks automatically. Here is how to switch between them on the most common players:

VLC Media Player

1. Open your MKV file in VLC.
2. Click on Audio in the top menu bar.
3. Hover over Audio Track.
4. Select your preferred language or track from the list. (Shortcut: Press the B key on your keyboard to cycle through available audio tracks).

MPC-HC (Media Player Classic)

1. Open the MKV file.
2. Right-click anywhere on the video screen.
3. Hover over Audio or Navigate and then Audio Language.
4. Select the desired audio track.

Windows Media Player / Movies & TV App

1. Open the MKV video.
2. Click the Show menu for subtitles and audio button (usually represented by a speech bubble icon near the volume controls).
3. Choose your preferred language from the list.

How to Switch Audio Tracks on Smart TVs and Streaming Devices

If you are playing an MKV file from a USB drive on a Smart TV, or streaming via a media server like Plex or Apple TV, you can still switch the audio track.

• On a Smart TV: While the video is playing, press the Options, Settings, or Tools button on your remote control. Look for settings labeled Audio, Audio Language, or Multi-Audio and select your track.
• On Plex / Emby: Before pressing play, navigate to the movie or episode details page. Click on the Audio dropdown menu and select the language track you want to use. You can also change this mid-playback from the settings icon on the playback screen.

How to Set a Default Audio Track Permanently

If you want an MKV file to always play in a specific language automatically on all devices, you can edit the file’s metadata using a free tool called MKVToolNix.

1. Download and open MKVToolNix.
2. Drag and drop your MKV file into the Source files window.
3. Under the Tracks, chapters and tags section, find the audio tracks (labeled as audio).
4. Select the audio track you want to make the default.
5. In the properties panel on the right, change the Default track flag to Yes.
6. (Optional) If you want to completely remove other languages to save file space, uncheck the boxes next to the unwanted audio tracks.
7. Click Start multiplexing at the bottom of the window to save a new MKV file with your settings applied.