How to make mpv resume playback automatically?

This article provides a straightforward guide on how to configure the mpv media player to automatically save your playback position and resume videos exactly where you left off. You will learn how to enable this feature globally using a configuration file, how to use a manual keyboard shortcut for one-off saves, and how to manage the saved state files on your system.

The Global Solution: Edit the Configuration File

The most efficient way to ensure mpv always remembers your position is by adding a single line to your permanent configuration file (mpv.conf).

1. Locate your configuration folder

Depending on your operating system, the mpv.conf file is stored in different directories. If the file or folder does not exist, you can simply create them.

2. Add the resume command

Open your mpv.conf file in a standard text editor (like Notepad, VS Code, or Nano) and add the following line:

save-position-on-quit=yes

Save and close the file. From now on, whenever you close a video, mpv will automatically remember your timestamp and resume from that exact spot the next time you open the file.

The Manual Solution: Use a Keyboard Shortcut

If you do not want mpv to remember your position for every single file, you can choose to save your position manually on a case-by-case basis.

This shortcut tells mpv to save your current playback position and immediately close the player. If you close the player using the standard q key or by clicking the “X” button, the position will not be saved.

How mpv Stores Playback Data

When you save your position, mpv does not modify your actual video file. Instead, it creates a small text file containing the timestamp and volume settings inside a dedicated folder named watch_later.

If you ever want mpv to forget your progress and start a video from the beginning, you can simply go into this folder and delete the files inside it.