VLC for Android

VLC is a long-established media player that is free and open source. It plays a wide range of video and audio formats without extra codec downloads, which is why it is a popular fix when a file will not open in the default player.

Why people use it

• It supports many formats, subtitles and multiple audio tracks.
• It can play files from your phone storage and from network shares.
• It does not need an account.

Keep in mind

Only use the official listing published by VideoLAN, because fake "VLC" apps exist (see how to spot fake apps). A media player only plays files; make sure the videos you watch were obtained legally.

Using VLC for Android properly

• Install only the official VideoLAN listing. Check the developer name before you tap Install.
• Use the playback speed and subtitle options from the player controls when a lecture or film needs them.
• Load subtitles from a file if your video has none, and adjust the delay if they are out of step.
• Keep to files you obtained legally, and be careful with videos received from unknown senders.

Our take

VLC is the app to install when a video will not play in your default player. It handles an unusually wide range of formats without extra downloads and needs no account. The main caution is to install only the official VideoLAN listing, because copycat apps exist, and to open only files from sources you trust.

How it plays out day to day

A video received from a relative will not open in the gallery. Installing VLC from the official listing plays it straight away, and subtitles can be added from a separate file when needed.

More on Guj Times

For streaming rather than local files, see YouTube and Netflix. Free space for downloaded videos with our storage guide.

Questions people ask

Can VLC play any file?

It plays very many formats, but a damaged or protected file may still fail.

Is it safe?

The official app is open source and widely used. Avoid unofficial copies; see how to spot fake apps.