What is VLC Media Player?
Have you ever found yourself wanting to play a specific video file on your Fire TV Stick, only to discover that the default player refuses to cooperate? Maybe it’s a format the Firestick just doesn’t recognize, or perhaps you want a bit more control over your viewing experience. That’s where VLC Media Player comes in – a powerful, versatile, and free tool that can significantly expand your Firestick’s multimedia capabilities.
VLC, short for VideoLAN Client, is more than just a media player; it’s a Swiss Army knife for video and audio files. Unlike many proprietary media players, VLC is open-source, meaning it’s developed and maintained by a global community of volunteers. This open nature allows for incredible flexibility and support for a vast array of media formats, including MPfour, MKV, AVI, MOV, and many more. What’s even better? It’s completely free to use. No hidden fees, no annoying ads, just pure media playback power.
Why Firestick and Why Combine it with VLC?
The Fire TV Stick has become a staple in homes worldwide, turning ordinary televisions into smart entertainment hubs. Its compact design and affordability make it a popular choice for streaming movies, shows, and music. However, its built-in media player has its limitations. It might struggle with certain file types, lack advanced customization options, or simply not offer the seamless experience you desire. This is where the magic of VLC on Firestick comes into play.
The Benefits of VLC Media Player on Your Firestick
There are several compelling reasons to install VLC on your Fire TV Stick:
- Unlocking Media Compatibility: The most significant advantage is its ability to play virtually any media file you throw at it. Say goodbye to error messages and frustration when trying to watch your favorite movies or TV shows stored on a USB drive or network share. VLC handles a wide range of codecs and formats with ease, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free viewing experience. This eliminates the need to constantly convert files or search for alternative players.
- Accessing Media from Network Shares with Ease: VLC shines when it comes to playing media stored on your local network. Whether you have a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device, a Plex media server, or simply shared folders on your computer, VLC can seamlessly access and play your files. This is perfect for creating a centralized media library and enjoying your collection on the big screen. VLC supports various network protocols, including SMB, enabling you to connect to your shared folders without any complicated setup.
- Unleashing Customization Potential: Unlike the Firestick’s default player, VLC offers a wealth of customization options to tailor your viewing experience. You can adjust audio and video settings, tweak subtitles, use equalizers, and even apply video effects. This level of control allows you to fine-tune the playback to your exact preferences, ensuring the best possible viewing experience.
Preparing Your Firestick for VLC Installation – A Crucial Step
Before diving into the installation process, there’s one crucial setting you need to adjust on your Firestick: enabling “Apps from Unknown Sources”.
This setting allows you to install applications that are not available on the Amazon Appstore. By default, the Firestick is configured to only allow installations from the official store, which helps protect against potentially harmful apps. However, to install VLC, which is sideloaded (installed from outside the store), you need to temporarily disable this restriction.
How to Enable Apps from Unknown Sources
- From the Firestick home screen, navigate to the “Settings” menu.
- Select “My Fire TV”. (On older Firesticks, this might be labelled “Device”)
- Choose “Developer Options”. If you don’t see this option, go to “About” and repeatedly click on your Fire TV Stick device name until you see a message saying “You are now a developer!” Then you can find the Developer Options menu.
- Look for “Install Unknown Apps” (or “Apps from Unknown Sources” on older versions).
- Select the Downloader App (or the app you intend to use for sideloading).
- Set the status to “ON”.
A Word of Caution Regarding Sideloading Apps
While enabling “Apps from Unknown Sources” is necessary to install VLC, it’s essential to understand the potential risks involved. Installing apps from outside the Amazon Appstore opens your Firestick to the possibility of malware or other security threats. It’s crucial to only download APK files from trusted sources, such as the official VLC website or reputable APK repositories. Always exercise caution and carefully research any app before installing it on your Firestick. Downloading from unofficial or untrustworthy sources can compromise your device’s security and potentially expose your personal information.
Installing VLC on Firestick – Different Methods for Your Convenience
There are several ways to install VLC on your Firestick. We’ll cover two of the most common and straightforward methods: using the Downloader app and using AppsTwoFire.
Method One: Utilizing the Downloader App
The Downloader app is a free and readily available tool on the Amazon Appstore that simplifies the process of downloading files directly to your Firestick. It’s a popular choice for sideloading apps and is generally considered the easiest method for installing VLC.
Step by Step Guide using Downloader
- Install Downloader: Navigate to the Amazon Appstore on your Firestick and search for “Downloader”. Install the app.
- Open Downloader: Launch the Downloader app from your Firestick’s home screen.
- Enter the VLC APK URL: In the Downloader app, you’ll see a text field where you can enter a URL. Carefully type in the following URL: (Provide a direct, trusted APK URL. Research and link to a reliable source like the official VideoLAN website or a well-known APK mirror site that hosts the ARMvsevena or ARMsixtyfourv8a APK file.) Double-check that you’ve entered the URL correctly to avoid errors.
- Download the VLC APK: Once you’ve entered the URL, click “Go”. The Downloader app will start downloading the VLC APK file to your Firestick.
- Install the APK: After the download is complete, Downloader will automatically prompt you to install the APK. Select “Install” and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Delete the APK File: Once VLC is installed, you can delete the APK file to free up storage space on your Firestick. Downloader will ask you if you want to delete it after the installation.
Method Two: AppsTwoFire
If you own an Android phone or tablet, AppsTwoFire provides a convenient way to sideload apps onto your Firestick without needing to type in long URLs or use a computer.
Steps for installation through AppsTwoFire
- Install AppsTwoFire: Install the AppsTwoFire app on your Android device from the Google Play Store.
- Find Your Firestick’s IP Address: On your Firestick, go to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Network. Note down your Firestick’s IP address.
- Connect AppsTwoFire to Your Firestick: Open AppsTwoFire on your Android device. Enter your Firestick’s IP address in the designated field and tap “Connect”.
- Send VLC to Your Firestick: In AppsTwoFire, tap the “Installed Apps” tab. Find VLC in the list of apps on your Android device. Tap on VLC, and then select “Install” to send the APK file to your Firestick. Follow the on-screen prompts on your Firestick to complete the installation.
Getting Started with VLC on Firestick
Now that you’ve successfully installed VLC, it’s time to start using it.
Launching VLC
You can find VLC in the “Your Apps & Channels” section of your Firestick’s home screen. Select VLC to launch the app.
Navigating and Controlling Playback
The VLC interface on Firestick is simple and intuitive. You can use your Firestick remote to navigate the menus, browse files, and control playback. The basic controls (play/pause, volume, seek) are easily accessible.
Accessing Network Shares
To access media stored on network shares, you’ll need to add them to VLC. In the VLC interface, navigate to the “Local Network” section. From there, you can add your SMB shares by entering the necessary credentials (username and password, if required). This allows you to easily browse and play your media files from your network storage devices.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While VLC generally works well on Firestick, you might encounter some common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
- VLC Not Working or Crashing: If VLC crashes or refuses to launch, try clearing the app’s cache and data. You can do this in the Firestick’s Settings menu under Applications > Manage Installed Applications > VLC > Clear Cache/Clear Data. If that doesn’t work, try reinstalling VLC.
- Playback Problems (Buffering or Stuttering): Buffering or stuttering can be caused by a slow internet connection, large file sizes, or incompatible codecs. Check your internet speed and try reducing the video quality in VLC’s settings. If you’re playing a very large file, it might be too demanding for your Firestick’s hardware.
- Audio Problems: If you’re experiencing audio issues, such as no sound or distorted sound, check VLC’s audio settings to ensure that the correct audio output is selected. You can also try a different audio track or adjust the volume levels.
- VLC Not Showing Up in Firestick Menu: Restart your Firestick. Also, double-check that “Apps from Unknown Sources” is still enabled. Occasionally, Firestick updates can revert this setting.
Alternatives to VLC – Exploring Other Options
While VLC is a great choice, other media players are available on the Firestick. MX Player and Kodi are two popular alternatives. MX Player offers excellent performance and codec support, while Kodi is a full-fledged media center with extensive customization options. The best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Some users prefer MX Player’s lighter interface and simpler controls, while others appreciate Kodi’s advanced features and add-on support.
Final Thoughts
VLC Media Player significantly enhances your Firestick’s multimedia capabilities, allowing you to play a wider range of file formats and access media from network shares with ease. By following this guide, you can install and configure VLC on your Firestick and unlock a world of entertainment possibilities. Remember to always download APKs from trusted sources and exercise caution when sideloading apps. With VLC on your Firestick, you can enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, and music without limitations. Now go ahead and elevate your Firestick experience with VLC. Enjoy and feel free to share your experiences!
