VLC Fix Guide

VLC on Android TV: Install, Set Up & Play Network Media

Beginner Last updated: Applies to: Android TV / Google TV · VLC 3.0.x

VLC for Android TV is the best free player for a TV box: it decodes almost everything, reads NAS shares, and casts from the phone app with one tap. This guide covers the correct install path, the two settings that prevent most TV playback problems, and how to wire up your home media.

Step 1 — Install VLC the right way

  1. On the TV, open the Google Play Store, search "VLC", and install the official VideoLAN app (the one by "VideoLAN" — orange cone icon).

    VLC installs from the Play Store.

  2. If your TV lacks Play Store (some brands), sideload: download the official ARM64 APK from videolan.org/vlc/download-android.html on a phone, copy it to the TV, and open it with a file manager.

    The APK installs.

  3. Open VLC and accept the storage permission — required to see files on the device.

    VLC shows your local media.

NoteAvoid third-party "VLC TV" apps — many are clones with ads or trackers. Check the developer name before installing.

Step 2 — The two settings that prevent most problems

  1. Open Settings > Playback and enable "Hardware acceleration" (should be on by default).

    GPU decoding is active.

  2. Set "HW decoder" to "Full" if you play HEVC/4K files — "Partial" only accelerates a subset of codecs.

    HEVC and 4K decode faster.

  3. Under Settings > Audio, leave "Audio output" as Automatic; switch to "AudioTrack (raw)" only if your receiver shows wrong formats.

    Audio routing is correct.

Step 3 — Play from your NAS or PC

  1. Open the sidebar and select "Local network".

    Network sources are listed.

  2. Add your SMB share (see the network-share guide for the exact fields) or pick a discovered UPnP/DLNA server.

    The share is added.

  3. Browse and play — use Ethernet or 5 GHz Wi-Fi for 4K files.

    Media plays over the network.

Step 4 — Cast from the phone app

  1. Install "VLC for Android" on your phone and open the file you want to cast.

    The file plays on the phone.

  2. Tap the cast icon (screen with Wi-Fi waves) in the top bar and choose your TV.

    The TV starts playing the file.

  3. Use the phone as a remote: volume, seek, and playlist control work during casting.

    Casting is controlled from the phone.

NotePhone casting streams from the phone, not the NAS — for large 4K libraries, prefer opening the file directly on the TV via the network browser (Step 3).

Frequently asked questions

How do I get VLC on an Android TV without Play Store?
Download the official ARM64 APK from videolan.org, transfer it via USB or a file manager, and open it. Enable "Install unknown apps" for your file manager when prompted.
Why does 4K playback stutter on my TV box?
Enable full hardware decoding, check your network (Ethernet or 5 GHz), and confirm the box actually supports HEVC — budget boxes often decode only H.264.
Does VLC on Android TV support HDR?
Yes — HDR10 and HLG passthrough work with hardware acceleration on supporting TVs. If colors look washed out, see the HDR fix guide for the tone-mapping settings.
Can I set VLC as the default player on Android TV?
Yes — when opening a video from another app, choose VLC and select "Always". VLC also registers itself in the TV’s app chooser for common formats.

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Edited by the VLC Fix Guide Tech Team — 10+ years of media software troubleshooting