Is VLC Compatible with iOS?

February 15, 2026 · Software Compatibility

Introduction

VLC is a free, open-source media player known for its broad format support. This article covers VLC’s compatibility with iOS, including format support, file access methods, and features available on iPhone and iPad.

Key Takeaways

• VLC is available for free on the Apple App Store for iPhone and iPad.
• Broad format support includes MKV, AVI, MOV, FLV, and many other video and audio formats.
• Cloud storage integration provides access to files on Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and iCloud Drive.
• AirPlay support enables streaming to Apple TV and compatible devices.
• Multiple file transfer methods are available including Wi-Fi sharing, AirDrop, and network shares.

Compatibility Overview

VLC for Mobile is a fully featured media player for iOS that extends the platform’s native media playback capabilities. While iOS natively supports a limited set of media formats, VLC provides playback for a much wider range of video and audio codecs without requiring file conversion.

The app integrates with iOS features including AirPlay, the Files app, and network file sharing protocols, making it a versatile media solution on Apple mobile devices.

Supported Platforms and Requirements

• iOS Version: iOS 12 or later
• Devices: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch
• Video Formats: MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, FLV, WMV, MPEG, WebM, and more
• Audio Formats: MP3, FLAC, AAC, OGG, WAV, WMA, and more
• Subtitles: SRT, SSA, ASS, embedded subtitles
• Network: SMB, FTP, SFTP, NFS, DLNA/UPnP, HTTP streams

Known Limitations or Common Issues

• Some high-bitrate 4K videos may experience stuttering on older iOS devices.
• DRM-protected content cannot be played in VLC.
• The iOS app interface differs from the desktop version and may take time to navigate.
• Background audio playback may require enabling the appropriate setting within the app.
• File transfer via Wi-Fi requires both devices to be on the same network.

Alternatives or Workarounds

• Infuse is a polished iOS media player with automatic metadata fetching and broad codec support.
• nPlayer supports a wide range of formats and network protocols on iOS.
• Apple’s native Files app can play some formats directly but has limited codec support.
• Convert files to MP4/H.264 before transferring if VLC encounters playback issues with specific codecs.

Conclusion

VLC is compatible with iOS and provides significantly broader media format support than the platform’s built-in player. The app is free, ad-free, and integrates with iOS features like AirPlay and the Files app. Performance and format compatibility may vary depending on the iOS device, file specifications, and VLC version.