Installing & Using VLC Player on a Firestick

How to Install & Setup VLC Player on a Firestick

Installing VLC Player on a Firestick enables playback of almost any video/audio format, including local files, network streams, and SMB shares. It is easily installed via the Amazon Appstore (“VLC for Fire”) or sideloaded using the Downloader app for enhanced flexibility. It offers a free, no-ad experience with advanced subtitle and audio support. 

Method 1: Amazon Appstore (Easiest)

1. Navigate to the Find (magnifying glass) menu on your Fire TV home screen.
   
   
2. Select Search and type “VLC”.
   
   
3. Select VLC for Fire from the search results.
   
   
4. Click Get or Download to install the app.
   
   
5. Open the app and grant permissions to access media files. 
   
   

Method 2: Sideloading via Downloader (If not in Store)

1. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options and enable Apps from Unknown Sources.
   
   
2. Install the Downloader app from the Amazon Appstore.
   
   
3. Open Downloader and enter the URL or code for the latest VLC APK (e.g., code 5546232 or 28907).
   
   
4. Click Install once the download completes. 
   

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This video demonstrates how to install the VLC media player on a Firestick:
https://youtu.be/JOEXHuVerX4?si=6r-DiYJHf4L7CbRU

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Next Setting Up & Use VLC as External Player in Sky Glass, UTV Smarters etc:

1. Configure Glass/Smarters: Open App and go to Settings > Player > Add Player.
   
   
2. Select VLC: Choose “VLC” from the list of available players to handle streams, which can fix issues with default player compatibility.
   
   
3. Change Player Selection: Set Live. Movies or Series from Built in Player – to VLC or vice versa as needed
   
   

Key Considerations

• Performance: VLC is effective for files/streams that may not play natively in the Live apps.
  
  
• Limitations: Some users report that external players like VLC may not support file formats, shares or certain live TV IPTV streams.
  

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Next How to Setup & Use VLC with Emby on Firestick

• Open the Emby app on your Firestick.
  
  
• Go to Settings -> Playback.
  
  
• Select External Player.
  
  
• Configure it to always use or ask for an external player, then select VLC when prompted during video playback.
  
  

Key Considerations

• Performance: VLC is effective for files that may not play natively in the Emby app.
  
  
• Limitations: Some users report that external players like VLC may not support file formats, shares or certain live TV IPTV streams.