For most Ubuntu users, the simplest way to install VLC is with APT: run sudo apt update, then sudo apt install vlc. You can also install it through Ubuntu Software or as a Snap. APT is a good default for conventional Ubuntu integration; Snap is an alternative if you want VLC distributed separately through Snapcraft.
Before you install VLC
These steps are for Ubuntu desktop and Ubuntu-based desktop flavors. You’ll need an internet connection and an administrator password. To check your Ubuntu release in Terminal, run:
lsb_release -aAlternatively, view the system release details with:
cat /etc/os-releaseUbuntu’s package index lists VLC in the Universe repository, and the available version varies by release and repository updates. The index currently shows VLC 3.0.16 for Ubuntu 22.04, 3.0.20 for 24.04, 3.0.21 for 25.10, and 3.0.23 for 26.04; these are index listings, not a guarantee of the version installed on any particular computer. See the Ubuntu VLC package search.
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- DUAL USB AND MICRO SD READER - Play media files from USB flash drives and USB hard drives up to 8TB, or microSD cards up to 1TB. Supports FAT/FAT32, exFAT and NTFS file systems. Compatible with wireless air mouse remotes for non-line-of-sight control so that the player can be hidden away!
- SIMPLE DIGITAL SIGNAGE - Automatic video playback with endless repeat and looping, and the ability to resume from the last stopping point. Configurable 90/180/270 degree video output rotation. Great for digital signage applications such as restaurant menu boards, lobby welcome videos, art and museum installations.
- MEDIA FORMAT SUPPORT - Videos: MKV, MP4/M4V, AVI, MOV, MPG, VOB, M2TS, TS files encoded with H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, MPEG1/2/4, VC1, up to 4096x2304, 30fps, 200mbps. Subtitles: SRT, PGS, IDX+SUB. Music: MP3, WAV, FLAC. Photos: JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG
Install VLC through Ubuntu Software
- Open Show Applications and launch Ubuntu Software.
- Search for
VLC. - Select VLC and choose Install. Enter your account password if prompted.
- When installation finishes, open the applications menu and search for VLC.
The names and layout can vary by Ubuntu release or desktop flavor. If the results include more than one VLC entry, inspect the package source. Choose the standard Ubuntu package if you specifically want the APT/deb version. VideoLAN also documents installation through Ubuntu Software in its Ubuntu installation guide.
Install VLC with APT
APT is the straightforward choice for a typical Ubuntu installation. Open Terminal and run:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install vlcThe first command refreshes the package information used by APT. The second installs VLC and its required dependencies. Enter your password when requested; it will not appear as you type. If APT asks whether to continue, type Y and press Enter.
VLC’s Ubuntu package is in the Universe component. If that repository is disabled or package information is stale, APT may not find VLC. Ubuntu normally handles package updates through its regular software-update process. The version you receive depends on your Ubuntu release and current repository state; APT does not promise the newest upstream VLC release.
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To confirm that VLC runs and see the package version selected from your repositories, use:
vlc --version
apt policy vlcVideoLAN’s documented Ubuntu commands use apt-get; the apt commands above are the modern equivalent. See the VideoLAN Ubuntu installation guide.
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- 【HDMI or AV Output】-- Supports 1080p HDMI output, allowing you to transmit crisp, clear video and audio in a pure digital format to an HDTV; it also supports composite AV output for use with analog TVs. An analog AV cable is included. While using HDMI video output, you can also connect external speakers via the AV output. However, video cannot be output via both AV and HDMI at the same time.
- 【USB 2.0/3.0 Compability】-- Drive external USB 2.0/3.0 storage devices such as USB flash(up to 512G)/SD card(up to 128G) and hard drive(partition should be MBR, up to 8TB), you can also delete or copy files in the USB drive(FAT or FA32) directly, Also plays subtitle files as well as loop videos
- 【Support Multiple Formats of Files and Playback Modes&Multi-functional Remote Control】-- Supports most video, audio, and image formats on the market, supports random playback of video and image modes, and supports loop playback. Supports repeat, zoom, fast forward, fast rewind, rotation, breakpoint playback method, start from scratch playback method and time selection playback method. It is also equipped with a convenient remote control for easy navigation of menu screens (ASIN: B0C9PZPFL8)
Install VLC as a Snap
VideoLAN also distributes VLC through Snapcraft. If Snap is already installed, run:
sudo snap install vlcIf the command returns that snap is unavailable, install Snap support first:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapdAfter installing snapd, log out and back in or restart Ubuntu so Snap paths and desktop integration can refresh. Then install VLC with sudo snap install vlc. Check the installation and launch it with:
snap list vlc
snap run vlcVideoLAN presents Snap as a route to a separately distributed, potentially newer VLC build, but the version available can change with its channel; it is not guaranteed to be newer than APT for every release. Snap applications are confined, which can affect access to some mounted locations or removable drives. Installation instructions are available from VideoLAN and Snapcraft.
APT or Snap: which should you choose?
| Consideration | APT (deb) | Snap |
|---|---|---|
| Package source | Configured Ubuntu repositories | Snapcraft |
| Install command | sudo apt install vlc |
sudo snap install vlc |
| Updates | Through Ubuntu’s package updates | Through Snap refreshes |
| Version | Depends on Ubuntu release and repository updates | A separately distributed build; it may be newer, but this is not guaranteed |
| File access | Conventional desktop and filesystem access | Confinement can affect access to some files and removable media |
| Practical fit | Good starting point for ordinary Ubuntu integration | Useful if you prefer Snap or want to try its available build |
For a new Ubuntu user, Ubuntu Software or APT is generally the simpler starting point. Choose one package format rather than installing both: duplicate installations can create multiple launchers and make it unclear which copy opens a media file. Neither format is categorically best for every system.
Launch VLC and open a media file
After installation, open Show Applications, search for VLC, and select the traffic-cone icon. From Terminal, launch the APT version with:
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vlcTo open a particular file, provide its path. Quotes are important when the path contains spaces:
vlc "/path/to/video.mp4"For the Snap installation, use snap run vlc. VLC supports many common audio and video formats without a separate codec-pack installation, but a damaged or unusual file may still fail to play. VideoLAN describes VLC’s format and media support on its official VLC page.
Make VLC the default player
- In the file manager, right-click a video or audio file and choose Properties.
- Open the Open With tab.
- Select VLC and choose Set as default, if that option is shown.
Menu wording varies by Ubuntu version and desktop environment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot common installation and playback problems
APT says “Unable to locate package vlc”
Refresh APT’s package information and check whether it can see a candidate package:
sudo apt update
apt-cache policy vlcIf no package appears, confirm the system is Ubuntu or an Ubuntu-based distribution with cat /etc/os-release, check that Universe is enabled in your software sources, and refresh Ubuntu Software’s package information if you are using the graphical installer. If APT remains unavailable, Snap is an alternative, provided Snap support is installed. VideoLAN identifies APT as an Ubuntu installation route, while Ubuntu lists VLC in Universe: VideoLAN’s Ubuntu page and the Ubuntu package index.
VLC does not appear in the applications menu
Search for VLC again after installation. If you installed snapd immediately before installing VLC and the launcher is still missing, log out and back in or restart. If both APT and Snap copies are installed, remove the one you do not intend to use.
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- PLAYS 2K QUAD-HD VIDEOS - Works with TVs old and new! Smoothly plays videos up to 2560x1440@60fps, upscaled to UHD 4K/60Hz HDMI output. Sharp and clear video and audio in pure digital format, compatible with 4K and 1080p TVs, projectors, and monitor displays. Composite AV output for use with analog TVs or for sending sound to a stereo system.
- DUAL USB AND MICRO SD READER - Play media files from USB flash drives and USB hard drives up to 8TB, or microSD cards up to 1TB. Supports FAT/FAT32, exFAT and NTFS file systems. Compatible with wireless air mouse remotes for non-line-of-sight control so that the player can be hidden away!
- SIMPLE DIGITAL SIGNAGE - Automatic video playback with endless repeat and looping, and the ability to resume from the last stopping point. Configurable 90/180/270 degree video output rotation. Great for digital signage applications such as restaurant menu boards, lobby welcome videos, art and museum installations.
- MEDIA FORMAT SUPPORT - Videos: MKV, MP4/M4V, AVI, MOV, MPG, VOB, M2TS, TS files encoded with H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, MPEG1/2/4, VC1, up to 2560x1440, 60fps, 100mbps. Subtitles: SRT, PGS, IDX+SUB. Music: MP3, WAV, FLAC. Photos: JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG
VLC will not launch
Start VLC from Terminal to reveal any error message:
vlcFor an APT installation, a basic recovery step is to reinstall its package:
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sudo snap refresh vlcThese are basic package-recovery steps, not fixes for every graphics-driver, codec, Wayland, or user-profile problem. If you have both package formats installed, removing one can also resolve launcher ambiguity.
Snap VLC cannot open a file or external drive
Inspect the Snap’s connected interfaces:
snap connections vlcIf the removable-media interface is available and you need access to removable media, connect it with:
sudo snap connect vlc:removable-mediaThis may not resolve access to every filesystem or mount location. Avoid weakening system security broadly just to open one file. If Snap’s file-access behavior remains inconvenient, remove it and install the APT version instead.
A DVD does not play
Installing VLC does not guarantee playback of every DVD. Ordinary disc access is different from playback of encrypted or region-locked discs. VideoLAN says region-locked DVD playback with the deb package requires libdvdcss2; whether decryption software is lawful depends on the reader’s jurisdiction. Its Ubuntu page points to additional instructions. Do not treat those DVD requirements as prerequisites for installing VLC or assume that every DVD needs them.
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- 【Mini Portable Media player】-- Fits into the palm of your hand, It is a perfect travel partner for those short on space and sockets. Also compact and easy multifunction HD media player for office work and home entertainment;Made of aluminum alloy, it has better protection during carrying
- 【1080P MP4 Player】-- Full HD 1080p supports most video decoding formats: RM, RMVB, AVI, DIVX, MKV, MOV, HD MOV, MP4, M4V, PMP, AVC, FLV, VOB, MPG, DAT, MPEG, TS, TP, M2TS, WMV, (H.264,H.263,WMV9/VC-1,MPEG1/2/4),Not support VPR files. Note: Please use our 4K player to play some videos taken with smart phones, ASIN: B07WPY8VKL
- 【HDMI or AV Output】-- Supports 1080p HDMI output, allowing you to transmit crisp, clear video and audio in a pure digital format to an HDTV; it also supports composite AV output for use with analog TVs. An analog AV cable is included. While using HDMI video output, you can also connect external speakers via the AV output. However, video cannot be output via both AV and HDMI at the same time.
- 【USB 2.0/3.0 Compability】-- Drive external USB 2.0/3.0 storage devices such as SD card(up to 128G)/USB flash(up to 512G) and hard drive(partition should be MBR, up to 8TB), you can also delete or copy files in the USB drive(FAT or FA32) directly, Also plays subtitle files as well as loop videos
- 【Support Multiple Formats of Files and Playback Modes&Multi-functional Remote Control】-- Supports most video, audio, and image formats on the market, supports random playback of video and image modes, and supports loop playback. Supports repeat, zoom, fast forward, fast rewind, rotation, breakpoint playback method, start from scratch playback method and time selection playback method. It is also equipped with a convenient remote control for easy navigation of menu screens (ASIN: B0C9PZPFL8)
Switch package formats or uninstall VLC
Before removing anything, check which versions are installed. Close VLC first:
apt policy vlc
snap list vlcTo switch from Snap to APT, remove the Snap before installing the deb package:
sudo snap remove vlc
sudo apt update
sudo apt install vlcTo switch from APT to Snap, remove the APT package first:
sudo apt remove vlc
sudo snap install vlcTo uninstall VLC without changing package format, use the command matching the installation:
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sudo apt remove vlcsudo snap remove vlcAfter removing the APT package, sudo apt autoremove can remove dependencies that APT considers unused. To remove the APT package and its system configuration files, use sudo apt purge vlc. Purging the package does not necessarily remove every VLC preference stored in your home directory.
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