How To Get The ‘VLC on Roku’ Through The Various Methods

How to Get VLC on Roku

As of my last knowledge update in 2023, VLC is not officially available as a standalone app on the Roku Channel Store. Roku primarily supports a curated selection of channels and apps, and VLC is not among them.

However, there is an alternative method to stream content from VLC to your Roku device using the built-in screen mirroring or casting features. Here’s how to do it:

1. Ensure Both Devices Are on the Same Network: Make sure your Roku device and the device running VLC (e.g., a computer or smartphone) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Enable Screen Mirroring/Casting on Roku:
   • On your Roku device, go to “Settings.”
   • Navigate to “System” and then “Screen mirroring.”
   • Choose either “Prompt” or “Always allow” for screen mirroring.
3. Use Screen Mirroring/Casting from VLC Device:
   • On your device running VLC, open VLC Media Player.
   • Play the video or media you want to watch on your Roku.
   • Access the screen mirroring or casting option on your device (the method varies by device and operating system).
   • Select your Roku device from the list of available devices to start mirroring or casting your VLC content to your TV through Roku.

Please note that the screen mirroring or casting method may not provide the same level of convenience and features as having an official VLC app on Roku. The quality of the streaming experience may depend on the capabilities of your devices and network.

How to Activate VLC on Roku

Since VLC is not available as an official Roku channel, there is no specific activation process for VLC on Roku. However, you can use screen mirroring or casting, as mentioned earlier, to mirror or cast VLC content from your device to your Roku-connected TV.

Where Can I Download VLC on Roku?

You cannot download VLC directly as a Roku channel from the Roku Channel Store, as VLC is not officially supported on Roku. Instead, you’ll need to rely on screen mirroring or casting methods to play VLC content on your Roku device.

How to Mirror VLC on Roku Using an Android Device

Mirroring VLC from an Android device to your Roku allows you to enjoy your favorite videos and media on a larger screen. Follow these steps:

1. Ensure Both Devices Are on the Same Wi-Fi Network: Ensure that your Android device and your Roku device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku:
   • On your Roku remote, press the “Home” button.
   • Navigate to “Settings” > “System” > “Screen mirroring.”
   • Choose either “Prompt” or “Always allow” for screen mirroring.
3. Activate Screen Mirroring on Android:
   • Access the notification center on your Android device.
   • Look for the “Screen Cast” or “Screen Mirroring” option (this may vary by device and Android version).
   • Select your Roku device from the list of available devices. Your Android screen will be mirrored on your Roku-connected TV.
4. Open VLC on Your Android Device: Launch the VLC Media Player on your Android device and play the video or media you want to watch. It will be mirrored on your Roku-connected TV.

How to Get VLC on Roku Using a Windows PC

To stream VLC content from your Windows PC to Roku, you can use the built-in screen mirroring feature in Windows. Here’s how:

1. Connect Your PC and Roku to the Same Wi-Fi Network: Ensure both your Windows PC and Roku device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku:
   • On your Roku remote, press the “Home” button.
   • Go to “Settings” > “System” > “Screen mirroring.”
   • Choose either “Prompt” or “Always allow” for screen mirroring.
3. Activate Screen Mirroring on Windows PC:
   • On your Windows PC, press the “Windows” key + “P” to open the projection options.
   • Select “Connect to a wireless display.”
   • Choose your Roku device from the list of available devices. Your PC screen will be mirrored on your Roku-connected TV.
4. Open VLC on Your PC: Launch VLC Media Player on your Windows PC and play the media you want to watch. It will be mirrored on your Roku TV.

How to AirPlay VLC Media Player to Roku Using an iPhone

AirPlay allows you to stream content from your iPhone, including VLC, to your Roku device. Follow these steps:

1. Ensure Both Devices Are on the Same Wi-Fi Network: Make sure your iPhone and Roku device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku:
   • On your Roku remote, press the “Home” button.
   • Navigate to “Settings” > “System” > “Screen mirroring.”
   • Choose either “Prompt” or “Always allow” for screen mirroring.
3. Activate AirPlay on iPhone:
   • Access the Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top-right corner on iPhone X or later, or swipe up from the bottom on iPhone 8 or earlier).
   • Tap “Screen Mirroring” or “AirPlay Mirroring.”
   • Select your Roku device from the list of available devices.
4. Open VLC on Your iPhone: Launch VLC Media Player on your iPhone and play the media you want to watch. It will be AirPlayed to your Roku-connected TV.

Is VLC Free to Use?

Yes, VLC Media Player is free and open-source software available for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It’s known for its robust features and extensive format support, making it a popular choice for playing multimedia files without any cost.

Who Is the Founder of VLC?

VLC Media Player was initially developed by the nonprofit organization VideoLAN, which was founded by students from École Centrale Paris in 1996. One of the key figures behind VLC’s development is Jean-Baptiste Kempf, who has played a significant role in its continued development and popularity.

Is VLC on Roku Safe?

Using screen mirroring or casting to watch VLC content on Roku is generally safe, as it doesn’t involve any third-party apps or channels that may pose security risks.

However, it’s essential to ensure that your devices are connected to secure and trusted Wi-Fi networks to protect your privacy and data while streaming content.

Benefits of VLC on Roku

While VLC on Roku is not available as a dedicated channel, using screen mirroring or casting to watch VLC content on your Roku device can offer some benefits:

1. Access to a Wide Range of Formats: VLC is known for its extensive support for various multimedia formats and codecs, allowing you to play a diverse range of content on your Roku-connected TV.
2. Flexibility: You can stream content stored on your computer or mobile device to your Roku, giving you flexibility in what you choose to watch.
3. Enhanced Viewing Experience: Enjoying VLC content on a larger TV screen can enhance your viewing experience, especially for high-definition and high-quality videos.

Is VLC on Roku Available for Free?

Using screen mirroring or casting to stream VLC content to your Roku is generally free and does not require any additional costs beyond what you’ve already invested in your Roku device and VLC-capable device. VLC Media Player itself is open-source and free to use on compatible devices.

In conclusion

While VLC is not officially available as a standalone channel on Roku, you can still enjoy VLC content on your Roku device through screen mirroring or casting from a compatible device.

This method allows you to access VLC’s extensive format support and enjoy a versatile multimedia experience on your Roku-connected TV. Always ensure your devices are connected to secure networks to ensure a safe streaming experience.