Difference between revisions of "Documentation:IOS"

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== Preliminary Note ==
 
== Preliminary Note ==
−
VLC for iOS is different from what you can do with VLC on desktops. In some ways, you can do more; in other ways, you can do less. VLC for iOS only does media playback. Active streaming or file / stream to file conversations are not supported for usability and performance reasons. This walk-through does only include screenshots of the iPhone interface for size reasons. However, all features are also available on iPad with virtually the same appearance.
+
VLC for iOS is different from what you can do with VLC on desktops. In some ways, you can do more; in other ways, you can do less. VLC for iOS only does media playback. Active streaming or file / stream-to-file conversations are not supported for usability and performance reasons. This walkthrough only includes screenshots of the iPhone interface for size reasons. However, all features are also available on iPad with virtually the same appearance.
  
 
== Feature Overview ==
 
== Feature Overview ==
−
VLC for iOS 2 is a full re-write of the original app and shares no code with it. It is under active development and evolves over time. It is strongly recommended to always use the latest version. To keep track of features added over time, here's a chart.
+
VLC for iOS 2 is a full re-write of the original app and shares no code with it. It is under active development and evolves over time. It is strongly recommended to always use the latest version. To keep track of features added over time, here's a chart:
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" class="wikitable" style="border: 1px solid dark green; text-align: center; width: 100%; margin: 1em auto 1em auto"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" class="wikitable" style="border: 1px solid dark green; text-align: center; width: 100%; margin: 1em auto 1em auto"
−
! scope="col" width="180px" | Feature
+
! scope="col" width="150px" | Feature
−
! scope="col" width="180px" | Version 1.x
+
! scope="col" width="100px" | Version 1.x
−
! scope="col" width="180px" | Version 2.0
+
! scope="col" width="100px" | Version 2.0
−
! scope="col" width="180px" | Version 2.1
+
! scope="col" width="100px" | Version 2.1
−
! scope="col" width="180px" | Version 2.2
+
! scope="col" width="100px" | Version 2.2
 +
! scope="col" width="100px" | Version 2.3
 +
! scope="col" width="100px" | Version 2.4
 +
! scope="col" width="100px" | Version 2.5
 +
! scope="col" width="100px" | Version 2.6
 
|-
 
|-
−
| iTunes File Sharing || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| iTunes File Sharing || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| WiFi Upload || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| WiFi Upload || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Dropbox Integration || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Download from device via WiFi || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Streaming from Dropbox || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Box Integration || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Google Drive integration || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Streaming from Box || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| HTTP Downloads from Web || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Dropbox Integration || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| FTP Downloads from Web || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Streaming from Dropbox || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Opening Network Streams || {{No}} GUI || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| iCloud Integration || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| UPNP discovery and streaming || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Streaming from iCloud || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Downloads from UPnP multimedia servers || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Google Drive integration || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| FTP discovery, streaming and downloading || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Streaming from Google Drive || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Store FTP server bookmarks || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}}
+
| OneDrive Integration || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Audio Playback via AirPlay || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Streaming from OneDrive || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Video Playback via AirPlay || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| HTTP Downloads from Web || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Audio Playback via Connector Cables || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| FTP Downloads from Web || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Video Playback via Connector Cables || {{No}} || Partially || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Opening Network Streams || {{No}} GUI || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Subtitles playback || {{No}} || Western languages only || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| UPnP discovery and streaming || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Subtitles Font Customization || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Plex server discovery and streaming || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Closed Caption playback || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} <sup>[2]</sup> || {{Yes}}
+
| Password-protected Plex shares || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Teletext subtitles playback || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Downloads from UPnP multimedia servers || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Multi-track audio handling || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| FTP discovery, streaming and downloading || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Video Filtering incl. Screen Brightness || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Store FTP server bookmarks || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Video Cropping and Aspect Ratio variation || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Audio Playback via AirPlay || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Deinterlacing || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Video Playback via AirPlay || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Playback Speed control || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Audio Playback via Connector Cables || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Repeated playback || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Video Playback via Connector Cables || {{No}} || Partial || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Gestures based playback control || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Subtitles playback || {{No}} || Western languages only || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Playback of Audio-only media (mp3, m4a, flac, …) || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Subtitles Font Customization || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Audio Playback in Background || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Closed Caption playback || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} <sup>[2]</sup> || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Smart Media Library sorting for audio albums and TV shows || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Teletext subtitles playback || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Passcode Lock || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Multi-track audio handling || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| VoiceOver support || {{No}} || Partially || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Video Filtering incl. Screen Brightness || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Supported User Interface Languages || English || English, Danish<sup>[1]</sup>, Dutch<sup>[1]</sup>, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew<sup>[1]</sup>, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Simplified Chinese<sup>[1]</sup>, Slovak<sup>[1]</sup>, Spanish, Turkish<sup>[1]</sup>, Ukrainian<sup>[1]</sup>, Vietnamese<sup>[1]</sup> || Same as 2.0 plus Bosnian, Catalan, Galician, Greek, Hungarian<sup>[2]</sup>, Marathi, Portuguese, Slovenian, Swedish<sup>[2]</sup> || Same as 2.1.2 plus Czech, Malay, Persian, Spanish (Mexico), Sinhala <sup>(added in 2.2.1)</sup>
+
| Video Cropping and Aspect Ratio variation || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| iOS 5.1 support || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{No}}
+
| Deinterlacing || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| iOS 6.0 support || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{No}}
+
| Playback Speed control || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| iOS 6.1 support || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Audio/Subtitles delay control || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| iOS 7.x support || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
+
| Repeated playback || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Gestures based playback control || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Playback of Audio-only media (mp3, m4a, flac, …) || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Audio Playback in Background || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Mini playback view || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Playback timer || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Chapter & title selection || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| 10-band equalizer || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Playback UI Lock || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Smart Media Library sorting for audio albums and TV shows || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Media Library Search || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Passcode Lock || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| VoiceOver support || {{No}} || Partial || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Organize media in folders || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Use folders as playlists || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Loop playlists || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Playback control through headphones, multi-tasking bar or lock screen || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || Partial || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Playback is paused when headphones are unplugged || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| WiFi upload and HTTP downloads in background || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Support for password protected HTTP streams || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Sharing files with further apps || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Custom vlc:// protocol || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Partial}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Support for x-callback-url || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Apple Watch extension || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| Supported User Interface Languages || English || English, Danish<sup>[1]</sup>, Dutch<sup>[1]</sup>, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew<sup>[1]</sup>, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Simplified Chinese<sup>[1]</sup>, Slovak<sup>[1]</sup>, Spanish, Turkish<sup>[1]</sup>, Ukrainian<sup>[1]</sup>, Vietnamese<sup>[1]</sup> || Same as 2.0 plus Bosnian, Catalan, Galician, Greek, Hungarian<sup>[2]</sup>, Marathi, Portuguese, Slovenian, Swedish<sup>[2]</sup> || Same as 2.1.2 plus Czech, Malay, Persian, Spanish (Mexico), Sinhala <sup>(added in 2.2.1)</sup> || Same as 2.2.1 plus British English, Latvian, Romanian || Same as 2.3 plus Traditional Chinese|| Same as 2.4 plus Portuguese (Portugal), Portuguese (Brazil), Khmer, Faroese, Belarusian, Serbian (Latin), Tamil, Afrikaans || Same as 2.5
 +
|-
 +
| iOS 5.1 support || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
 +
|-
 +
| iOS 6.0 support || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
 +
|-
 +
| iOS 6.1 support || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| iOS 7.x support || {{No}} || {{Partial}} || {{Partial}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| iOS 8.x support || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}  || {{No}} || {{Partial}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}}
 +
|-
 +
| iOS 9.x support || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}  || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Partial}}
 
|}
 
|}
  
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Using iTunes, you can add and delete files to VLC for iOS. Apple provides [http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4094 excellent documentation for this].
 
Using iTunes, you can add and delete files to VLC for iOS. Apple provides [http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4094 excellent documentation for this].
  
−
=== WiFi Upload ===
+
=== WiFi Sharing ===
 
If your iOS device and your Mac or PC is on the same local WiFi network, you can use WiFi Upload to add files to VLC for iOS' library.
 
If your iOS device and your Mac or PC is on the same local WiFi network, you can use WiFi Upload to add files to VLC for iOS' library.
  
Line 102: Line 167:
 
[[File:VLC for iOS Cone menu.png|Location of the Cone menu in VLC for iOS]]
 
[[File:VLC for iOS Cone menu.png|Location of the Cone menu in VLC for iOS]]
  
−
This will expose the sidebar menu. Locate the WiFi Upload menu item. Notice the empty circle indicating the server's off-state and the description "Inactive Server". Note that in earlier versions of VLC for iOS, you'll see a toggle button.
+
This will expose the sidebar menu.  
 +
Locate the WiFi Sharing menu item. Notice the empty circle indicating the server's off-state and the description "Inactive Server." (Note: in earlier versions of VLC for iOS, you'll see a toggle button.)
  
 
[[File:Vlc-for-ios-menu-wifi-upload-off.png|VLC for iOS' sidebar menu with WiFi Upload item]]
 
[[File:Vlc-for-ios-menu-wifi-upload-off.png|VLC for iOS' sidebar menu with WiFi Upload item]]
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Click the item or switch the toggle. A network address will appear in the item:
 
Click the item or switch the toggle. A network address will appear in the item:
  
−
[[File:Vlc-for-ios-menu-wifi-upload-on.png|VLC for iOS sidebar' menu with WiFi Upload switched on]]
+
[[File:Vlc-for-ios-menu-wifi-upload-on.png|VLC for iOS' sidebar menu with WiFi Upload switched on]]
  
 
Enter the network address to your web browser on your Mac or PC on the same local network:
 
Enter the network address to your web browser on your Mac or PC on the same local network:
  
−
[[File:Vlc-for-ios-wifi-upload-URL-entering.png|Entering the network address in the webbrowser]]
+
[[File:Vlc-for-ios-wifi-upload-URL-entering.png|Entering the network address in the web browser]]
 +
 
 +
VLC for iOS' WiFi Sharing page will appear. You can drag any file stored on your Mac or PC to this window for immediate upload to your iOS device. Additionally, you can press the "Upload files" button in the top-right to expose a file selector panel in case your files are not reachable by drag and drop. VLC for iOS' WiFi Sharing supports multiple uploads at the same time and will indicate through a progress bar when upload is complete.
 +
Because it's VLC after all, you can start the playback of most files on your iOS device as soon as they appear so you don't need to wait until the upload is done.
 +
Version 2.4 adds the ability to also download files stored on device through this page.
  
−
VLC for iOS' WiFi Uploading page will appear. You can drag any file stored on your Mac or PC to this window for immediate upload to your iOS device. Additionally, you can press the "Upload files" button in the top-right to expose a file selector panel in case your files are not reachable by drag and drop. VLC for iOS' WiFi Uploader supports multiple uploads at the same time and will indicate through a progress when upload is complete.
 
−
Because it's VLC after all, you can start playback of most files on your iOS device as soon as they appear so you don't need to wait until the upload is finished.
 
 
[[File:VLC for iOS WiFi Uploader.png|VLC for iOS WiFi Upload page]]
 
[[File:VLC for iOS WiFi Uploader.png|VLC for iOS WiFi Upload page]]
  
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=== Google Drive ===
 
=== Google Drive ===
−
Similar to Dropbox, VLC for iOS natively supports Google Drive starting in version 2.2. Please check the process above for setup. Note that VLC's Google Drive integration does not support media streaming yet, in contrast to Dropbox.
+
Similar to Dropbox, VLC for iOS natively supports Google Drive starting in version 2.2. Please check the process above for setup. Version 2.4 adds support for streaming files from Google Drive without having to download them first.
 +
 
 +
=== Box.com & OneDrive ===
 +
Like with Dropbox and Google Drive, version 2.5.0 of VLC for iOS adds support for downloads and direct streaming for both providers.
 +
 
 +
=== iCloud Drive ===
 +
With version 2.5.0 of VLC for iOS, any cloud services enabled app including iCloud Drive can be accessed from with the app on iOS 8 and later. While we don't support direct streaming, you can download files from wherever you want without relying on VLC's native implementation.
  
 
=== Downloads from the Web ===
 
=== Downloads from the Web ===
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== Network Integration ==
 
== Network Integration ==
−
In addition to the media synchronization options described above, VLC for iOS provides a variety of options to interact with networking sources. Additionally, third party websites and apps may include links to open streams directly in VLC for iOS.
+
In addition to the media synchronization options described above, VLC for iOS provides a variety of options to interact with networking sources. Additionally, third-party websites and apps may include links to open streams directly in VLC for iOS.
  
 
=== Open Network Stream ===
 
=== Open Network Stream ===
−
Clicking on this item in the sidebar menu reveals a URL field to open a network streams. HTTP, FTP, MMS, MMSH, RTSP, UDP, and RTP streams are supported. Additionally, this view includes a list of your last 15 streams and an option to disable keeping the history.
+
Clicking on this item in the sidebar menu reveals a URL field to open a network stream. HTTP, FTP, MMS, MMSH, RTSP, UDP, and RTP streams are supported. Additionally, this view includes a list of your last 15 streams and an option to disable keeping history of your recent streams.
  
 
[[File:VLC for iOS open network stream.png]]
 
[[File:VLC for iOS open network stream.png]]
  
 
=== Local Network ===
 
=== Local Network ===
−
Introduced in VLC for iOS 2.1, ''Local Network'' discovers and lists servers found on your local network. At present, this includes UPNP media servers and FTP servers announced via Bonjour / Rendezvous. Further options will be made available in future releases. Depending on the server capability, you can both stream and/or download the stored contents.
+
Introduced in VLC for iOS 2.1, ''Local Network'' discovers and lists servers found on your local network. At present, this includes UPnP media servers and FTP servers announced via Bonjour / Rendezvous. Further options will be made available in future releases. Depending on the server capability, you can both stream and/or download the stored contents.
  
 
[[File:VLC for iOS Local Network discovery.png|Local Network servers]]
 
[[File:VLC for iOS Local Network discovery.png|Local Network servers]]
Line 147: Line 221:
 
== Playback ==
 
== Playback ==
 
The controller panel provides access to basic playback controls, a video filter panel, audio and subtitles track selection as well as playback speed.
 
The controller panel provides access to basic playback controls, a video filter panel, audio and subtitles track selection as well as playback speed.
−
The time slider a the top of the playback screen matches the default media player behavior by allowing you to seek at the pace you want. Next to it, you will find a 2-mode time counter and a button to control aspect ratio and cropping.
+
The time slider at the top of the playback screen matches the default media player behavior by allowing you to seek at the pace you want. Next to it, you will find a 2-mode time counter and a button to control aspect ratio and cropping.
 
VLC for iOS will remember the last playback position for media stored on your iOS device.
 
VLC for iOS will remember the last playback position for media stored on your iOS device.
  
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−
Adapt screen brightness by swiping vertically on the left hand side of the playback view (gray hands). Change the current volume by swiping vertically on the right hand side of the playback view (red hands).
+
Adapt screen brightness by swiping vertically on the left-hand side of the playback view (gray hands). Change the current volume by swiping vertically on the right-hand side of the playback view (red hands).
  
 
[[File:Ios-playback-gestures-volume-brightness.png|VLC for iOS volume and brightness gestures]]
 
[[File:Ios-playback-gestures-volume-brightness.png|VLC for iOS volume and brightness gestures]]
  
 
=== AirPlay ===
 
=== AirPlay ===
−
VLC for iOS does support AirPlay video and audio streaming. To enable audio streaming, just take the AirPlay switch which will automatically appear next to the volume slider as soon as your iOS device discovers an AirPlay capable playback device (an Apple TV, a multi media receiver, etc.).
+
VLC for iOS supports AirPlay video and audio streaming. To enable audio streaming, just activate the AirPlay switch which will automatically appear next to the volume slider as soon as your iOS device discovers an AirPlay capable playback device (an Apple TV, a multi-media receiver, etc.).
 
For video playback via AirPlay, it's slightly more difficult due to AirPlay API limitations. Apple does not allow to show an AirPlay button for video playback within an Apple if the app does not use the default media player, which VLC does not for the sake of supporting formats other than H264 / MPEG4. As a work-around, you need to use the AirPlay mirroring featuring available from the multi-tasking bar (shown when double-clicking the physical home button on your iOS device).
 
For video playback via AirPlay, it's slightly more difficult due to AirPlay API limitations. Apple does not allow to show an AirPlay button for video playback within an Apple if the app does not use the default media player, which VLC does not for the sake of supporting formats other than H264 / MPEG4. As a work-around, you need to use the AirPlay mirroring featuring available from the multi-tasking bar (shown when double-clicking the physical home button on your iOS device).
  
 
=== Subtitles and multiple audio tracks ===
 
=== Subtitles and multiple audio tracks ===
−
If your media includes subtitles or multiple audio track, buttons will appear in the playback controller to switch streams. VLC for iOS will remember the last chosen audio or subtitles track for future playback.
+
If your media includes subtitles or multiple audio tracks, buttons will appear in the playback controller to switch streams. VLC for iOS will remember the last chosen audio or subtitles track for future playback.
 
If your media does not include subtitles, but you'd like to show some, give them a similar name to the media item, synchronize them and VLC for iOS will discover them automatically.
 
If your media does not include subtitles, but you'd like to show some, give them a similar name to the media item, synchronize them and VLC for iOS will discover them automatically.
 +
 +
=== Chapters and titles ===
 +
With version 2.5.0 and later, you can navigate through your media based on the chapters and titles information includes with Matroska/MKV and MP4 files.
  
 
=== Video Filters ===
 
=== Video Filters ===
−
Like VLC media player on desktops, VLC for iOS allows you to modify the video’s colors in real time. Brightness will adapt your device’s physical luminance unless you play your media on an external screen, where it will fallback on a software mode.
+
Like VLC media player on desktops, VLC for iOS allows you to modify the video's colors in real time. Brightness will adapt your device's physical luminance unless you play your media on an external screen, where it will fallback on a software mode.
  
 
[[File:VLC for iOS Video Filters.png]]
 
[[File:VLC for iOS Video Filters.png]]
  
 
=== Playback Speed ===
 
=== Playback Speed ===
−
Clicking the clock button to the left of the playback controller reveals a slider with a logarithmic scale to adapt the playback speed to your needs.
+
Clicking the clock button to the left of the playback controller reveals a slider with a logarithmic scale to adapt the playback speed to your needs. In recent versions, synchronization options for subtitles and audio as well as a playback timer are also available from this menu.
  
 
[[File:VLC for iOS playback speed.png]]
 
[[File:VLC for iOS playback speed.png]]
 +
 +
=== Equalizer ===
 +
In version 2.5.0 or later, a 10-band equalizer is available through the "more" button on the right side of the playback controls. Note that the button will not appear in portrait mode on iPhone.
 +
 +
[[File:VLC for iOS Equalizer.png]]
  
 
=== A word on audio playback ===
 
=== A word on audio playback ===
Line 191: Line 273:
  
 
== Media Library ==
 
== Media Library ==
−
Your media collection. It offers basic information about each file, such as length, resolution, or file size. Your last playback position is visualized through an orange triangle at the bottom of the snapshot, unless it’s new or fully played.
+
Your media collection. It offers basic information about each file, such as length, resolution, or file size. Your last playback position is visualized through an orange triangle at the bottom of the snapshot, unless it's new or fully played.
  
 
[[File:VLC for iOS media library.png]]
 
[[File:VLC for iOS media library.png]]
Line 198: Line 280:
 
VLC for iOS 2.1 added smart handling of music albums and TV shows. Based upon meta tags and pattern matched file names, VLC for iOS will automatically detect TV shows and music albums. Switching the library mode in the sidebar menu will reveal dynamic collections for either category. "All Files" switches back to the default mode listing all files available on your iOS device within the VLC context.
 
VLC for iOS 2.1 added smart handling of music albums and TV shows. Based upon meta tags and pattern matched file names, VLC for iOS will automatically detect TV shows and music albums. Switching the library mode in the sidebar menu will reveal dynamic collections for either category. "All Files" switches back to the default mode listing all files available on your iOS device within the VLC context.
  
−
How are TV shows detected by VLC for iOS? at present, based upon the file name. The following schemes are supported in current releases: "Show.Name.S01E01.Optional.Episode.Name" or "Show.Name.0x00.Optional.Episode.Name". Show Name will become optional in version 2.2.1. Detection for more schemes will be part of future releases.
+
How are TV shows detected by VLC for iOS?—at present, based upon the file name. The following schemes are supported in current releases: "Show.Name.S01E01.Optional.Episode.Name" or "Show.Name.0x00.Optional.Episode.Name". Show Name will become optional in version 2.2.1. Detection for more schemes will be part of future releases.
  
 
[[File:VLC_for_iOS_smart_library.png]]
 
[[File:VLC_for_iOS_smart_library.png]]
 +
 +
=== Media grouping in folders ===
 +
VLC for iOS 2.3 adds support for folders and custom grouping of your media content. A folder also acts as a playlist.
 +
In the latest version (2.4.1) you can drag and drop files within a folder, but folders cannot be dragged and dropped. The files or folders cannot be listed automatically in alphabetical order. However, these functions may change as the latest app becomes more stable.
 +
 +
=== Passcode lock ===
 +
You can lock the app with a passcode. The current versions of VLC for iOS will always ask for it whenever the app is pushed to the foreground. Additionally, your library contents will be hidden away from the multi-tasking switcher. Starting with version 2.3, playback is stopped if passcode lock is enabled and the app is moved to the background to protect your privacy.
 +
 +
==== I forgot my passcode ====
 +
If you forget your passcode, you need to delete the application and re-install it. This will reset both the settings and the media library. There is no way to recover it. However, you can backup your files using iTunes first.
 +
To back up your files using iTunes, sync your iOS device with your computer.
 +
 +
==== I want to use another passcode ====
 +
Disable passcode lock in VLC's Settings and re-enable it. It will ask you to enter a new passcode.
  
 
== Customization and Settings ==
 
== Customization and Settings ==
Line 206: Line 302:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Option name !! Version 2.0.x !! Version 2.1.x || Version 2.2 || Details
+
! Option name !! Version 2.0.x !! Version 2.1.x || Version 2.2 || Version 2.3 || Version 2.4 || Version 2.5 || Version 2.6 || Details
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Passcode Lock || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || When enabled, VLC for iOS will ask for the passcode 5 min after leaving the app when using version 2.0 or 2.1. In 2.2, the app will ask for it right away.
+
| Passcode Lock || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || When enabled, VLC for iOS will ask for the passcode 5 min after leaving the app when using version 2.0 or 2.1. In 2.2, the app will ask for it right away.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Optimize item names for display || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || Disable removal of unneeded characters, when shown within the media library.  
+
| Optimize item names for display || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || Disable removal of unneeded characters, when shown within the media library.  
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Network caching level || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || Adapt the network caching level to your needs. Introduced in 2.2.1
+
| Network caching level || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || Adapt the network caching level to your needs.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Deblocking filter || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || Switch deblocking aggression level. Trade-off between quality and speed.  
+
| Control playback with gestures || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || Disable playback gestures if desired.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Deinterlace || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || Enable video deinterlace, always, automatic or never
+
| Default playback speed || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} ||{{Yes}} || {{Yes}} ||  
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Subtitles Font || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} ||
+
| Play video in fullscreen || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} ||{{No}} || {{Yes}} <sup>[2]</sup>|| On by default. When disabled, video plays minimized by default.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Relative Subtitles Font size || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} ||
+
| Deblocking filter || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || Switch deblocking aggression level. Trade-off between quality and speed.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Subtitles Font Color || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} ||
+
| Deinterlace || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || Deinterlace video image: always or never.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Text Encoding || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || Set the subtitles text encoding mostly used by you
+
| Subtitles Font || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} ||  
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Audio time-stretching || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || Improves listing experience
+
| Relative Subtitles Font size || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} ||  
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Audio playback in background || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || Audio playback continues when leaving VLC for iOS
+
| Use Bold Font || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} ||  
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Unlink from Dropbox || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || Unlink the app from your Dropbox account
+
| Subtitles Font Color || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} ||  
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Unlink from Google Drive || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || Unlink the app from your Google Drive account
+
| Text Encoding || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || Set the subtitles text encoding mostly used by you
 +
|-
 +
| Audio time-stretching || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || Improves listening experience
 +
|-
 +
| Audio playback in background || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || Audio playback continues when leaving VLC for iOS
 +
|-
 +
| Unlink from Dropbox || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{No}} <sup>[1]</sup> || {{No}} || Unlink the app from your Dropbox account
 +
|-
 +
| Unlink from Google Drive || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{No}} <sup>[1]</sup> || {{No}} || Unlink the app from your Google Drive account
 +
|-
 +
| IPv6 support for WiFi sharing || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || Off by default.
 +
|-
 +
| Text Encoding for FTP Connections || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} ||
 
|}
 
|}
 +
<sup>[1] Version 2.5.0 moves those buttons to the Cloud Services UI</sup>
 +
<sup>[2] Added in version 2.6.2</sup>
  
−
== Installation on iOS 5.1 ==
+
== Integration with third party apps (version 2.4 or later) ==
−
Starting with version 2.2 of VLC for iOS, we no longer support iOS 5.1. However, the last version is still available from the App Store if you jump through a few loops.
+
=== Share button ===
 +
Click the share button within the media library to open stored media in compatible apps on your device. This can be different players, cloud storage or email clients. Availability depends on the support of the other apps.
 +
 
 +
=== x-callback-url ===
 +
This is a defined protocol to play or download media in VLC and optionally to go back to the requesting app once playback is done.
 +
 
 +
vlc-x-callback://x-callback-url/ACTION?url=...&PARAMETER=...
 +
 
 +
''Actions:''
 +
 
 +
'''stream''': VLC plays the stream provided by the URL parameter
 +
 
 +
'''download''': VLC will download the file provided by the URL parameter
 +
 
 +
''Optional Parameters:''
 +
 
 +
'''filename''': VLC will store the file under the given filename when using the '''download''' action.
  
−
'''Please note that we strongly recommend to update to iOS 6.1 or later if supported by your device for security and performance reasons.'''
+
'''x-success''': VLC will open another x-callback-url once playback is done.
  
−
You can't download version 2.1.3 directly on your iPad 1. You need to ''purchase'' VLC for iOS with your Mac or PC or an iOS device capable of running our latest release. Once this is done, open App Store on your iPad 1, go to the "Purchased" tab and click on the cloud symbol. App Store will tell you that the latest and greatest version isn't supported but that an older version is available instead and asks if you'd like to install it. Do it and you'll enjoy a great release of VLC for iOS. ''Keep in mind that VLC for iOS 2.1.3 is no longer supported by us and won't receive any updates or bug fixes.''
+
'''x-error''': VLC will open another x-callback-url if playback fails. Requires version 2.5.0 or later
  
−
''iOS 5.0 or any earlier release was never supported by take-two of VLC for iOS. Therefore, this work-around will not work for you.''
+
== Installation on iOS 5.1 ==
 +
Starting with version 2.2 of VLC for iOS, we no longer support iOS 5.1. VLC requires iOS 6.1 or later.
  
 
[[Category:iOS]]
 
[[Category:iOS]]
−
[[Category:Mobile Device]]
 

Latest revision as of 05:42, 22 January 2019

Preliminary Note

VLC for iOS is different from what you can do with VLC on desktops. In some ways, you can do more; in other ways, you can do less. VLC for iOS only does media playback. Active streaming or file / stream-to-file conversations are not supported for usability and performance reasons. This walkthrough only includes screenshots of the iPhone interface for size reasons. However, all features are also available on iPad with virtually the same appearance.

Feature Overview

VLC for iOS 2 is a full re-write of the original app and shares no code with it. It is under active development and evolves over time. It is strongly recommended to always use the latest version. To keep track of features added over time, here's a chart:

Feature Version 1.x Version 2.0 Version 2.1 Version 2.2 Version 2.3 Version 2.4 Version 2.5 Version 2.6
iTunes File Sharing Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
WiFi Upload No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Download from device via WiFi No No No No No Yes Yes Yes
Box Integration No No No No No No Yes Yes
Streaming from Box No No No No No No Yes Yes
Dropbox Integration No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Streaming from Dropbox No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
iCloud Integration No No No No No No Yes Yes
Streaming from iCloud No No No No No No No No
Google Drive integration No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Streaming from Google Drive No No No No No Yes Yes Yes
OneDrive Integration No No No No No No Yes Yes
Streaming from OneDrive No No No No No No Yes Yes
HTTP Downloads from Web No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
FTP Downloads from Web No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Opening Network Streams No GUI Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
UPnP discovery and streaming No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Plex server discovery and streaming No No No No No Yes Yes Yes
Password-protected Plex shares No No No No No No No Yes
Downloads from UPnP multimedia servers No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
FTP discovery, streaming and downloading No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Store FTP server bookmarks No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Audio Playback via AirPlay Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Video Playback via AirPlay No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Audio Playback via Connector Cables No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Video Playback via Connector Cables No Partial Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Subtitles playback No Western languages only Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Subtitles Font Customization No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Closed Caption playback No No Yes [2] Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Teletext subtitles playback No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Multi-track audio handling No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Video Filtering incl. Screen Brightness No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Video Cropping and Aspect Ratio variation No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Deinterlacing No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Playback Speed control No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Audio/Subtitles delay control No No No No No Yes Yes Yes
Repeated playback No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Gestures based playback control No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Playback of Audio-only media (mp3, m4a, flac, …) No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Audio Playback in Background No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Mini playback view No No No No No No No Yes
Playback timer No No No No No No Yes Yes
Chapter & title selection No No No No No No Yes Yes
10-band equalizer No No No No No No Yes Yes
Playback UI Lock No No No No No No Yes Yes
Smart Media Library sorting for audio albums and TV shows No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Media Library Search No No No No No Yes Yes Yes
Passcode Lock No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
VoiceOver support No Partial Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Organize media in folders No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Use folders as playlists No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Loop playlists No No No No No No No Yes
Playback control through headphones, multi-tasking bar or lock screen No No No Partial Yes Yes Yes Yes
Playback is paused when headphones are unplugged No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
WiFi upload and HTTP downloads in background No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Support for password protected HTTP streams No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sharing files with further apps No No No No No Yes Yes Yes
Custom vlc:// protocol No No No No Partial Yes Yes Yes
Support for x-callback-url No No No No No Yes Yes Yes
Apple Watch extension No No No No No No No Yes
Supported User Interface Languages English English, Danish[1], Dutch[1], Finnish, French, German, Hebrew[1], Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Simplified Chinese[1], Slovak[1], Spanish, Turkish[1], Ukrainian[1], Vietnamese[1] Same as 2.0 plus Bosnian, Catalan, Galician, Greek, Hungarian[2], Marathi, Portuguese, Slovenian, Swedish[2] Same as 2.1.2 plus Czech, Malay, Persian, Spanish (Mexico), Sinhala (added in 2.2.1) Same as 2.2.1 plus British English, Latvian, Romanian Same as 2.3 plus Traditional Chinese Same as 2.4 plus Portuguese (Portugal), Portuguese (Brazil), Khmer, Faroese, Belarusian, Serbian (Latin), Tamil, Afrikaans Same as 2.5
iOS 5.1 support Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No
iOS 6.0 support No Yes Yes Yes No No No No
iOS 6.1 support No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
iOS 7.x support No Partial Partial Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
iOS 8.x support No No No No Partial Yes Yes Yes
iOS 9.x support No No No No No No No Partial

[1] Added in version 2.0.2 [2] Added in version 2.1.2

Media Synchronization

There are multiple ways to synchronize media files to VLC for iOS. Those may be extended in future releases. Streaming without saving files using the limited space available on iOS devices is also supported. See below.

iTunes File Sharing

Using iTunes, you can add and delete files to VLC for iOS. Apple provides excellent documentation for this.

WiFi Sharing

If your iOS device and your Mac or PC is on the same local WiFi network, you can use WiFi Upload to add files to VLC for iOS' library.

Within VLC for iOS, click the cone button:

Location of the Cone menu in VLC for iOS

This will expose the sidebar menu. Locate the WiFi Sharing menu item. Notice the empty circle indicating the server's off-state and the description "Inactive Server." (Note: in earlier versions of VLC for iOS, you'll see a toggle button.)

VLC for iOS' sidebar menu with WiFi Upload item

Click the item or switch the toggle. A network address will appear in the item:

VLC for iOS' sidebar menu with WiFi Upload switched on

Enter the network address to your web browser on your Mac or PC on the same local network:

Entering the network address in the web browser

VLC for iOS' WiFi Sharing page will appear. You can drag any file stored on your Mac or PC to this window for immediate upload to your iOS device. Additionally, you can press the "Upload files" button in the top-right to expose a file selector panel in case your files are not reachable by drag and drop. VLC for iOS' WiFi Sharing supports multiple uploads at the same time and will indicate through a progress bar when upload is complete. Because it's VLC after all, you can start the playback of most files on your iOS device as soon as they appear so you don't need to wait until the upload is done. Version 2.4 adds the ability to also download files stored on device through this page.

VLC for iOS WiFi Upload page

Dropbox

VLC for iOS natively supports Dropbox. Open the menu as described above, choose Dropbox. For the first time, a login button will appear. When clicking, you'll be redirected to the Dropbox app for login or to the web if you don't have Dropbox installed. VLC for iOS will receive read and write access to your entire Dropbox after login. However, VLC for iOS does not support any write actions (i.e. you cannot upload files from VLC for iOS to your Dropbox either), so don't worry about your file integrity. Starting in version 2.2, VLC for iOS can also stream contents from your Dropbox without downloading them first.

Google Drive

Similar to Dropbox, VLC for iOS natively supports Google Drive starting in version 2.2. Please check the process above for setup. Version 2.4 adds support for streaming files from Google Drive without having to download them first.

Box.com & OneDrive

Like with Dropbox and Google Drive, version 2.5.0 of VLC for iOS adds support for downloads and direct streaming for both providers.

iCloud Drive

With version 2.5.0 of VLC for iOS, any cloud services enabled app including iCloud Drive can be accessed from with the app on iOS 8 and later. While we don't support direct streaming, you can download files from wherever you want without relying on VLC's native implementation.

Downloads from the Web

The sidebar menu also includes an item called Downloads (or in earlier versions Download from Web Server). When selected, it will show the download queue and progress of downloads triggered through the network integration (see below) and exposes a field to enter a URL to directly download media from somewhere. Both HTTP and FTP are supported (earlier versions support HTTP only)

Downloads

Network Integration

In addition to the media synchronization options described above, VLC for iOS provides a variety of options to interact with networking sources. Additionally, third-party websites and apps may include links to open streams directly in VLC for iOS.

Open Network Stream

Clicking on this item in the sidebar menu reveals a URL field to open a network stream. HTTP, FTP, MMS, MMSH, RTSP, UDP, and RTP streams are supported. Additionally, this view includes a list of your last 15 streams and an option to disable keeping history of your recent streams.

VLC for iOS open network stream.png

Local Network

Introduced in VLC for iOS 2.1, Local Network discovers and lists servers found on your local network. At present, this includes UPnP media servers and FTP servers announced via Bonjour / Rendezvous. Further options will be made available in future releases. Depending on the server capability, you can both stream and/or download the stored contents.

Local Network servers

Clicking on "Connect To Server" exposes the ability to connect to FTP servers not included in the list.

Playback

The controller panel provides access to basic playback controls, a video filter panel, audio and subtitles track selection as well as playback speed. The time slider at the top of the playback screen matches the default media player behavior by allowing you to seek at the pace you want. Next to it, you will find a 2-mode time counter and a button to control aspect ratio and cropping. VLC for iOS will remember the last playback position for media stored on your iOS device.

VLC for iOS Playback view

Gestures

Version 2.2 of VLC for iOS introduces gesture-based playback controls in addition to the ordinary buttons.

Tap the playback screen anywhere with 2 fingers to pause or play the current media. Pinch to end the current playback session and close the video.

VLC for iOS play/pause, close playback gestures


Swipe to the left and right to change the playback position.

VLC for iOS playback position gestures


Adapt screen brightness by swiping vertically on the left-hand side of the playback view (gray hands). Change the current volume by swiping vertically on the right-hand side of the playback view (red hands).

VLC for iOS volume and brightness gestures

AirPlay

VLC for iOS supports AirPlay video and audio streaming. To enable audio streaming, just activate the AirPlay switch which will automatically appear next to the volume slider as soon as your iOS device discovers an AirPlay capable playback device (an Apple TV, a multi-media receiver, etc.). For video playback via AirPlay, it's slightly more difficult due to AirPlay API limitations. Apple does not allow to show an AirPlay button for video playback within an Apple if the app does not use the default media player, which VLC does not for the sake of supporting formats other than H264 / MPEG4. As a work-around, you need to use the AirPlay mirroring featuring available from the multi-tasking bar (shown when double-clicking the physical home button on your iOS device).

Subtitles and multiple audio tracks

If your media includes subtitles or multiple audio tracks, buttons will appear in the playback controller to switch streams. VLC for iOS will remember the last chosen audio or subtitles track for future playback. If your media does not include subtitles, but you'd like to show some, give them a similar name to the media item, synchronize them and VLC for iOS will discover them automatically.

Chapters and titles

With version 2.5.0 and later, you can navigate through your media based on the chapters and titles information includes with Matroska/MKV and MP4 files.

Video Filters

Like VLC media player on desktops, VLC for iOS allows you to modify the video's colors in real time. Brightness will adapt your device's physical luminance unless you play your media on an external screen, where it will fallback on a software mode.

VLC for iOS Video Filters.png

Playback Speed

Clicking the clock button to the left of the playback controller reveals a slider with a logarithmic scale to adapt the playback speed to your needs. In recent versions, synchronization options for subtitles and audio as well as a playback timer are also available from this menu.

VLC for iOS playback speed.png

Equalizer

In version 2.5.0 or later, a 10-band equalizer is available through the "more" button on the right side of the playback controls. Note that the button will not appear in portrait mode on iPhone.

VLC for iOS Equalizer.png

A word on audio playback

VLC for iOS 2.0.x refuses any audio-only media playback. Basic support was added in VLC for iOS 2.1 along with Music Album handling. Future updates will further improve the current feature set by introducing media artwork display, playlists, playlist operations such as shuffling or repeat, and more.

Media Library

Your media collection. It offers basic information about each file, such as length, resolution, or file size. Your last playback position is visualized through an orange triangle at the bottom of the snapshot, unless it's new or fully played.

VLC for iOS media library.png

Smart handling of music albums and TV shows

VLC for iOS 2.1 added smart handling of music albums and TV shows. Based upon meta tags and pattern matched file names, VLC for iOS will automatically detect TV shows and music albums. Switching the library mode in the sidebar menu will reveal dynamic collections for either category. "All Files" switches back to the default mode listing all files available on your iOS device within the VLC context.

How are TV shows detected by VLC for iOS?—at present, based upon the file name. The following schemes are supported in current releases: "Show.Name.S01E01.Optional.Episode.Name" or "Show.Name.0x00.Optional.Episode.Name". Show Name will become optional in version 2.2.1. Detection for more schemes will be part of future releases.

VLC for iOS smart library.png

Media grouping in folders

VLC for iOS 2.3 adds support for folders and custom grouping of your media content. A folder also acts as a playlist. In the latest version (2.4.1) you can drag and drop files within a folder, but folders cannot be dragged and dropped. The files or folders cannot be listed automatically in alphabetical order. However, these functions may change as the latest app becomes more stable.

Passcode lock

You can lock the app with a passcode. The current versions of VLC for iOS will always ask for it whenever the app is pushed to the foreground. Additionally, your library contents will be hidden away from the multi-tasking switcher. Starting with version 2.3, playback is stopped if passcode lock is enabled and the app is moved to the background to protect your privacy.

I forgot my passcode

If you forget your passcode, you need to delete the application and re-install it. This will reset both the settings and the media library. There is no way to recover it. However, you can backup your files using iTunes first. To back up your files using iTunes, sync your iOS device with your computer.

I want to use another passcode

Disable passcode lock in VLC's Settings and re-enable it. It will ask you to enter a new passcode.

Customization and Settings

VLC for iOS offers a growing variety of options to customize the app suiting your purposes.

Option name Version 2.0.x Version 2.1.x Version 2.2 Version 2.3 Version 2.4 Version 2.5 Version 2.6 Details
Passcode Lock Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes When enabled, VLC for iOS will ask for the passcode 5 min after leaving the app when using version 2.0 or 2.1. In 2.2, the app will ask for it right away.
Optimize item names for display No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Disable removal of unneeded characters, when shown within the media library.
Network caching level No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Adapt the network caching level to your needs.
Control playback with gestures No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Disable playback gestures if desired.
Default playback speed No No No No Yes Yes Yes
Play video in fullscreen No No No No No No Yes [2] On by default. When disabled, video plays minimized by default.
Deblocking filter Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Switch deblocking aggression level. Trade-off between quality and speed.
Deinterlace No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Deinterlace video image: always or never.
Subtitles Font No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Relative Subtitles Font size No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Use Bold Font No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Subtitles Font Color No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Text Encoding Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Set the subtitles text encoding mostly used by you
Audio time-stretching Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Improves listening experience
Audio playback in background Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Audio playback continues when leaving VLC for iOS
Unlink from Dropbox Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No [1] No Unlink the app from your Dropbox account
Unlink from Google Drive No No Yes Yes Yes No [1] No Unlink the app from your Google Drive account
IPv6 support for WiFi sharing No No No No Yes Yes Yes Off by default.
Text Encoding for FTP Connections No No No No Yes Yes Yes

[1] Version 2.5.0 moves those buttons to the Cloud Services UI [2] Added in version 2.6.2

Integration with third party apps (version 2.4 or later)

Share button

Click the share button within the media library to open stored media in compatible apps on your device. This can be different players, cloud storage or email clients. Availability depends on the support of the other apps.

x-callback-url

This is a defined protocol to play or download media in VLC and optionally to go back to the requesting app once playback is done. 

vlc-x-callback://x-callback-url/ACTION?url=...&PARAMETER=...

Actions:

stream: VLC plays the stream provided by the URL parameter

download: VLC will download the file provided by the URL parameter

Optional Parameters:

filename: VLC will store the file under the given filename when using the download action.

x-success: VLC will open another x-callback-url once playback is done.

x-error: VLC will open another x-callback-url if playback fails. Requires version 2.5.0 or later

Installation on iOS 5.1

Starting with version 2.2 of VLC for iOS, we no longer support iOS 5.1. VLC requires iOS 6.1 or later.

Retrieved from "https://wiki.videolan.org/index.php?title=Documentation:IOS&oldid=56715"