View source for VSG:ResetPrefs

Many problems with VLC are due to incorrect settings or a broken plugin cache. You can solve these by deleting VLC's [[preferences]] and cache.

== Reset preferences from VLC ==

=== Using VLC within preferences ===
If you can launch VLC, in the preferences dialog, from the Tools menu, you can hit the "Reset preferences" button.

'''NB:''' This might not solve all your issues, all the time; so if you still have issues, then see the rest of this article.

== Reset preferences and cache ==
=== Windows ===

==== Using the shortcut in the start menu ====
If you installed VLC properly you can delete the preferences and cache by simply opening the shortcut you can find in your start menu:

''All programs > VideoLAN > Reset VLC media player preferences and cache files''

==== Deleting the files manually ====
Open the explorer and type ''%APPDATA%'' into the address bar and hit enter. This should lead you to the AppData folder of your user.

Therein you should find a folder named ''vlc''. Delete that folder and you're done.
[[File:Windows_Deleting_Prefs_Folder.png|center]]

=== macOS ===

==== Using VLC ====
In case VLC still launches, open it. Select "VLC" menu -> "Preferences" and hit "Reset All" in the bottom left corner. VLC will ask for confirmation, reset and restart itself.

==== Manual deletion ====

1) Quit the VLC application.

2) Use a Terminal and enter the following command: ''defaults delete org.videolan.vlc''

3) Remove everything from ~/Library/Preferences called "org.videolan.vlc.*". Use "Go To Folder" within the Finder's "Go" menu to show this folder.

=== GNU/Linux ===
Delete the <code>~/.config/vlc</code> and  <code>~/.cache/vlc</code> folders or execute '''vlc --reset-config''' in a terminal.

''Old versions of VLC had the data stored in <code>~/.vlc</code>''

=== BeOS ===
Delete the <code>config/settings/vlcrc</code> folders.

=== iOS ===
Delete the app from SpringBoard and re-download it from the App Store to fully reset the media library and settings.

=== Android ===
==== From the settings ====
In ''Settings'', go to ''Applications'' → ''VLC'' → '''Clear data'''.

==== Within the application ====
Go to ''Preferences'' → ''Other'' to clean the history and the media database.

==See also==
* [[VLC HowTo]]
* [[VSG:Main|VLC Support Guide]]

[[Category:How To]]
{{VSG}}