VLC on Android Auto: How to Play Videos in Your Car

This article will guide you through the process of adding the VLC media player app to Android Auto. With VLC, you can easily stream music from the local storage of your Android smartphone without subscribing to a premium music app service.

VLC is an open-source media player app that can be accessed on different devices, including Android Auto.

In this article, you will learn how to use VLC on Android Auto, including the VLC interface and voice commands to control VLC. Additionally, you will find out how to fix VLC if it is not working on Android Auto.

Please note that while you can access all the songs, playlists, and albums you have downloaded on your Android smartphone, you cannot stream videos using the VLC app on Android Auto.

How to Add VLC to Android Auto

To add the VLC media player app to Android Auto, users can follow these simple steps:

Swipe down to launch the notification panel and tap on the Settings icon.
Use the search bar in the Settings app and search for Android Auto.
On the Android Auto page, select Customize launcher to add the app.
Scroll down to find the VLC app and check the box next to it.

Users can use the dots icon next to the app to make it appear on the main page of Android Auto. Simply click and drag the dots icon to make the app appear on the first page.

If you don’t have the VLC media player app installed on your smartphone, you must first install it from the Play Store before adding it to Android Auto’s interface.

However, if the app is not available in the Play Store, you can sideload the APK file to add it to your Android Auto.

How to Use VLC on Android Auto

VLC is a popular media player app that allows users to access music from their phone storage without any subscription or account sign-up. With Android Auto integration, VLC can be used safely while driving.

Here is a guide on how to use VLC on Android Auto.

VLC Interface

Upon launching the VLC media app on Android Auto, users will be greeted by the Home tab. The app has three other tabs that can be accessed from the top bar. Here is what users can find on each tab:

Home: This tab displays all the songs in the user’s local library, recently added songs, and the history of songs listened to.
Playlists: This tab displays all the playlists created on the VLC app.
My library: This tab displays all the songs, albums, and artists in the user’s local library.
Streams: In this tab, users can paste a URL to listen to music from a device connected to the local network.

Once a song is played using the VLC app on Android Auto, the following screen will appear:

Backward Arrow: Click once to play the currently playing song from the start. Click twice to play the previous track.
Forward Arrow: Use this arrow to skip the currently playing song.
Play/Pause Icon: While a song is playing, click pause to stop the playback. While a song is paused, click the play icon to resume playback.
Shuffle Icon: Press this icon to play the songs in the queue or playlist in a random order.
Repeat Icon: Press this icon once to play the current playlist or queue in a loop. Press twice to play the currently playing song in the loop.

Voice Commands to Control VLC

The VLC app supports Google Assistant, allowing users to control media playback using voice commands.

Voice commands are more convenient for controlling media while driving compared to using buttons or the touch screen.

To summon the Google Assistant on Android Auto, users can say “Hey Google” or “OK Google.”

Alternatively, users can use the mic icon on Android Auto or the voice command switch on the steering wheel to turn on the voice assistant.

Here are some of the commands that users can use on the VLC app:

“Hey Google, play <song name> on VLC.”
“Hey Google, shuffle and play <playlist name> on VLC.”
“Hey Google, play <album name>.”
“Hey Google, skip the current song.”
“Hey Google, pause the song.”

How to Fix VLC Not Working on Android Auto

When using VLC media player on Android Auto, users may encounter several issues such as app crashes, black screens, songs not playing, and others.

However, there are several basic troubleshooting techniques that can be used to fix these issues.

Here are some of the techniques to fix VLC not working on Android Auto:

Restart the Android Auto system on the car.
Ensure that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled if using wireless Android Auto.
If facing wireless Android Auto issues, try a wired connection.
Check and replace the USB cable if it is damaged.
Delete the cache files of Android Auto and the VLC app in your smartphone settings to prevent app crashes.
Update Android Auto and the VLC app to their latest firmware.
Remove the VLC media player app from the Android Auto screen and re-add it to fix VLC audio not working on Android Auto.
If none of the above fixes work, remove the car from Android Auto and re-add it again.

FAQ

The following are some frequently asked questions about using the VLC app on Android Auto:

Question	Answer
Does the VLC app work on Android Auto?	Yes, the VLC app works on Android Auto. You can add the app to your Android Auto and stream music available on the local storage of your Android device.
Can I watch videos on Android Auto using the VLC app?	No, you cannot watch videos on Android Auto using the VLC app. The app’s interface only allows you to stream music from your phone’s storage. This is due to safety reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Troubleshoot VLC Not Working on Android Auto?

If VLC is not working on Android Auto, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the issue.

First, make sure that both VLC and Android Auto are up to date.

Clearing the cache and data of both apps can also help resolve the issue.

Additionally, check if the USB cable is properly connected, as a loose connection can cause problems.

What Steps are Needed to Use VLC Player with Android Auto?

To use VLC Player with Android Auto, first make sure that both apps are installed on the device.

Connect the device to the car’s infotainment system using a USB cable.

Once connected, open Android Auto and select VLC from the list of available apps. From there, you can browse and play your media files just like you would on your phone.

Why is VLC Not Showing Up in Android Auto?

If VLC is not showing up in Android Auto, there may be a compatibility issue.

Make sure that both apps are up to date, and that your device is running a compatible version of Android.

If the problem persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling both apps.

Can VLC Play Videos on Android Auto?

Yes, VLC can play videos on Android Auto. However, it is important to note that playing videos while driving can be dangerous and is not recommended.

Is There a Specific Version of VLC for Android Auto Compatibility?

No, there is no specific version of VLC for Android Auto compatibility. As long as both apps are up to date and running on a compatible version of Android, VLC should work with Android Auto.

How Do I Connect VLC to Android Auto on a Samsung Device?

To connect VLC to Android Auto on a Samsung device, first make sure that both apps are installed and up to date.