VLC Media Player is a popular and versatile media player used by many Mac users for its ability to play a wide range of audio and video formats. However, like any software, VLC can sometimes run into issues that prevent it from functioning properly on Mac systems.
If you’re facing problems with VLC Media Player not working on your Mac, don’t worry – here are the top 10 ways to troubleshoot and resolve these issues.
1. Update VLC to the Latest Version
Keeping the VLC media player updated is essential for running VLC without errors as the updates include important bug fixes and code improvements. To update the VLC media player follow the below steps.
- Launch the VLC Media Player.
- Click on the VLC media player menu option and go to the “Help” menu and select “Check for Updates.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest version.
2. Verify VLC Media Player’s System Requirements
Ensure that your Mac meets the system requirements for running the latest version of VLC. Outdated hardware or software could lead to compatibility problems. Check VLC’s official website for the updated system requirements.
3. Clear Cache and Preferences
A corrupted cache or preferences might cause VLC to now work on macOS. Resetting these settings can often resolve issues. Here’s how:
- Close the VLC Media Player on your Mac computer.
- Open the Finder app, then click on the Go menu and click on the Go to Folder option. (Or open Finder’s “Go to folder” option by pressing the Option key +Shift + G key).
- Now in the Go to Folder window, enter the location “~/Library/Preferences/org.videolan.vlc” and press enter.
- Delete the “vlcrc” file and the “vlcrc” folder.
- Restart VLC.
4. Disable Hardware Acceleration
While hardware acceleration can enhance performance, it might clash with certain Mac configurations. To disable it:
- Open VLC media player.
- Go to the “Preferences” menu option under the “VLC” menu.
- Click on “Input / Codecs” in the left sidebar.
- In the “Hardware-accelerated decoding” section, select “Disable.”
- Save the changes and restart VLC.
5. Reset VLC Preferences
Resetting VLC’s preferences to default can solve issues stemming from incorrect settings:
- Close the VLC media player on your Mac.
- Open the Terminal window.
- Enter the command:
vlc --reset-config
and press Enter. - Reopen VLC on your Mac to check if the problem persists.
6. Examine Third-Party Plugins
Incompatible third-party plugins could disrupt VLC’s functionality. Disable or uninstall any recently added plugins and assess if the issue is resolved.
7. Reinstall VLC Media Player
If the above solutions do not yield results, consider reinstalling VLC:
- Uninstall VLC from your Mac.
- Download the latest version from VLC’s official website and install it.
8. Confirm File Compatibility
Certain media files might not be compatible with VLC. Attempt to play different files to determine if the problem is specific to one file or all files.
9. Seek Help from VLC Support
When all else fails, contact VLC’s official support by visiting this page. can provide tailored assistance for your issue. Visit their website to explore available support options.
10. Check for Operating System Updates
Outdated operating systems could lead to VLC compatibility issues. Check for system updates and install any available updates for macOS.
VLC Media player Mac Error Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t VLC open on my Mac?
How do I uninstall VLC from my Mac?
Can VLC play 4K videos?
VLC is producing audio but no video. What should I do?
Is VLC safe to download and use?
Can I use VLC on older Mac systems?
In conclusion, VLC Media Player is an exceptional tool for media playback on Mac, but occasional glitches can arise which make the VLC not work on your Mac.
By following the above steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve most issues causing VLC not to function correctly on Mac.
Hope you were able to solve this “VLC Media Player Not Working on Mac issue” with the help of our tutorial. Do let us know your valuable comments below.