Remote control VLC media player - how does it work?
The VLC media player can be conveniently remote controlled from the couch. You have the choice between an app for your smartphone or tablet or operation via a browser. We explain both variants to you.
Thanks to the free app: control VLC media player remotely with your smartphone
With the official VLC app, your smartphone can be turned into an extensive remote control. This not only allows you to operate the media player, but also provides information about the video played on your smartphone. Before doing this, you need to make some preparations:
- First download the free app "VLC Remote Free" for iOS or Android.
- At the same time, you should install the setup helper from the manufacturer's website on your PC or Mac. So you don't have to enter any ports or IP addresses. The setup takes care of all the necessary settings in a few seconds.
- As soon as the installation is complete, you can start: Start the VLC media player on your computer and connect your smartphone to the same network.
- Now open the app and select your computer in the [Found Computers] tab. Now the current playback can be controlled via smartphone.
With the full version for iOS and Android, you can also browse your computer and create new playlists.
With a browser: operate VLC media player with any device
If you do not have a smartphone or do not want to install any special software, you can also control the VLC media player remotely via a browser. For this you first need your IP address. This can be found out very easily via the command prompt.
- To do this, press the key combination [Windows] and [R]. A new window is opening up. Enter the command "cmd" there.
- You are now in the command prompt. You can see your IP address with the "ipconfig" command.
- Under "IPv4 address" you will find an entry like "192.168.1.101". That is your IP address. Copy the value or leave the command prompt open for the next steps.
Now some settings are missing in the VLC itself to allow access via a web browser:
- First start VLC on your computer and select [Tools] and then [Settings].
- A new window is opening up. Click on "Show Settings" in the lower left corner on [All]. Then navigate to the entry [Interface \ Main Interfaces \ Lua] in the left column.
- Enter any password in the "Lua-HTTP" area. Save the settings and then restart the VLC media player.
- Now select the [Web] entry under [View] and [Add Interface]. You can safely confirm the warning of the Windows firewall.
- Now open the browser on the device that is to serve as a remote control. Enter "localhost: 8080", where you have to replace "localhost" with your IP address, eg "192.168.1.101:8080".
- Now the specified password is also asked: Enter it in the login window. You can leave the "Username" field empty. The VLC web interface then opens, allowing you to operate the player comfortably from the couch.
- Note: If you restart the VLC media player, you have to reactivate the web interface. Simply perform step 4 again.
The practical tip relates to the VLC media player 2.1.1. In this version you can also receive web streams. We explain how this works here.