Why is VLC not working on Mac?

Answered by Douglas Hiatt

There could be several reasons why VLC is not working on Mac. One common issue is that the VLC player may not be compatible with the latest macOS version. This often happens when users upgrade their operating system without checking for software compatibility.

Another possible reason is that the preferences or settings of VLC player may have become corrupted or misconfigured. This can cause the player to crash or not function properly. Resetting the preferences can help resolve this issue.

Additionally, VLC player may not be installed correctly on your Mac. Sometimes, during the installation process, certain files or components may not be properly installed, leading to issues with the player’s functionality.

Lastly, it’s also possible that there may be conflicts with other software or applications on your Mac. Some third-party programs or plugins may interfere with VLC player, causing it to crash or malfunction.

To fix the VLC not working issue on Mac, you can try the following solutions:

1. Reset Preferences:
– Quit VLC player if it’s running.
– Open Finder and press Command+Shift+G to open the “Go to Folder” window.
– Enter “~/Library/Preferences/” and click “Go”.
– Locate the file named “org.videolan.vlc.plist” and move it to the Trash.
– Restart VLC player and check if it’s working properly now.

2. Clean Install VLC:
– Download AppCleaner, a free application uninstaller for Mac.
– Open AppCleaner and drag the VLC player icon into the AppCleaner window.
– AppCleaner will find all related files and folders associated with VLC player.
– Click “Remove” to uninstall VLC player completely.
– Download the latest version of VLC player from the official website.
– Install VLC player again and check if the issue is resolved.

3. Check Compatibility:
– Visit the official VLC website and check if the version you have installed is compatible with the latest macOS version.
– If not, search for an updated version of VLC player that is compatible with your macOS version and install it.

4. Check for Software Conflicts:
– Disable or uninstall any third-party plugins or software that may be causing conflicts with VLC player.
– Restart your Mac and check if VLC is functioning properly.

5. Contact VLC Support:
– If none of the above solutions work, you can reach out to VLC support for further assistance.
– Visit the official VLC website and look for support options such as forums, FAQs, or contact information.

It’s worth noting that these solutions are general troubleshooting steps and may not guarantee a fix for every VLC issue on Mac. If the problem persists, it’s recommended to seek further assistance from VLC support or consult with a Mac expert.