How To Enable Dark Mode In VLC

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In an age where screen time is extensive, enabling dark mode can significantly help reduce eyestrain. VLC, a versatile cross-platform media player, allows users to switch to dark mode easily. Here’s a comprehensive guide that walks you through the steps across different platforms.

1. How to Enable Dark Mode in VLC

To make your viewing experience better, you’ll need to adjust settings depending on your device. Below are detailed steps for each platform.

Dark Mode VLC: Mac

Ensure you’re running Mac OS X 10.7.5 or later. Follow these steps:

Visit the official VLC website.
Click Download VLC and install it.
Open VLC Media Player on your Mac.
Select VLC media player from the top menu.
Click on Preferences.
Select Interface on the left.
Under General settings, click Dark.
Hit Save and close the application.
Re-open the app to see dark mode enabled.

Dark Mode VLC: Windows 10

To enable dark mode in VLC for Windows 10:

Launch VLC from your desktop.
Visit the VLC Skins page and click on eDark Vlc.
Download the skin and return to VLC.
Select Tools from the menu.
Click on Preferences or press Ctrl + P.
Select the Interface tab.
Choose Custom Skin.
Click Choose and select the downloaded skin file.
Exit and re-open VLC to apply the changes.

Dark Mode VLC: Linux

For Linux users, follow these steps:

Download a dark mode skin from the VLC website.
Launch VLC on your system.
Open the Tools menu.
Click Preferences or press Ctrl + P.
Go to the Interface settings.
Enable Use Custom Skin.
Click Choose to select the skin you downloaded.
Confirm with Save and restart VLC.

Dark Mode VLC: Android

For Android users wanting to switch to dark mode:

Open the VLC app.
Tap the three vertical dots to open the menu.
Select Settings.
Under Extra Settings, tap Interface.
Select DayNight Mode.
In the popup, choose Black theme to enable dark mode.

Dark Mode VLC: iPhone

Currently, there’s no native dark mode for VLC on iPhones. However, by enabling the iOS built-in dark mode, you can achieve similar results:

Go to Settings on your iPhone.
Select Display and Brightness.
Tap Appearance and select Dark.
Optionally, set Sunset to Sunrise for automatic switching.
Open VLC to see the changes take effect.

2. Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Change the Appearance of the VLC Player?

You can easily change the VLC player’s appearance by downloading a skin from the VLC Skin page. Note that some skins may not be available for all platforms.

Why Are My Videos Too Dark on VLC?

If your videos appear too dark, check the settings. Click on the Settings menu, select Extended GUI, and adjust the Gamma settings. If problems persist, consider checking your video card settings or reinstalling drivers.

3. Conclusion

Dark mode is an excellent feature in VLC that enhances your viewing experience and protects your eyes during long sessions. With the steps outlined above, you can easily enable this feature on your device of choice.

If you’ve tried enabling dark mode, we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!

(24) Comments

Rachel Hill - 02/21/2025 13:24

Best part of this guide is its simplicity! I usually skip these because they’re too long or complicated. Thanks a lot!
Jessica Lee - 02/23/2025 13:17

Great tutorial, it worked perfectly! VLC looks so much better in dark mode. I wish more apps had this feature.
Luke Van - 02/24/2025 15:53

I never thought about doing this! VLC in dark mode is so much cooler. Thanks for the article
Mia Nguyen - 02/24/2025 20:53

Every time I find a new way to customize VLC, I get so excited! Dark mode is definitely my favorite
Gordon K. - 03/06/2025 21:48

I love the vibe of dark mode! Now I can watch horror movies without feeling like I'm in a spotlight!
Linda H. - 03/07/2025 05:07

First time hearing about dark mode in VLC! This is awesome. Are there any similar features in other software
Luke Skywalker - 03/07/2025 10:27

I can’t believe I was missing out on this! Thanks for making it easy to follow!
Panda Lover - 03/10/2025 13:17

Haha, love this post! Now I can binge-watch my favorite shows without blinding myself! You rock
Sharon W. - 03/11/2025 17:22

This is a lifesaver! I always suffered eye strain watching videos. Dark mode makes it so much easier.
Ollie5 - 03/11/2025 19:08

Thanks for this! I enabled dark mode and it makes a huge difference. Wish I knew earlier
Tommy98 - 03/12/2025 20:19

I’ve been using VLC for years and didn’t know about this feature until now. Dark mode is a must-have
Keith IT - 03/14/2025 04:49

This is insane! I was just complaining about the white background. Can't believe it's taken me this long
Chris P. Bacon - 03/15/2025 03:07

What a fantastic tip! I love VLC and dark mode enhances my viewing experience so much
Nina22 - 03/18/2025 11:09

Makes it easier for those of us who get headaches from bright screens. Thanks for the clear instructions!
Emily Davis - 03/18/2025 13:24

Wow, I finally found a solution! Dark mode really helps my eyes when I'm watching late at night. Thanks for sharing!
Katie Green - 03/19/2025 13:22

Can you please explain how to get back to normal mode once you enable dark mode? I accidentally clicked something
Mike Brown - 03/21/2025 13:14

I followed every step, but it didn’t work for me. Anyone else facing the same issue? I really want dark mode
Jason Q. - 03/26/2025 00:37

Can anyone tell me if this works on the mobile version of VLC too? I’d love to have dark mode there
Hannah Smith - 03/26/2025 17:09

Dark mode is great, but what about changing other settings? Is there a way to customize the interface further?
Zoey Blue - 03/27/2025 14:56

I can't stop using VLC now! Dark mode gives it such a sleek look. I'm totally sharing this post
Kevin123 - 03/28/2025 05:11

Can you also do a post about enabling dark mode in other media players? That would be super useful!
Sarah White - 03/28/2025 19:54

Just did this, and I love it! VLC’s dark mode is perfect for watching movies at night without hurting my eyes. What a game changer
Sam Johnson - 04/02/2025 08:54

This is such a helpful guide! I've always wanted to enable dark mode in VLC but didn't know how. Thanks for making it so clear
Alex The Cat - 04/03/2025 07:48

Hahaha! Finally, my VLC is dark enough to match my soul! Thanks for this awesome tip!

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