How to share media files from a PC to an Android device with VLC

Did you know that you can stream media content from a Windows computer to your Android device?

This skill can enhance your media consumption experience. Whether you're watching a movie from your tablet in bed or enjoying your favorite songs remotely, streaming from your Windows PC to your Android device can be incredibly convenient. Fortunately, VLC Media Player makes this process straightforward.

1. Download VLC Media Player

You need to download VLC for both your computer and your Android device. You can find the Android version on the Play Store. Below are links to download VLC for different platforms:

Platform Download Link
VLC Media Player for Linux Download
VLC Media Player for Mac Download
VLC Media Player Portable Download

2. Allow VLC to Work in the Background

To listen to music in the background while using other applications, adjust your VLC app settings:

  1. Open the VLC application.
  2. Tap on the three line icons
  3. Select Preferences and enable Play videos in background.

VLC Settings

3. Share Files from Your Computer

To share files, you'll need to set up file sharing on your Windows computer. The easiest way is by using the HomeGroup feature.

Create a HomeGroup

Access HomeGroup settings through the Control Panel or Windows 10 Settings. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Start Menu and search for HomeGroup.
  2. Select Create a homegroup.

Create HomeGroup

Choose the files and folders you wish to share and enable access as needed.

Grant Access to Your Phone

Once you create the HomeGroup, ensure your phone can access it:

  1. After clicking Finish, under Libraries and Devices, select Allow all devices on this network.
  2. If prompted, click Allow all in the upper right corner.

Grant Access

4. Play Content on Your Mobile Device

After setup, open the VLC app on your phone:

  1. Select Local Network from the menu.
  2. Find your HomeGroup and navigate through shared folders to access your media.

Local Network in VLC

5. Access Remote Computers

If you need access to more data beyond media files, consider using Chrome Remote Desktop:

  1. Open Chrome, click on Get started under My Computers.
  2. Select Enable remote connections and create a PIN.

Chrome Remote Desktop Setup

Conclusion

This guide has shown you how to transfer media files from a Windows computer to your Android device using VLC Media Player. Enjoy accessing your music and videos seamlessly from anywhere in your home!

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

37 Comments

  1. Emma_24 -

    Hey! Just tried sharing a file. Worked in seconds, no lag! This is definitely a keeper

  2. Jake123 -

    I had no idea VLC could do this! Just when I thought I knew everything about the software. Amazing!

  3. Hannah G. -

    Can anyone else confirm if this works with music files too? Would love to share my playlists

  4. Franky -

    Anyone else experience slow transfers? My files take forever sometimes. Is there a fix for that

  5. Nina_J -

    I was skeptical at first, but this is legit! Thanks for the detailed insights.

  6. DanielC -

    Would love an update on newer versions of VLC. Any new features regarding file sharing

  7. Dodger89 -

    Your article has made my life ten times easier. Now I can share my design files quick

  8. Vadim_V -

    This guide is fantastic! But can you add some troubleshooting tips? I ran into a few hiccups

  9. Rachel_Th -

    This made my day! Just shared my photo library to my Android, and it was effortless.

  10. Sara Lee -

    Does this method require Wi-Fi? My PC and phone are on different networks. Just want to make sure

  11. Mike_W -

    The simplicity of this method is a lifesaver! I used to dread transferring media files!

  12. Anna Smith -

    Thanks for the tips! I didn't know VLC could share media files like this. Going to try it right now

  13. Lily_Petals -

    Has anyone tried to share a file while on Bluetooth? Can it be done without interruptions

  14. Eric87 -

    Question: If I'm sharing a file while in another app on my phone, will it interrupt the transfer

  15. Sam-writes -

    I love the step-by-step approach. You’ve made it so easy for newcomers to VLC

  16. SandyCar -

    Can this be used for non-media files as well? Might need to transfer documents later

  17. Leo_the_cat -

    Lol! Just called my cat VLC after reading this. It's adorable how certain names stick!

  18. Nick_P -

    I’ll definitely share this article with my friends. They always ask me how to transfer files

  19. David_K -

    I just tried this method and it worked like a charm! Thanks for sharing!

  20. CathyD -

    I must say I’m pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to share files using VLC. Kudos!

  21. John Doe -

    Great article! I've been looking for ways to transfer files between my PC and Android device. VLC really makes it simple

  22. Tommy94 -

    Can anyone tell me if this works with large files? My videos are usually over 1GB!

  23. Chris_91 -

    This article is perfect! I'm constantly transferring files between devices and this makes it so seamless!

  24. AlexB_88 -

    OMG, I’m so happy I found this solution! It makes managing my media files so much easier

  25. Cathy_B -

    Such a useful guide! I appreciate how you explained every step. VLC is my go-to player

  26. Jenny_L -

    VLC is such a powerful tool! I never realized how many features it has

  27. Rita_77 -

    This was a game changer for me. I usually just use USB, which is such a hassle. VLC for the win!

  28. Andy_B -

    Love this! Just transferred my favorite series using VLC. Best decision ever

  29. Lucy_G -

    Loved your article! Just followed it and shared a movie to my phone in no time!

  30. Peaceful_Soul -

    I have to say, the entire process went so smoothly, just like you said! Thank you

  31. Emily74 -

    This is exactly what I needed. Transferring high-quality media is never easy. VLC makes it so much easier

  32. Kate_S -

    Your article is spot on! I’ve always struggled to share files between devices. VLC saves me time

  33. Mia_N -

    I found it super helpful! I usually use Dropbox, but it gets full fast. VLC is a great alternative.

  34. BenLovesMusic -

    If you have any recommendations for other apps for file sharing, please let me know

  35. Oliver_X -

    Came here from YouTube recommendations. This is the best quick guide I found!

  36. Jessy_B好 -

    Works well! I appreciate you pointing out the steps clearly. Makes it a breeze

  37. Zombie_56 -

    I've always thought VLC is just a media player. Now it's a file transfer tool too? Mind blown!

Leave a Comment

Instructions to turn off Galaxy AI on Samsung phones

Instructions to turn off Galaxy AI on Samsung phones

If you no longer need to use Galaxy AI on your Samsung phone, you can turn it off with a very simple operation. Below are instructions for turning off Galaxy AI on your Samsung phone.

How to delete AI character created on Instagram

How to delete AI character created on Instagram

If you don't need to use any AI characters on Instagram, you can also quickly delete them. Here's how to delete AI characters on Instagram.

Instructions for inserting delta symbol in Excel

Instructions for inserting delta symbol in Excel

The delta symbol in Excel, also known as the triangle symbol in Excel, is used a lot in statistical data tables, expressing increasing or decreasing numbers, or any data according to the user's wishes.

Instructions for sharing a sheet on Google Sheets

Instructions for sharing a sheet on Google Sheets

In addition to sharing a Google Sheets file with all sheets displayed, users can choose to share a Google Sheets data area or share a sheet on Google Sheets.

Instructions for disabling ChatGPT storage

Instructions for disabling ChatGPT storage

Users can also customize to disable ChatGPT memory whenever they want, on both mobile and computer versions. Below are instructions for disabling ChatGPT memory.

Instructions to see the last Windows Update time

Instructions to see the last Windows Update time

By default, Windows Update will automatically check for updates and you can also see when the last update was. Here is a guide to see when Windows last updated.

Instructions to delete eSIM on iPhone are very simple

Instructions to delete eSIM on iPhone are very simple

Basically, the operation to delete eSIM on iPhone is also simple for us to follow. Below are instructions to delete eSIM on iPhone.

How to Convert Live Photo to Boomerang on iPhone

How to Convert Live Photo to Boomerang on iPhone

In addition to saving Live Photos as videos on iPhone, users can convert Live Photos to Boomerang on iPhone very simply.

How to block SharePlay on iPhone from automatically turning on

How to block SharePlay on iPhone from automatically turning on

Many apps automatically enable SharePlay when you FaceTime, which can cause you to accidentally press the wrong button and ruin the video call you're making.

How to use Click to Do on Windows 11

How to use Click to Do on Windows 11

When you enable Click to Do, the feature works and understands the text or image you click on and then makes judgments to provide relevant contextual actions.

How to turn on laptop keyboard light, activate Keyboard Backlight on Windows 10

How to turn on laptop keyboard light, activate Keyboard Backlight on Windows 10

Turning on the keyboard backlight will make the keyboard glow, useful when operating in low light conditions, or making your gaming corner look cooler. There are 4 ways to turn on the laptop keyboard light for you to choose from below.

How to enter Safe Mode Windows 10 on startup

How to enter Safe Mode Windows 10 on startup

There are many ways to enter Safe Mode on Windows 10, in case you cannot enter Windows and cannot enter. To enter Safe Mode Windows 10 when starting the computer, please refer to the article below of WebTech360.

How to create Ghibli style photos on Grok AI

How to create Ghibli style photos on Grok AI

Grok AI has now expanded its AI photo generator to transform personal photos into new styles, such as creating Studio Ghibli style photos with famous animated films.

Instructions to register for Google One AI Premium for free for 1 month

Instructions to register for Google One AI Premium for free for 1 month

Google One AI Premium is offering a 1-month free trial for users to sign up and experience many upgraded features such as the Gemini Advanced assistant.

How to turn off recent searches on Safari

How to turn off recent searches on Safari

Starting with iOS 18.4, Apple allows users to decide whether to show recent searches in Safari.