iPad App No Longer Recognizes VLC: Causes and Fixes

Many iPad users rely on VLC for iOS to play a wide range of video formats that aren't supported natively by Apple’s default apps. VLC is popular for its versatility and ability to stream or sync media from various sources. However, there are situations where a third-party app—or even the Files app—suddenly stops recognizing VLC, making it difficult to access your videos.

If your iPad app no longer recognizes VLC, here are possible causes and the steps you can take to resolve the issue.

Common Causes

1. iPadOS Update Compatibility Issues

After a system update, iPadOS may change app permissions or file associations. This can disrupt how VLC integrates with other apps or appears in the iOS "Open In" or "Share" menus.

2. VLC App Not Updated

If VLC is not updated to the latest version, it may become incompatible with the current version of iPadOS or other apps attempting to interface with it.

3. File Type Restrictions

Some iPad apps or cloud services only recognize apps that can handle specific file types. If VLC doesn’t register itself correctly for a format (e.g., .MKV, .AVI), it might not appear as an option.

4. Revoked File Sharing Permissions

iPad apps often use the Files app or Apple’s document picker to communicate. If VLC has been removed from the list of file sharing apps in Settings or hasn’t been granted permission, other apps won’t “see” it.

5. App Sandboxing and iOS Restrictions

Due to Apple’s security model, each app runs in a “sandbox.” If something goes wrong with that configuration (e.g., VLC crashes or loses its file container), it may disappear from integration options.

How to Fix the Issue

1. Restart Your iPad

Sometimes a simple restart can restore app integrations that may have failed due to a memory glitch or temporary software bug.

2. Update VLC and iPadOS

Go to the App Store, search for VLC, and install the latest update.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for the latest iPadOS version.

This can fix compatibility issues between apps and system APIs.

3. Reinstall VLC

Uninstalling and reinstalling VLC often resolves issues where the app is not recognized:

Tap and hold the VLC icon.

Choose Remove App > Delete App.

Reinstall VLC from the App Store.

This resets VLC’s permissions and file associations.

4. Check File Sharing Settings

Ensure VLC is enabled in:

Settings > VLC > Files and toggle “On My iPad” access.

Check that it's visible in the Files app under “Browse > On My iPad.”

Also, try importing a video file again to re-register VLC as a handler for that file type.

5. Use the “Open In” Option Carefully

If another app doesn’t show VLC under “Open In,” tap More and scroll down to see if VLC is listed. Sometimes iPadOS hides less-used apps.

Conclusion

When your iPad app no longer recognizes VLC, the issue typically stems from iOS updates, permissions, or outdated app versions. A combination of restarting, updating, and checking sharing settings can usually resolve it. If all else fails, reinstalling VLC and restoring default settings will often bring it back into visibility.