iPad App No Longer Recognizes VLC – What’s Happening and How to Fix It

If your iPad app — whether it’s a file manager, media player, or cloud service — no longer recognizes VLC, you’re not alone. Many users have recently reported that apps which previously integrated smoothly with VLC can no longer detect it or send files to it.

This issue can be frustrating, especially for those who rely on VLC for its broad file support and offline media playback. Fortunately, there are a few reasons this could be happening, along with possible solutions.

What Changed?

Several things might be causing an app on your iPad to stop recognizing VLC:

1. iPadOS Updates

Recent iPadOS updates, especially major versions like iPadOS 17 or later, often change app sandboxing rules or file handling permissions. These updates can break the way apps interact with each other, including how they detect or share files with VLC.

2. VLC App Updates

VLC for iOS may have been updated recently, and changes to its integration APIs or file access permissions could cause compatibility issues with third-party apps.

3. App File Sharing Changes

Apple’s Files app and document provider system allows apps to expose their files to others. If VLC’s document provider extension is disabled or broken, other apps won’t be able to “see” VLC as an option when sharing or opening files.

4. Privacy and Security Restrictions

Newer versions of iPadOS emphasize user privacy and require more explicit permissions for apps to interact. If VLC hasn’t been granted the correct access, it might not be available as a destination app.

Fixes and Workarounds

✅ 1. Restart Your iPad

Sometimes, a simple reboot can re-register the document provider system and restore VLC visibility.

Press and hold the Power + Volume button

Slide to power off

Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on

✅ 2. Reinstall VLC

If VLC is not showing up when sharing or opening files:

Delete the VLC app

Reinstall it from the App Store

Open it at least once to let it re-register with the system

This often helps the system “re-discover” VLC as a file destination.

✅ 3. Check Files App Access

Try to access VLC through the Files app:

Open Files

Tap Browse → Tap the "..." in the upper corner → Edit Sidebar

Make sure VLC is toggled on under Locations

If VLC doesn’t appear, the app may not be exposing its storage properly.

✅ 4. Use AirDrop or File Sharing as a Workaround

If your favorite app can’t send files directly to VLC:

Save the file to the Files app

Then manually import it into VLC via:

VLC → Network → Browse Files

Or use AirDrop from another Apple device

When Nothing Works

If none of these solutions help:

Report the issue to both app developers (VLC and the other app)

Check for upcoming VLC or iPadOS updates

Look into alternative media players like Infuse or nPlayer, which offer strong integration with the iPad file system

Final Thoughts

If your iPad app no longer recognizes VLC, it’s likely due to iPadOS permission changes, app updates, or a glitch in the file provider system. While annoying, this issue can usually be fixed by reinstalling VLC, enabling access in Files, or using alternate file transfer methods. Keep your apps updated and stay informed of changes in iPadOS behavior.