Vlc can t open network files. VCL never sees the shared folder.
Vlc can t open network files Aug 15, 2016 · When you mount your network share, its files are also shown in the /run/user/your_user_id/gvfs folder. Jan 9, 2023 · But sometimes, when you try to open a media file, you may encounter the "your input can’t be opened" error on VLC. The file can be on a mapped drive, or not -- in which case, just browse Network until the file is found. But sometimes, it runs into unexpected issues, such as failing to play videos. It plays the music files on the NAS, and both folders have the same Samba shares. Nov 14, 2025 · Allow VLC through Windows Defender Firewall - Fix VLC Unable to Open the MRL for Network Streams If the media source is working, it is likely that the Window Defender Firewall is preventing the VLC media player from accessing the local media files or website links. To do this, you'll need the free VLC Media Player program installed on both computers, and both computers will have to be on the same wireless network. The app connects to the Network, sees the Shared Folder (-----SHARED-----) but it can't open it. Find VLC in the list and make sure both private and public networks are checked. I am able to connect through file manager on my phone and open the smb/videos, so vlc is having issues with smb. VLC is known for its extensive compatibility and can handle various streaming protocols. Jun 18, 2023 · OK this is an obscure question- So, on my tv I have the VLC app. Why can't you people create a simple, easy to use player that doesn't suck on IOS? Apr 7, 2025 · Allow VLC through Firewall: Go to Windows Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection > Allow an app through the firewall. Dec 28, 2016 · Short tutorial explaining how to work around the issue of VideoLAN (VLC) not being able to open media files stored on remote locations like Samba shares by using the Access Modules functionality in its preferences, general problem solving and troubleshooting tips and tricks, logging, and more Apr 9, 2024 · The error ‘Your Input Can’t Be Opened’ can probably be resolved after updating VLC to the latest version. Oct 18, 2017 · Playing local files requires this hacky workaround mentioned above using Network tab, but even then you can't add it to a playlist. Sep 3, 2025 · By Pallav Pathak Sep 3, 2025 5 min read VLC Media Player displays the message "Your input can't be opened: VLC is unable to open the MRL" when it cannot access a media resource, whether that's a local file, network stream, or external device. After that try again Fix 2 – Check the source again At first, you should verify the source stream is actually working or not. Network connectivity issues: VLC cannot access the stream over the network due to firewall, DNS, or connectivity problems. Upnp ones work on vlc. I can browse through all the folders and files no problem. Check the Mar 3, 2025 · Stream videos over the network with VLC VLC is a great option for those who want to share media content at home or even in the office without having to resort to cloud services or complicated configurations. Jun 27, 2023 · I have a Synology NAS, with some videos stored on it. If I drag the video file to the computer, it plays the video without problems. VLC Version 1. But whenever I try to open anything, either the file browser Dolphin or the app that can open the file (example: VLC) tells me it can Sep 8, 2023 · VLC Media Player is a free and universal video player that can open almost all video files. 2. You can remove the settings file for VLC. May 23, 2023 · Hi! I have Sony Google TV and Android phone, i used VLC to stream content from my pc through SMB connection, it worked fine over 2 years, and now, recently my TV stopped finding anything from network location that it used to find and stream content no problem, it just says "No media files found, please transfer some files to your device or adjust your preferences. VLC includes a streaming feature that can stream music and videos over a local network. Occasionally it'll play 1 frame and stop. Sep 14, 2023 · Here you will learn about 4 different methods to fix VLC network stream not working, with detailed steps. Windows 7 is running on both PC's connected via LAN. If you have renamed or moved the file, make sure to update VLC with the new path. Missing codecs or incompatible media formats: VLC can’t play certain media because necessary codecs are missing. However- the Dec 15, 2022 · Learn how to resolve VLC Media Player errors, including the 'Your input can't be opened' issue, with our comprehensive guide. May 6, 2024 · Fix 2: Check File Location If the file is saved in a restricted location, you will need administrative access to run these files. Oct 4, 2023 · The VLC media player is the best free open source cross-platform media player; still, it has minor bugs and issues. In the Local Network section of the Browse tab I can see the computer, but it doesn't give me any option to login to be able to access the files. Right click on YouTube. This opens up various possibilities for sharing media across devices without the need for additional software or complex setups. While it may take some time, resolving this will be faster than downloading and setting up a new media player. Sep 3, 2023 · Stream A/V from the internet, or play a local MP4 file, on Computer A (windows 11 Laptop) and stream the audio from Computer A via VLC to Computer B (windows 10 Desktop, with high quality speaker system) and play the audio over Computer B speakers. Feb 5, 2025 · VLC isn't just an excellent media player, but lets you stream to other devices as well. . Sep 21, 2021 · One of the most commonly encountered errors for VLC Media Player users is an inability to open the MRL file. 🎥🎶 To stream a media file: Jan 17, 2018 · SOLUTION: Open VLC, then "Toolbar - Media - Open File". luac and open with Notepad. If other files work, the problem may be with the original file. Play the video file again after installing VLC’s latest patch. There should be another device sharing media files using this standard or protocol. Mar 26, 2019 · You might be able to see it on VLC by adjusting how much video is cache. Go to View > Playlist [CTRL + L]. If you are in the same situation, read on to find out how you can fix the VLC media player on Windows 11. But fear not, dear reader, for we’ve got you covered. Although password protected sharing is off, VLC keeps asking me for username and password. Select the file you want to open and select Open. Here’s how you access media from UPnP or DLNA using VLC: Open up VLC Media Player. You can go grab a portable Feb 5, 2020 · For now, I uninstalled VLC and I'm using Celluloid to play videos and streaming. Yet, VLC doesn't always function normally. Aug 2, 2021 · It initially opened one of the videos on the server but I was able to go to the full file structure and play other files - so it is not the network but the upnp discovery that is where there is a bug presumably either in the vlc application or the libupnp package. When I try to get VLC to connect to my windows 11 share it says: "Your input can't be opened: VLC is unable to open the MRL smb://WINDOWSDELL. 18-6) does not open a network stream, whilst VLC (flatpak, 3. You will also get to get all the possible solutions to fix the problem. NOTE: my existing LAN allows Cmptr. On the left under Local Network, click on Universal Plug’n’Play. Open VLC and click Tools then select Preferences. As soon as I discovered that, it was an 'ah-ah' moment. It's also available for Mac, and gives you powerful options for advanced media controls and display. I performed re-install, however it did not have any effect. At home I can access the video using SMB shares, and open them with VLC as if they were on a local disk from the internet on a mobile device, Sep 22, 2010 · I have VLC on my Mac and would like to connect to a DLNA server on my LAN but the server isn't showing up in VLC's UPnP auto-discovery UI. This used to work for many years and suddenly stopped in mid Dec 2019. It does not have the download feature but I will look for another way to do it. Locate the file you want to play in that folder and play it from there. 1. Copy the new YouTube script code from GitHub VideoLan playlist and paste it to the Notepad file. An alternative is to simply drag 'n' drop your file into the VLC main interface or the playlist window from the file explorer (Finder on Mac OS X). A and Cmptr. Beyond just playing local media files, VLC can also stream videos over a Local Area Network (LAN). Corrupt cache data is mainly responsible for the VLC media player not working on Windows 11. Oct 11, 2025 · Incorrect or malformed URL/Path: The MRL provided to VLC is incorrect or invalid. Apr 7, 2025 · FAQs What is MRL in VLC? MRL stands for Media Resource Locator, which is a string used by VLC to locate various types of media. " Your instinct is to say it's a problem with the VLC app and I should take it up with the VLC forum, (which I did concurrently to posting here). Mar 15, 2024 · Can't play YouTube videos on VLC? Just apply the 9 best fixes mentioned here to resolve VLC not playing YouTube videos in few minutes. Don't hesitate to Oct 28, 2024 · Can't you open your MRL file on your VLC Media Player? Then, there are various reasons why such errors occur. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including file corruption, incorrect file paths, unsupported file formats, and issues with the software’s configuration. This was working perfectly before I reinstalled so I don't know Jan 25, 2024 · Testing in a live session of Ubuntu 22. B to communicate in both directions over my Oct 17, 2022 · 0 i am using windows 11 home the latest 22h version. VCL never sees the shared folder. This error happens when your computer can’t find the target media file on local drives. If you don't know where to post, please read the different forums' rules. 04 (Gnome) the same problems are present with MPV and VLC - while the file manager (Nautilus) can access those files and the Gnome video player ('Videos', that's Totem I guess) can play the videos (after installing the needed codecs). click All below Show Settings at the bottom of the window. Same thing happened to me on android. But I already have files on my iPhone that I want to play. Check the log for details. But when i disable/enable ethernet adapter on my pc, then it sees it. 1. Fix 3: Check for Read Permission In case, the read permission is denied VLC will not be able to open and run the file. Celluloid doesn’t work directly from the NAS either. After that, click on “ Media ” and then click on the “ Open Network Stream “. 3. Why does VLC fail in opening remote files? This mainly occurs due to blocked firewalls, problems in ownership with the Jan 30, 2025 · Check the File Location: Navigate to the folder where your media file is stored and ensure that the file is present. (I can't recall exactly, would have to re-create the situation) but VLC opens or populates where "network browser" (the app) should. Dec 20, 2023 · Fix 1 – Update VLC Media player Click on Help and then click on Check for Updates to Update VLC. In this exhaustive guide, we’ll walk you through the most common problems and provide step-by-step solutions to get VLC up and Feb 7, 2023 · We address some common errors and problems that VLC users have reported facing in Windows 11/10 and suggest how to fix them successfully. 8 Vetinari. Here's how to stream from the VLC media player. Jun 15, 2024 · VLC is unable to open the MRL) All I'm doing is pressing "CTRL + N" which for me is opening the "Network Stream" Tab and then inserting my link and pressing enter/ok. 5 cannot open files that are located on a another PC-Drive which is connected via the home network. Check Issues addressed in this tutorial: vlc won't open YouTube vlc won't open network stream vlc won't open dvd vlc won't open files vlc not opening This tutorial will apply for computers, laptops Aug 18, 2023 · Hi everyone Newbie to Linux need a little help from some smart people. I share a folder and use VLC on my TV to play local content from my computer. Dec 5, 2023 · Why is VLC unable to open the MRL and how to get that fixed? Follow through the post and learn the ways! Jun 30, 2024 · Is it just me, or VLC can't play YouTube anymore? Forum rules Please post only Windows specific questions in this forum category. To check the permission follow the steps. And I don’t want to use iTunes. DLNA and UPnP allow device discovery and media sharing on the same Wi-Fi. This process is tricky and can take some fiddling to figure out, but we’ll explain how to improve Mar 24, 2023 · My VLC (official repository extra, 3. On the right pane scroll to File Caching (ms) under Advance. VLC is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player and framework that plays most multimedia files as well as DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols. How to fix it if VLC won’t play MP4 videos? This guide from MiniTool Video Converter gives you 6 solutions. These are just a few examples of the network protocols supported by VLC player. Sep 10, 2024 · Right click on VLC Player icon and select Open file location from the drop-down menu. One of our recommendations suggests Configuring Video Output mode. If I open a youtube link in the "open network stream" option, there's just a 2sec flicker of the play-progress bar and that's it. May 6, 2025 · Are you frustrated with VLC media player not working on your computer or device? You’re not alone! VLC is one of the most popular media players out there, and like any software, it’s not immune to issues. Using VLC makes it easy to stream audio and video using Multicast. I have installed Fedora 38 with KDE desktop on my laptop, and I have also successfully connected to my routers external hard drive. I recently had to reinstall my phone (s22, Android 13) and now I can't access the folders on my windows 10 computer like I used to. luac Feb 15, 2021 · Android app (VLC) can't access Shared Folder I 'm trying to give VLC app, access to a Shared Windows Pc Folder (SMB Protocol) but I haven't sort it out so far. Set it to 1000-1200 Do the same for Network Caching (ms). If you want to find out why the program can't open the file, you must come to this post. Click on Input / Codecs in the left pane. When I tap on it I just get "This directory is empty". Use my pc as an smb server and would use my phone through vlc to watch videos. Testing with Different Formats: Try opening another file in a different location or format to see if the issue persists. I'ts probably stored in an ini file somewhere in Windows (have a google search for this) - delete this file (or rename so you have old backup), then start the program and it should create a new ini files with only default values. Jan 7, 2023 · If you suspect the problem lies in a bad settings, this can usually be solved in two ways: 1. This means you can make your computer a media server and stream the v Aug 23, 2022 · VLC is a popular media player that can play a wide range of video and audio formats. It’s like a private network for audio and video files. Thanks. Even dragging and dropping a video from the browser to the VLC Media Player would work. Here you will notice the video URL you are trying to VLC can't open some network mapped files I have some video files on my NAS, that i network-mapped through windows, and for some reason VLC refuses to play them. 0. Jan 16, 2020 · I'm on VLC 3. I have to do this everytime after a reboot. VLC as Flatpak has the same problem. This error can occur with both local media files and when you try to stream a YouTube video, albeit for different reasons. How do I fix the “unable to open MRL” error? Check your network or firewall settings, disable antivirus software, or VLC should be reinstalled. Right-click on the Jan 24, 2025 · How to fix the VLC error “Your input can’t be opened: VLC is unable to open the MRL”? This post offers 9 solutions to fix the VLC error. 18) plays the same network stream without problems. Check them now. Navigate to the folder, Program Files > VideoLAN > VLC > lua > playlist. Given the IP address of the server how can I point VLC to it It only seems to want found on network services. No settings change, but my now vlc shows anything smb as empty. VLC is a free and open source media player that allows the playback of almost any video format and also offers advanced tools for streaming content over the network. Change the file location to an unrestricted location and try to run the video again. Sep 2, 2025 · Quick Tips VLC Media Player supports UPnP and DLNA, allowing you to stream media over your local network without transferring files between devices. Jul 4, 2024 · VLC can stream media files over a local network, allowing you to share videos and music with other devices on the same network. All you have to do is to open the link to that video from VLC. Jul 15, 2025 · VLC cannot open a video on a NAS on its own network. Apr 24, 2023 · As we all know VLC Media Player comes with an in-built plugin from which you can stream the youtube videos directly from VLC. Jun 17, 2023 · VideoLan media player (VLC) is an incredibly versatile media player available for Windows, Linux and other *Nix clones. Click the Save button You could change it to a higher Jul 4, 2012 · VLC includes a fairly easy-to-use streaming feature that can stream music and videos over a local network or the Internet. Play a CD/DVD/VCD To play a CD, VCD or a DVD, open the Media menu and select Open Disc menu item. However, sometimes it may have issues with opening MP4 files. In VLC, go to View > Playlist > Universal Plug’n’Play to access shared media. It has an option for downloading files. This Nov 14, 2025 · If your VLC player can’t open YouTube videos, it could be due to having an outdated VLC player, hardware acceleration conflicts, or file caching setting problems. Aug 3, 2025 · This wikiHow teaches you how to use VLC Media Player to stream a video playing on one computer to another computer on the same Internet network. Save the changes in Notepad. That could be network browsers or local software or my network software, don't know. Mar 28, 2023 · If VLC cannot play MP4 files because of audio-video-related issues, you can go through the following steps to fix it: Open VLC Media Player and go to Menu > Tools. How do I get VLC to play files already on my iPhone? Oct 14, 2025 · [Solved] VLC Not Playing YouTube Streaming Videos! VLC is a feature-filled video toolkit, not only playing your local video files on Windows 10, Windows 11 or macOS, but also playing streaming videos from YouTube link directly. " I have unchecked prefer SMB Jan 4, 2025 · Stream Videos in LAN with VLC Media Player: Screenshot Tutorial VLC Media Player is one of the most versatile and powerful media players available for free. Any ideas how to fix this? Thanks! Jul 17, 2023 · SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol): VLC can stream media files over SFTP, a secure file transfer protocol that provides encrypted communication between the client and server. Open the VLC player. I am unable to uninstall that VLC due to error: could not satisfy dependency: removing vlc breaks dependency vlc required by elisa. Jan 3, 2025 · When you see the “Your input can’t be opened” message in VLC, it typically indicates that the application is unable to access the media file you’re attempting to play. Anybody have a fix? Youtube did this in the past in 2019 to break VLC but some folks proposed a code change in youtube. I have roughly 400+ files (with different names, sizes but all in mp4 format), and VLC refuses to play some of those files. VLC will then start playing the designated file. In that 'Open File' dialog, browse to the LAN location where the video is located, and open it.