Chromebooks are lightweight computers that run on ChromeOS, a streamlined operating system designed for simple, everyday use. With a Chromebook, you can perform essential tasks like browsing the web, sending emails, watching videos, playing music, and more. ChromeOS is primarily cloud-based, but it also offers offline features for moments when you don’t have internet access – including the ability to watch videos stored locally.
ChromeOS comes with a built-in video player for offline playback, and it’s perfectly capable for basic use. However, if you want more powerful features, better file format support, or advanced playback options, VLC Media Player is an excellent upgrade.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to install VLC on your Chromebook, using both the Google Play Store and the Linux environment.
How to Install VLC Media Player on a Chromebook
The latest version of ChromeOS includes support for both Linux and the Google Play Store. This means you can install either the Android version of VLC or the Linux desktop version on your Chromebook. In our experience, the Android version performs better since it’s updated more frequently.
Now, let’s walk through each installation method, one by one:
1. Using the Google Play Store
If you want the mobile-style interface and an easy install process, the Play Store version is the best choice. Before installing, make sure the Play Store is enabled on your Chromebook. If it isn’t, check out our detailed guide on how to enable the Play Store in ChromeOS.
Once that’s done, follow these steps:
1. Click the App Launcher icon to open your app drawer.
2. Look for and open the Google Play Store.
3. In the search bar, type VLC for Android and select it from the results.
4. Click the Install button and wait for the installation to finish.
5. When complete, open the App Launcher, type VLC, and launch the app.
That’s it! You now have the Android version of VLC running on your Chromebook. The interface looks and feels similar to what you’d find on an Android smartphone or tablet.
2. Using the Linux Terminal Command
You can also install VLC Media Player using the Linux Terminal if you like the desktop version of the app. By default, the Terminal is not installed. You have to install the Linux Development Environment on your Chromebook. For that, check our linked guide.
After that, follow the following steps to install VLC using the Linux Terminal:
1. Click the App Launcher icon and launch the Terminal.
2. To install the Linux version of VLC Media Player, you need to run the following command:
sudo apt install vlc
3. When prompted with “Do you want to continue?”, press the Y key to confirm.
4. Once the installation is complete. Click on the App Launcher icon and look for the Linux apps folder.
5. Then, click on the VLC Media Player icon to open it.
You now have the full Linux desktop version of VLC installed on your Chromebook. However, if you’re not able to install it, first run the command sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y, and then try installing VLC again using the Terminal.
How to Uninstall VLC on Your Chromebook
If you’ve tried VLC and decided to switch players or you’re just cleaning up storage, removing VLC on a Chromebook is easy. The steps are slightly different depending on how you installed it.
1. Uninstall VLC from the Play Store
If you installed the Android version of VLC from the Google Play Store, then follow the steps mentioned below:
1. Open your Launcher and find the VLC icon.
2. Right-click the icon using a trackpad two-finger tap or mouse right-click.
3. Choose Uninstall or Remove from ChromeOS.
4. When the confirmation pop-up appears, click Uninstall again.
VLC Media Player and all its Google Play Store data will be removed from your Chromebook.
2. Uninstall VLC from Linux
If you installed the Linux version of VLC, you can also use the above method, but you’ll need to look for it inside the Linux apps folder in the app drawer.
You can also remove it through the Terminal. Here’s how:
1. Open the Terminal from your Linux apps folder.
2. Type the command below and press Enter:
sudo apt remove vlc -y
3. This command removes VLC itself. If you also want to delete leftover settings and configuration files to free up extra space, run:
sudo apt autoremove --purge -y
After uninstalling, you can close the Terminal. VLC will disappear from your Linux apps folder.
Using VLC on Chromebook
That’s all there is to it. You can install VLC on your Chromebook either through the Google Play Store or by using the Linux Terminal. Once installed, you’re ready to enjoy a powerful media experience with support for almost every video and audio format out there.
If you notice choppy playback, open VLC’s Settings → Input/Codecs and enable Hardware Acceleration. ChromeOS sometimes needs that extra boost for smooth video decoding, especially with high-resolution formats like 4K or HEVC.
