Activate VLC Web Interface: Browser & Smartphone Remote Control
Accessing VLC Media Player via a Web Interface
VLC media player incorporates a web interface, allowing remote control of the player through a web browser.
This functionality is especially beneficial when utilizing a PC as a media center, enabling control from separate devices.
A mobile web interface is also provided, extending control to smartphones.
Enabling the Web Interface
By default, the web interface is disabled and secured to prevent unauthorized access.
Activation requires modification of the web server’s .hosts file within the VLC configuration.
Without this adjustment, VLC will reject all connection attempts originating from external devices.
Security Considerations
It’s important to understand that modifying the .hosts file is a necessary step to allow connections.
However, consider the security implications of enabling remote access and ensure your network is adequately protected.
Proper configuration is crucial to prevent unintended access to your VLC player and the media it controls.
Enabling the VLC Web Interface
The process of activating the web interface begins by navigating to the Tools menu within VLC media player. From there, select the Preferences option to access the settings.
Ensure that the "All" option is selected under "Show settings" to reveal VLC’s complete range of configuration options. Then, scroll through the list of settings until you locate the "Interface" header, and select "Main interfaces" within it.
To enable the HTTP interface, simply check the box labeled "Web". This will allow remote control of VLC through a web browser.
After saving these changes, a restart of VLC is required. Upon restarting, the web server will automatically launch in the background. Windows may request permission for VLC to access the network firewall, confirming the server’s operation.
Access the VLC web interface on your local machine by entering the following address into your browser: http://localhost:8080/. Alternatively, you can simply click on this link.
Users of VLC version 2.0.1 may encounter functionality issues with certain web interface elements, specifically the seek bar. This is a known bug within that version. It does not occur in version 2.0.0 and has been resolved in version 2.0.2.
VLC 2.0.0 introduced a redesigned web interface, and future updates are anticipated to further refine its functionality and user experience.
Enabling Remote Control Access
Initially, the web-based interface is secured by default, limiting access solely to localhost. This restriction means the interface is only accessible from the computer on which VLC media player is installed and running.
Attempting to reach VLC’s HTTP server from any other device will result in a 403 Forbidden error message.
To permit connections from other computers on your network, modification of the web interface’s .hosts file is necessary.
The location of this file varies depending on the operating system:
- Windows - C:\Program Files (x86)\VideoLAN\VLC\lua\http (On 32-bit Windows systems, substitute “Program Files” for “Program Files (x86)”.)
- Mac OS X - /Applications/VLC.app/Contents/MacOS/share/lua/http/.hosts
- Linux - /usr/share/vlc/lua/http/.hosts
On Windows, the .hosts file requires editing with a text editor, such as Notepad, running with administrator privileges.
Navigate to the specified directory and, within Notepad’s open dialog, select “All Files” to reveal the .hosts file.
Uncommenting the final two lines – achieved by removing the '#' symbol at the beginning of each line – will grant access from all IP addresses.
However, the file’s comments caution against this approach due to potential security implications.
Alternatively, you can authorize specific IP addresses or a range of addresses by adding each one on a new line within the file.
After saving the modified file, a restart of VLC is required for the changes to take effect.
Accessing VLC Through the Web Interface
To view VLC’s web interface, enter http://123.456.7.89:8080 into the address bar of a web browser on an authorized device, such as a computer or smartphone.
Remember to substitute "123.456.7.89" with the actual IP address of the machine where VLC is running.
Finding Your Computer's IP Address
Determining your computer’s IP address is straightforward. Utilize the ipconfig command within a Command Prompt window.
Locate the IPv4 Address line associated with your network connection to find the necessary information.
For remote access to VLC’s web interface, extending beyond your local network, port forwarding on your router is required.