VLC Android Private Videos: Hide from Gallery & Clear History (2026)

  **APK Size:** ~30MB (varies by version) | **Latest Version:** 3.6.0+ (Jan 2026) | **Android:** 5.0+ **Quick Privacy Verdict:** • **Can it hide videos?** Yes, with the .nomedia + subfolder trick. • **Is it private by default?** No. You must disable history and manage permissions. • **Best for:** Users who want a free, powerful player and don't mind manual setup. • **Easier alternative for privacy:** MX Player Pro. Let's be honest. You probably downloaded VLC because it plays everything, it's free, and it has no ads. But you might also be wondering: "Can I use this thing to watch... *private* videos without leaving a trace?" The short answer is **yes, but it's not a one-click process**. VLC is a powerful, open-source engine, not a privacy-focused app. To make it truly discreet, you need to know the right settings and workarounds. I've downloaded and tested these methods myself. This guide is for the user who wants absolute control, not just a basic player. --- ## 1. The Ultimate Privacy Workaround: The `.nomedia` + Subfolder Trick  This is the single most important trick for hiding media from your phone's gallery and other apps, while still letting VLC see it. **The Problem:** Android uses a system-wide media scanner. Any video or image file in your storage gets indexed and appears in apps like Google Photos or your device's Gallery. The standard way to stop this is by placing a blank file named **`.nomedia`** in a folder. This tells Android, "Do not scan here." By default, VLC respects this rule and won't show folders with a `.nomedia` file in its library, as noted in its official issue tracker [https://code.videolan.org/videolan/vlc-android/-/issues/1976](https://code.videolan.org/videolan/vlc-android/-/issues/1976). **The Community Solution (That Works):** 1. Create your secret folder (e.g., `/storage/emulated/0/MySecretStuff`). 2. Inside it, create an empty file and name it **`.nomedia`**. (You'll need a file manager app to create files starting with a dot). 3. Now, create a **subfolder** inside your secret folder. Name it something like `Videos` or `Media`. 4. Open VLC. Go to **Settings > Media library > Custom media folders**. 5. Manually add the path to that **subfolder** (e.g., `/storage/emulated/0/MySecretStuff/Videos`). **Why it works:** The `.nomedia` file at the root hides the entire `MySecretStuff` folder from Android's scanner and other apps. VLC, when pointed directly at the `Videos` subfolder, scans *downwards* from that point. It doesn't scan *upwards* to discover the `.nomedia` file in the parent directory. I've tested this, and it's the method confirmed by multiple users on Reddit discussing [how to make VLC ignore a certain folder](https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/12ejjr6/is_there_a_way_to_make_vlc_ignore_a_certain/) and [viewing hidden content](https://www.reddit.com/r/VLC/comments/1njn6a3/viewing_hidden_content/). > **Pro Tip:** If this feels like a hassle, know that **MX Player Pro** has a built-in setting to "Show media from folders with .nomedia file". It's a more user-friendly option if privacy is your top concern and you don't mind a different player, as detailed in our [MX Player Pro APK Download guide](https://download.13636.com/news/692.html). --- ## 2. Kill the "Resume Playback" & History Trail VLC loves to remember. It saves your playback position and keeps a history of what you've watched. For privacy, this is a problem. * **Disable Playback History:** In VLC, go to **Settings > Playback > Playback history** and turn it **OFF**. This prevents videos from appearing in the "History" section of your library. * **The "Incognito" Hint:** Some users on newer versions report seeing an "Incognito" mode option related to playback history, as mentioned in [Reddit discussions about VLC's resume options](https://www.reddit.com/r/VLC/comments/1lk21bb/no_resume_played_video_in_options_for_vlc_on/). Dig through your settings—if it's there, enable it. * **Manual Clean-Up:** As a nuclear option, you can go to your phone's **Settings > Apps > VLC > Storage & Cache** and tap **Clear Cache**. This will wipe temporary data, including recent history. (Note: This does not delete your video files). --- ## 3. The Sticky Notification & Lock Screen Bug (And How to Fix It) Here's a critical privacy bug that's easy to miss. Users have reported that even after closing VLC, the media playback controls can remain stuck on the lock screen and in the notification shade, potentially showing the filename of what you were last watching, a bug documented in the [VLC Android issue tracker](https://code.videolan.org/videolan/vlc-android/-/issues/2060). **The Fix:** 1. **Don't just hit the Home button.** Always stop the video and **exit VLC properly** using the Back button until the app closes. 2. If controls are still stuck, pull down the notification shade and swipe away the VLC notification. 3. If it's *really* stuck, force stop the app: **Phone Settings > Apps > VLC > Force Stop**. --- ## 4. Granular Android Permissions: VLC on a Leash  You can use Android's own permission system to harden VLC. The goal is to give it the minimum access needed. 1. Go to **Settings > Apps > VLC > Permissions**. 2. **Microphone & Camera:** Set to **Deny**. VLC doesn't need these for playback. 3. **Files and Media:** Instead of "Allow all the time," choose **"Allow only while using the app"** or use the **"Don't allow"** option and then grant access to specific folders only when prompted. Some privacy-focused users run VLC with storage scoped to only their music and video folders, which works perfectly, as discussed in [GrapheneOS forums on VLC security](https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/2714-is-vlc-player-good-for-security-and-privacy). 4. (Advanced) **Network Access:** If you *only* play local files, consider denying network access. This is an extreme hardening step discussed in [privacy communities to mitigate risk](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/secure-media-player-or-vlc-harden/17504) from malicious video files. --- ## 5. Use VLC as a Network Stream Powerhouse (Beyond YouTube) Everyone knows VLC can play network streams via URL. But try these: * **Stream from your PC:** Set up a simple HTTP or FTP server on your computer (using apps like SimpleHTTPServer in Python or FileZilla). Point VLC's "Open Network Stream" to `http://YOUR-PC-IP:PORT/yourvideo.mkv`. * **Access SMB Shares:** Directly browse and play videos from Windows network shares or a NAS. Go to **Browse > Local Network** in VLC. * **Play Audio-Only Streams:** Perfect for internet radio. VLC handles `.m3u` playlists and direct stream links with ease. --- ## 6. Secret Audio & Video Boosts in the Equalizer The equalizer isn't just for music. * **For Headphones:** Enable the **"Headphone Virtualization"** spatializer effect (under Audio > Effects) for a wider soundstage. * **For Quiet Videos:** In the Compressor effect (Audio > Effects), reduce the threshold and increase the ratio to make quiet dialogues louder and loud action scenes quieter. * **Video Color Tweaking:** Under **Video > Filters**, you can adjust brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation in real-time. Great for poorly encoded videos or personal preference. --- ## 7. Gesture Controls You Probably Missed The on-screen buttons are fine, but gestures are faster. * **Double-tap** on the left or right side of the screen to skip back/forward 10 seconds. * **Pinch to zoom** in and out of a video (to crop or adjust aspect ratio). * **Two-finger swipe up/down** to adjust volume (can be changed in settings). * **Two-finger swipe left/right** to adjust brightness. --- ## 8. Advanced Subtitle Handling VLC's subtitle support is legendary. * **Download Subs Automatically:** While playing a video, tap the **Subtitle icon > Download subtitles**. It searches opensubtitles.org. * **Adjust Sync on the Fly:** Tap the subtitle icon and use the **±** buttons to delay or advance subtitles by 50ms increments. Lifesaver for out-of-sync files. * **Custom Font & Size:** Go to **Settings > Subtitles** to change the font, size, and color of all subtitles. --- ## 9. Background Audio Playback & Pop-up Video * **Background Playback:** Start playing a video, then press the Home button. The audio will continue. Pull down the notification shade to control playback. * **Pop-up/ Floating Player:** Look for the **"Popup"** or **"Floating"** button in the player controls (it looks like a small rectangle). Tap it to keep the video in a small, always-on-top window while you use other apps. --- ## 10. The "Cast to TV" Trick (That Isn't Chromecast) VLC doesn't have built-in Chromecast support. Its **"Renderers"** feature is for casting via local network protocols like UPnP/DLNA. 1. Ensure your smart TV or device (like a PlayStation) is on the same Wi-Fi and has DLNA/UPnP enabled. 2. In VLC, start playing a video, then tap the **Cast icon** in the top menu. 3. Select your TV from the list of available renderers. This streams the file directly from your phone to the TV. --- ## VLC vs. The Alternatives: When to Use Something Else VLC is a Swiss Army knife, but sometimes you need a specialized tool. * **For Better Privacy UI:** **MX Player Pro** has clearer privacy toggles. * **For a Sleeker, Modern Interface:** Try **XPlayer**, available for [XPlayer APK Download](https://download.13636.com/apps/546.html). * **For Built-in Video Conversion:** **Film2Play** is a great all-in-one player and converter, which you can get via the [Film2Play APK for Android](https://download.13636.com/apps/482.html). * **For Pure Music Playback:** Consider a dedicated app like **Poweramp** or **Musicolet** from our list of the [8 Best Music Player Apps For Android](https://download.13636.com/news/8.html). **Final Word:** VLC is powerful because it gives you control, not because it holds your hand. To use it privately, you must actively configure it. Use the `.nomedia` trick, disable history, manage permissions, and always exit the app properly. There is no magic "Incognito Mode" yet (it's a [requested feature in the VLC tracker](https://code.videolan.org/videolan/vlc-android/-/issues/2122)), but with these tips, you can build your own. > **Looking for more media apps?** Check out our full [collection of audio and video players](https://download.13636.com/apps/entertainment/) for Android. *About the Author: **Mike Chen** is a mobile gaming veteran with 10+ years of hands-on experience testing thousands of apps. He writes based on real downloads and usage, focusing on practical tips, privacy workarounds, and honest assessments to help users find the right tools for their needs.*