VLC Android APK Download - Hide Private Videos (2026 Guide)

  **Conclusion upfront:** If you need an Android video player that can **truly leave no trace** of your private viewing sessions, VLC is your best bet—but only if you get it from the right place and configure it correctly. It's free, open-source, has zero ads, and with the right settings, it can achieve near "watch-and-delete" privacy for local files. However, a wrong download or a missed switch can still expose you. **Quick Privacy Setup:** * **Safe Source:** F-Droid APK (no Google telemetry) * **Key Setting:** Disable 'Playback History Mode' * **File Hiding:** Use `.nomedia` files in folders * **Final Step:** Deny network permission **Suitable for users with high privacy demands who don't mind a few minutes of setup. Not for those who want a slick, all-in-one player/streamer.** --- ## Why This Isn't a Normal VLC Review Most articles will tell you VLC plays "everything." That's true. But if you're reading this, you probably care about something else: **privacy**. You don't want your player remembering what you watched. You don't want thumbnails popping up in your gallery. You want to know the APK you're downloading is clean. I've downloaded and tested countless media players. The difference between a safe, private experience and a risky one often comes down to the source of the APK and a handful of hidden settings. This guide is about those specifics. ## 1. The Foundation: Downloading the Right (Safe) APK  This is your first and most critical line of defense. Where you get VLC from determines everything. * **For Maximum Privacy: F-Droid.** This is the gold standard for privacy-conscious users. The F-Droid version is built directly from VLC's open-source code, **removes all Google dependencies and potential telemetry**, and uses minimal permissions [as detailed on its F-Droid page](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.videolan.vlc/). The r/privacy community overwhelmingly [recommends this route](https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/qsvnk1/vlc_fdroid_vs_vlc_playstore_is_there_any/). * **For Convenience & Verification: Official Website / Google Play.** Downloading directly from [videolan.org](https://www.videolan.org/) or the Play Store gets you the standard, trusted version. The Play Store version may include optional Google services for casting, but it's still safe. * **As a Trusted Backup: APKMirror.** This site is widely considered safe by the Android community because it verifies APK signatures against official releases, a point often discussed in [Android community forums](https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/1f37ggu/how_safe_is_apkmirror_currently/) and [confirmed by its own listing](https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/videolabs/vlc/vlc-1-7-0-release/). * **