To safely backup your data before uninstalling VLC on your Android device, you need to save your custom playlists, media library database, and subtitle settings manually since the app does not offer a built-in cloud backup feature. You can easily do this by using a file manager app to copy the VLC folder from your phone’s internal storage to a secure location or cloud drive.
Why You Need to Backup VLC Before Uninstalling
VLC for Android is one of the most versatile media players available on the Google Play Store. However, when you uninstall the app, Android automatically deletes all associated local data.
If you have spent hours organizing your media library, creating custom playlists, or tweaking hardware acceleration settings, deleting the app without a backup means losing all of that data permanently. Taking five minutes to save your files ensures a seamless transition, especially if you are troubleshooting a bug or upgrading your phone.
What Data Gets Deleted When You Uninstall VLC?
Before starting the backup process, it helps to understand what you are actually saving. When VLC is removed from an Android device, the following items are wiped out:
- Custom Playlists: Any locally created video or audio playlists.
- Playback History: Recently played files and resume positions.
- Media Library Database: Indexed folders and file paths scanned by the app.
- App Preferences: Custom subtitle fonts, audio boosts, and interface settings.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Backup VLC Data on Android
Because VLC saves its configuration files in the root storage of your device, you can access them using any standard Android file manager (like Files by Google or Solid Explorer).
Step 1: Open Your File Manager
Launch your preferred file manager app and navigate to your device’s Internal Storage.
Step 2: Locate the VLC Folder
Go to the following directory:
Internal Storage > Android > data > org.videolan.vlc
Note: Depending on your Android version (Android 11 and newer), you may need to grant your file manager special permissions to access the Android/data folder, or connect your phone to a computer via USB.
Step 3: Copy the VLC Folder
Select the org.videolan.vlc folder and choose the Copy or Move option.
Step 4: Save to a Secure Location
Paste this folder into a safe directory on your phone—such as your Download or Documents folder—or upload it directly to a cloud storage service like Google Drive.
Step 5: Restore After Reinstalling
Once you reinstall VLC from the Play Store, simply copy that saved org.videolan.vlc folder back to its original path (Android > data/) before opening the app for the first time.
Pros and Cons of Manual App Backups
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 100% Data Retention: Keeps your playlists, history, and settings completely intact. | Manual Process: Requires file management skills and finding hidden Android system folders. |
| No Root Required: Works on all standard, non-rooted Android smartphones and tablets. | Android Restrictions: Newer Android versions restrict direct access to the Android/data folder without a PC. |
| Quick & Free: Doesn’t require any paid third-party backup applications. | Folder Sensitivity: Renaming or misplacing files can render the backup useless. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I backup VLC data without using a file manager?
No. Because VLC for Android lacks a built-in cloud backup or export feature, you must use a file manager app or a computer to manually copy the app’s data directory.
2. Where are VLC playlist files stored on Android?
VLC stores its database, playlists, and settings inside the internal app data directory located at Android/data/org.videolan.vlc/files/ or within its internal databases.
3. Why can’t I see the Android/data folder on my phone?
Starting with Android 11, Google restricted direct access to the Android/data directory for security reasons. To access it, you can use a third-party file manager (like Solid Explorer) or connect your Android device to a Windows or Mac computer using a USB cable.
4. Will uninstalling VLC delete my actual video and music files?
No. Uninstalling VLC only removes the application and its internal configuration files. Your actual media files (MP4, MKV, MP3, etc.) stored in your phone’s gallery, Download, or Music folders will remain untouched.
5. Can I use Google Drive to backup my VLC settings automatically?
While Android has a built-in backup system, it does not always reliably restore app-specific local databases for media players like VLC. Manual cloud uploading of the org.videolan.vlc folder is much safer.
6. What should I do if my backed-up files don’t work after reinstalling?
Ensure that you paste the backed-up folder into the exact same directory (Android/data/org.videolan.vlc) before opening the newly reinstalled VLC app for the first time. If the app has already generated a new database, it may overwrite your restored files.