VLC media player is one of the most popular and versatile video players available. It’s free open-source app that plays just about any video and audio format. For Android devices running older versions like 4.4 KitKat VLC offers old player APK downloads to provide continued support. In this guide, we’ll cover how to download and install free VLC player old versions for Android 4.4.
What Is VLC Media Player
VLC player is a product of the VideoLAN project, a non-profit organization started by students at the École Centrale Paris university in France. Originally released in 2001, VLC quickly became the go-to media player for Windows PCs due to its format versatility, open-source nature, and lack of spyware or ads.
Over the years VLC expanded to other platforms like Linux, Mac, iOS, and Android. Key features include:
- Plays virtually all video and audio formats
- Supports DVDs, CDs, VCDs, and network streams
- Provides codec and format conversion tools
- Clean intuitive interface with minimal buttons
- Completely free and open source
- Available in dozens of languages
- Customizable with skins and plugins
VLC’s ability to handle obscure codecs and formats makes it extremely versatile. It’s trusted by millions worldwide.
Why Download Old Versions for Android?
VLC maintains the current player app compatible with newer Android versions. But many devices still run older systems like Android 4.4 KitKat. For these devices, using the latest VLC APK may result in crashes or playback issues.
By downloading an old compatible VLC version, you ensure stability and performance on legacy Android OS versions. Older VLC APKs have other benefits too like:
- Smaller app size requirements
- May fix bugs in newer versions
- Retain preferred old interface
- Avoid features bloat of new versions
- Continued security updates
- Nostalgia or familiarity
So even if you don’t have KitKat specifically, downloading an old build can provide a lighter and more familiar VLC experience.
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Where to Download VLC for Android 4.4
VLC’s developers make available install files for older app versions. Here are some safe download sources for VLC on Android 4.4 KitKat devices:
Official VideoLAN Website
- Navigate to https://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-android.html
- Scroll down to “Official Android previous versions”
- Select Android 4.4 APK download (version 2.1.5)
APKMirror
- Go to https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/videolan/vlc/
- Select version 2.1.5, compatible with Android 4.4
- Tap “Download APK”
APKPure
- Go to https://apkpure.com/vlc-for-android/org.videolan.vlc
- Select version 2.1.5 from drop-down menu
- Tap “Download APK” button
Always verify the file is from VideolAN before installing for best security.
How to Install VLC 2.1.5 on Android 4.4
Once downloaded, here are the installation steps:
- On your Android 4.4 device, go to Settings > Security and enable “Unknown Sources” to allow third-party APK installs.
- Locate the downloaded VLC 2.1.5 APK file on your device storage and tap to begin installation.
- Accept any permission or prompt screens that appear during install.
- Once complete, the VLC 2.1.5 app icon will appear on your apps menu/homescreen.
- Launch VLC and enjoy! Be sure to allow any permissions required.
No root or special configuration is required. Make sure to disable “Unknown Sources” again after finishing installation. The old version should now work smoothly on your older Android OS.
Key Features of VLC 2.1.5 for Android 4.4
Some handy features available in VLC version 2.1.5 for Android 4.4 KitKat include:
- Plays most video and audio files, including MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, Ogg, FLAC, etc.
- Support for multi-track audio and subtitles
- Background playback mode
- Headphone optimization for immersive audio
- Gesture and lock screen playback controls
- Hardware decoding for improved performance
- File browser integration
- Media library organization
- Playback speed adjustment
- Sleep timer for media
- Network file sharing access
- Continued bug fixes and security patches
While not as feature-rich as the newest versions, VLC 2.1.5 still provides the excellent media format support that has made the player so popular.
Troubleshooting Help
Here are some tips to troubleshoot VLC 2.1.5 if you have issues:
- Make sure device meets minimum OS and hardware requirements
- Check that the APK was installed completely
- Try re-installing the app and rebooting device
- Ensure VLC has required permissions enabled
- Delete old VLC data/cache via Settings > Apps
- Still issues? Try installing a newer 4.4-compatible VLC release
With such an old version, compatibility problems can pop up but are usually fixable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about installing VLC on Android 4.4 KitKat:
Is this version of VLC still safe to use?
Yes, VideoLAN still provides security patches for old VLC versions. Just avoid very outdated releases.
Will I lose data from my existing VLC app?
No, installing an old VLC APK will not affect your current app or data at all.
Can I install multiple VLC versions?
Absolutely. You can install as many different VLC versions as desired – just use different names.
Is VLC still free with old versions?
Yes, VLC remains 100% free in all versions, both new and old. There are no ads or payments.
Where is the VLC download for my Android version?
Check the VideoLAN site or APKMirror to find your specific compatible VLC APK download link.
Conclusion
With the right old APK, you can get VLC working smoothly even on aging Android 4.4 KitKat. Enjoy continued video playback with this powerful classic media player.