How to Play Video with the Screen Off on Android

This wikiHow teaches you how to use VLC on your Android to play videos without seeing them on the screen.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Installing VLC

  1. Image titled Play Video with the Screen Off on Android Step 1
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    Open the Play Store. It’s a multicolored triangle on a white background, labeled “Play Store.” You should see it on your home screen or in the app drawer.
  2. Image titled Play Video with the Screen Off on Android Step 2
    2
    Search for vlc. Once you type it into the search box at the top of the screen, you’ll see a list of search results.
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  3. Image titled Play Video with the Screen Off on Android Step 3
    3
    Tap VLC for Android in the search results. This opens VLC’s home page.
  4. Image titled Play Video with the Screen Off on Android Step 4
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    Tap INSTALL. A pop-up will appear.
  5. Image titled Play Video with the Screen Off on Android Step 5
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    Tap ACCEPT. The app will now install to your Android. When the installation is complete, you’ll have an icon for VLC on your home screen (and in the app drawer).
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Playing the Video

  1. Image titled Play Video with the Screen Off on Android Step 6
    1
    Open VLC. It’s the orange traffic cone icon with two white stripes. You’ll find it in the app drawer or on your home screen.
  2. Image titled Play Video with the Screen Off on Android Step 7
    2
    Tap ☰. It’s at the top-left corner of the screen.
  3. Image titled Play Video with the Screen Off on Android Step 8
    3
    Tap Settings.
  4. Image titled Play Video with the Screen Off on Android Step 9
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    Check the box next to “Play videos in background.” You can do this by tapping the box.
  5. Image titled Play Video with the Screen Off on Android Step 10
    5
    Tap the back button.
  6. Image titled Play Video with the Screen Off on Android Step 11
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    Tap ☰. It’s at the top-left corner of the screen.
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    Tap Video. The app will now search for and display all videos on your device and/or SD card.
  8. Image titled Play Video with the Screen Off on Android Step 13
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    Tap the video you want to play. The video will start to play.
    • If it’s your first time playing a video in VLC, a help screen will appear, explaining how to use the buttons in the app. Review the screen and then tap Got it, dismiss this.
  9. Image titled Turn On an Android Phone Step 3
    9
    Press your Android’s screen on/off button. This is usually the power button on top or side of the device. The screen will turn black but the video will keep playing. You’ll be able to hear audio but not see the picture.
    • When you unlock your phone again, you’ll be able to see the video again.
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About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 32,975 times.
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Co-authors: 2
Updated: July 10, 2017
Views: 32,975
Categories: Android Applications
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