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How to Play MKV Videos on an iPhone or iPad Without Converting Them

You just downloaded a video from the web and noticed that it’s an MKV file, but your iPhone or iPad’s built-in apps only support video formats like MP4 and MOV. Thankfully, there’s a workaround. Let’s look at how to play MKV videos on your iPhone or iPad.

Play MKV Videos Using VLC for Mobile

VLC is a free media player available on computers, and its mobile app is called VLC for Mobile. The mobile app is also free and you can download it from the App Store. The VLC app supports many file formats, including MKV. Therefore, you can watch your video anytime, anywhere, without the fuss of converting file types using additional software.

How to Play MKV Videos Downloaded on Your iPhone or iPad

When you download a video on your iPhone or iPad, it saves to the Downloads folder in the Files app. Unfortunately, when you tap on an MKV video, you’ll only see a blank page showing the video title and file size.

So, after downloading the VLC app, follow these steps to enjoy your MKV video on your iPhone or iPad:

  1. Open the Files app. Tap on your MKV video.
  2. Tap the Share icon.
  3. Select the VLC app.
  4. Your MKV video will start playing in the VLC app.
How to Play MKV Videos on an iPhone or iPad Without Converting Them How to Play MKV Videos on an iPhone or iPad Without Converting Them How to Play MKV Videos on an iPhone or iPad Without Converting Them

How to Share MKV Videos Between Your Computer, iPhone, and iPad

If you downloaded a video on your computer but wish to watch it on your iPhone or iPad, the fastest way is to share the video directly is with the VLC app via Wi-Fi. Here’s how:

  1. Connect both your iPhone (or iPad) and your computer to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. In the VLC app on your iPhone or iPad, select the Network tab.
  3. Turn on Sharing via Wi-Fi. This generates a unique URL.
  4. In your computer’s web browser, type this URL in the search bar and press Enter.
  5. On the resulting webpage, click the Add (+) icon to add the video file.
  6. Once the loading bar hits 100%, the video is successfully added to your VLC playlist.
  7. On your iPhone or iPad, go to the Video tab. You can now watch your video on your mobile device.
How to Play MKV Videos on an iPhone or iPad Without Converting Them How to Play MKV Videos on an iPhone or iPad Without Converting Them How to Play MKV Videos on an iPhone or iPad Without Converting Them

Enjoy Your MKV Video on Your iPhone or iPad

Although Apple’s default apps don’t support MKV video files, you can still watch your video on your iPhone and iPad using VLC for Mobile. But when you download videos from the web, be careful to make sure that you’re not violating copyright laws!