While using KMPlayer on Android, you might have faced “The libvlcjni.so library could not be loaded” error on your mobile. Until a few years ago, this problem used to be a major bottleneck in new smartphones with ARM64-v8a architecture. But currently, an updated version of the same library is giving this old player a new life, and it is nothing less than a game-changer
Today we are going to talk about the libvlcjni.so file for KMPlayer, especially for devices with ARM64-v8a architecture. So if your phone refuses to play any video, does not have audio, or shows an error like “This Media requires an external codec to play”, then this article is for you.
The error message that gives everyone sleepless nights
Imagine this: you have downloaded an episode of your favorite web series, a packet of popcorn is ready, and as soon as you play the video in KMPlayer… the dreaded message comes on the screen – “External codec required”. There is no audio at all, or the video plays frame by frame. This problem usually occurs with MKV files with EAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus) audio, DTS audio tracks, or some high-bitrate 4K videos.
This happened to me when I tried to play a movie on my friend’s mobile named Lava Storm Lite 5G (which is a great ARM64-v8a device). Surprisingly, the older, less powerful phone played the same file without any issues, but this new phone was unable to. The reason? Lack of codecs.
Where is the real problem? Android’s ‘fragmented’ codec ecosystem
The main misconception here is that “newer phone = better performance”. While this is true in terms of hardware, it is not so when it comes to software and licensing. ARM64-v8a processors like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 are extremely powerful, but the Android operating system itself doesn’t come with all the codecs.
In fact, Google only includes basic, open-source codecs (like H.264, AAC) in Android. Licenses for proprietary and advanced formats like DTS, EAC3, Dolby TrueHD are very expensive. Phone manufacturers (Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme, Redmi, itel, AI+ etc.) often don’t install these to keep their product costs low, especially in mid-range and budget segment phones. That’s why your so called brand new ₹30,000 phone can’t even play a single MKV file.
The Hero of the Solution: libvlcjni.so for ARM64-v8a
This is where KMPlayer and libvlcjni.so file come into play. KMPlayer is a player, but it can’t play all formats by itself. It needs codecs. libvlcjni.so is the magic key that gives KMPlayer the power of a powerful media framework like VLC. VLC is famous worldwide for its wide codec support.
At present, when most new phones have shifted to 64-bit ARM architecture (ARM64-v8a), its importance has increased even more. Older 32-bit (armeabi-v7a) codec files do not work on newer phones. So it is important to get the file with the correct architecture.
Personal Experience: How did I fix KMPlayer?
The solution for me was quite simple, but it required the right information. You can also try the steps I followed:
Finding the correct file: First, I downloaded the libvlcjni.so file for ARM64-v8a architecture from trusted sources like KMPlayer’s official forums and XDA Developers. Downloading files from unknown websites can be dangerous, so be careful.
Installation in the right place: After the file was downloaded, I looked for a folder named KMPlayer in phone’s Internal Storage. If not, this folder is created automatically after running and closing KMPlayer once. Created a subfolder named codec inside it (if not already present) and copied-pasted the libvlcjni.so file there.
- The full path looks like this: /storage/emulated/0/KMPlayer/codec/libvlcjni.so
Restart and enjoy: I then closed the KMPlayer app completely (by swiping away from Recent apps) and opened it again. Then played the same video file… and voila! Now the video was playing absolutely smooth and the audio was also crystal clear and no lag.
Why is this a game-changer?
Preparing for the future: Now all new Android devices are coming on ARM64-v8a. In such a situation, it is important to have an optimized codec for this architecture. This file prepares your device for future media challenges.
No root required: The biggest advantage is that you do not need to root your phone or install a custom ROM. Without any risk, you can enjoy all video formats on your stock device.
Benefit from hardware acceleration: Since this codec is built for your phone’s 64-bit processor, it takes full advantage of hardware acceleration. This makes playback of 4K and HDR videos smoother and also reduces battery consumption.
Conclusion:
So the next time your KMPlayer refuses to play a video, don’t despair. Download the correct libvlcjni.so file from a trusted source for your phone’s architecture (ARM64-v8a) and install it carefully.
This small file has not just saved an old app but has also given users back their digital freedom. And in the world of technology, that is when the biggest changes happen. If still have any doubt, please comment below and don’t forget to share it with others on social media groups!
