MKV videos are popular, but Apple iPhones and iPads do not natively support MKV video file playback, which is disappointing. You will receive a message that says the videos you are trying to play are not supported. Thankfully, there’s a workaround for playing MKV videos on your iPhone or iPad.
While iOS and iPadOS do not support an MKV file, you will need a helping hand from a third-party app. In fact, there are several media players that allow you to play MKV videos on your iPhone or iPad, but most of them are paid apps. Rest assured, we are going for the free option called VLC.
For those who may not know, VLC is one of the most used media players, allowing you to play videos in various file formats, including MKV. You can also download music on your iOS device within the app. With VLC, you can play any MKV video on your iPhone or iPad without having to convert file types using additional software.
How to Play MKV Videos on iPhone or iPad
Step 1: First off, you need to download the VLC app on your iPhone or iPad. Head to the App Store and download the app.
Step 2: Now, open the Files app on your device and select the MKV video you wish to play.
Step 3: Tap the Share button at the bottom left corner of the screen and then select the VLC app from the Share screen. Your video is now playing on your device.
How to Share MKV videos between iPhone or iPad and computer
You can quickly share an MKV video between your iPhone or iPad and desktop PC directly within the VLC app. Before you begin, make sure your iPhone or iPad and your computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 1: Launch the VLC app on your iPhone or iPad and then select the Network tab at the bottom.
Step 2: Now, turn on the switch for Sharing via WiFi to create an URL.
Step 3: Open your preferred web browser on your computer, and copy and paste the URL you created earlier in the search bar. Proceed by pressing the Enter key.
Step 4: Click on the Add (+) icon on the screen to add the video file to the VLC playlist.
Step 5: Open the VLC app and select the Video tab at the bottom-left corner of the screen
Step 6: Now, select the video you wish to watch.
How to Play MKV videos on iPhone or iPad using KMPlayer
There is another free option called KMPlayer, which allows you to play MKV on your iPhone or iPad without converting the video type. Like VLC, KMPlayer supports a wide range of file formats, such as MP3, MP4, MKV, AVC, FLV, and more. Here are the steps;
Step 1: Download the KMPlayer app on your iPhone or iPad and open it. You will be prompted to grant the app access to your photos and media library.
Step 2: From the KMPlayer app, select the Home tab and hit the Files option at the top.
Step 3: On the next screen, tap the “Import External Files” button and the Files app should open.
Step 4: Select the MKV video file you wish to play on your iPhone or iPad from the Files app.
Step 5: Now select Save in App to save the video to KMPlayer. Now, simply tap the video from the list within the KMPlayer app and the video should start playing.
Step 6: To add more videos to KMPlayer, go to Files > Import External Files > tap the Add (+) button at the top menu.
