How to Get VLC to Play Audible on Desktop and Mobile

By Adam Gorden Updated on August 14, 2025

As one of the most popular and versatile media players, VLC is a go-to for many users to handle their audio and video files. But what if you want to listen to your Audible audiobooks through VLC instead of the official app?

This guide will show you how to play Audible on VLC Media Player, both on your desktop and mobile devices. Get ready to integrate your favorite audiobooks into your existing media library with ease.

audible on vlc

Part 1. Does VLC Play Audible Audiobooks?

Due to the protected AA/AAX format of Audible audiobooks, playing them on media players other than the Audible app can be a challenging task. These books are specifically designed for exclusive use within Audible's proprietary media player. When attempting to play these protected files directly on VLC Media Player, users often encounter compatibility issues. Despite VLC's versatility as an open-source player, it faces limitations in recognizing and playing Audible's unique and proprietary formats.
See also: Top 3 Things about Audible File Format

VLC Media Player supports a wide range of file formats, including but not limited to:

Inputs Formats
Input Media: UDR/RTP Unicast, UDP/RTP Multicast, HTTP/FTP, MMS, TCP/RTP Unicast, DCCP/RTP Unicast, File, DVD Video, Video CD/VCD, SVCD, Audio CD (no DTS-CD), DVB (Satellite, Digital TV, Cable TV), MPEG encoder, Video acquisition
Input Formats: MPED (ES, PS, TS, PVA, MP3), AVI, ASF/WMV/WMA, MP4/MOV/3GP, OGG/OGM/Annodex, Matroska (MKV), Real, WAV (Including DTS), Raw Audio: DTS, AAC, AC3/A52, Raw DV, FLAC, FLV (Flash), MXF, Nut, Standard MIDI/SMF, Creative

However, the AA/AAX formats, designed to protect Audible's content, restrict playback solely to the Audible app. So, what is the solution? How can users overcome this limitation and play Audible books on VLC Media Player? The solution is to remove Audible's DRM and convert the audiobooks from AA/AAX into a format supported by VLC.

Part 2. How to Get VLC to Play Audible [Tool Needed]

ViWizard Audible Converter is a powerful tool that removes DRM protection from Audible audiobooks and converts them to popular formats like MP3, M4A, M4B, FLAC, AIFF, and WAV. This allows you to easily play your audiobooks on VLC Media Player and other devices.

Supported Formats
VLC Media Player Supported Formats: Extremely extensive list including: MP3, FLAC, M4A, M4B, WAV, AIFF, Ogg, AAC, AC3, DTS, WMA, ALAC, and many more.
ViWizard Audible Converter Output Formats: MP3, M4A, M4B, WAV, FLAC, AIFF

Besides converting Audible audiobooks, ViWizard preserves full chapter markers and original metadata to keep your files organized. It also maintains the original audio quality, so you can enjoy the same listening experience in VLC Media Player.

icon
ViWizard Audible Converter

Download and convert your Audible titles from your library to Lossless, MP3, FLAC, M4A, M4B, AIFF, or WAV formats at speeds up to 100× faster.

Available on:

Converting Audible Books to MP3:

Step 1Open ViWizard Audible Converter

Download and install ViWizard Audible Converter on your Windows or Mac. Launch it, and sign in to the built-in Audible web player to access your audiobook library.

sign in audible account

Step 2Set Output Format

Go to Preferences > Conversion and choose a VLC-supported format like MP3, M4A, M4B, FLAC, AIFF, or WAV. You can also adjust audio quality and pick an output folder.

set formats

Step 3Add Audible Books

Browse your Audible library, click the + icon, and select the audiobooks you want to convert.

add audible title to conversion list

Step 4Convert for VLC Playback

Click Convert to save the books in your chosen format. Even if you convert numerous files, the process will be much faster because the speed is 100X faster. When the conversion is finished, click the Converted icon to see the converted Audible files on your computer.

click convert to convert audible titles

Part 3. How to Play Audible Books on VLC Media Player on Desktop

Now that you've successfully converted your Audible audiobooks to a compatible format using ViWizard Audible Converter, let's explore how to play them on VLC Media Player for desktop. VLC is available on Windows and Mac, providing a versatile solution for audiobook enthusiasts. Follow these user-friendly steps to enjoy your Audible content hassle-free.

On Windows and Mac:

  1. Launch VLC Media Player on your PC or Mac.
  2. In the player's interface, locate and click on "Media" in the menu bar.
  3. Choose "Open File" from the dropdown menu. This action prompts a window allowing you to navigate to the folder where you saved your converted Audible files.
  4. vlc media palyer open file

Note: Alternatively, streamline the process by dragging and dropping the converted Audible files directly into the VLC playlist.

vlc media palyer play music

Part 4. How to Play Audible Books on VLC Media Player on Mobile

VLC Media Player extends its reach to mobile devices, offering a convenient way to enjoy your Audible audiobooks on the go. Here's how you can play Audible books on VLC for both iOS and Android platforms:

On iOS (iPhone/iPad):

Step 1Transfer Your Audiobooks

There are two easy methods to transfer files to the VLC app on your iPhone or iPad:

Using Wi-Fi Transfer:

  1. Open VLC for iOS and tap the network icon in the top-left corner.
  2. Toggle on "Sharing via Wi-Fi." VLC will provide a local IP address (e.g., http://192.168.1.5).
  3. sharing via wifi on vlc mobile app

  4. On your computer, open a web browser and enter the IP address, making sure to include http:// at the beginning of the URL.
  5. Then, drag and drop your converted audiobook files onto the web page, or click the plus icon in the upper-right corner to upload them directly to the VLC app.

vlc sharing via wifi sharing

Using iTunes/Finder:

  1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer.
  2. Open Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows).
  3. Select your device, then go to the "Files" tab and click on the VLC app.
  4. Drag your converted audiobook files into the VLC Documents list.

transfer files to vlc app

Step 2Play with VLC

  1. Once the transfer is complete, open the VLC for iOS app.
  2. Go to the "Audio" tab.
  3. Your transferred audiobooks will be listed and ready to play. VLC will also remember your last playback position, which is perfect for audiobooks.

On Android:

Step 1Transfer Your Audiobooks

  1. Connect your phone or tablet to your computer via USB.
  2. In File Transfer (MTP) mode, open your device's Music or preferred folder and copy the converted audiobooks there.

transfer files mode on android device

Step 2Play with VLC

  1. Open the VLC for Android app on your device.
  2. VLC will automatically scan your device's storage for new media files.
  3. Tap on the "Audio" tab at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Your converted Audible audiobook will appear in the list. Tap it to begin playback.

play-audios on vlc media player on mobile

Conclusion

Now you may know how to play Audible on VLC Media Player. Audible audiobooks are encrypted AA/AAX files that can't be played without its app. To play Audible on VLC, you need to convert Audible books to MP3 with ViWizard Audible Converter. After the conversion, the Audible audiobooks can be played on VLC on desktop and mobile without limit.

You May Be Interested

audible on mp3 player

How to Play Audible on MP3 Player

Learn More >>
listen to audible on iphone

How to Download and Listen to Audible Books on iPhone

Learn More >>
audible audiobooks

What Is the Audible Cloud Player?

Learn More >>
bets devices for audible books

2023's Top Devices for Enjoying Audible Audiobook

Learn More >>

Leave a Comment (0)

  1. Home >
  2. Audiobooks >
  3. How to Get VLC to Play Audible on Desktop and Mobile