How to Fix KMPlayer External Codec Libvlcjni.so CPU ARM64-v8a Error (2025 Guide)

Are you getting the dreaded Kmp External Codec Libvlcjni.so CPU ARM64-v8a error when trying to play videos on KMPlayer for Android? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many users, especially those using newer Android devices, have faced this codec issue when trying to play certain file formats like MKV, AVI, or HEVC.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through what the KMPlayer external codec libvlcjni.so CPU ARM64-v8a error means, why it happens, and most importantly, how to fix it. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a serious media consumer, this guide will help you get KMPlayer up and running again.

What is the KMP External Codec Libvlcjni.so CPU ARM64-v8a Error?

The error message refers to a missing or incompatible codec library file required by KMPlayer to decode certain video or audio formats. More specifically:

• libvlcjni.so is a shared object library (similar to a DLL file in Windows) used by KMPlayer to run VLC-based decoding on Android devices.
• CPU ARM64-v8a refers to the architecture of your mobile processor (most modern Android smartphones use ARM64-based chips).
• The error suggests that the required codec file for ARM64-v8a is either:

This typically appears when KMPlayer tries to load an external codec and fails.

Why Does This Error Happen?

Here are the most common causes:

• Outdated KMPlayer app
• Incorrect or missing external codec file (libvlcjni.so)
• Codec placed in the wrong directory
• Incompatible codec version (not built for ARM64-v8a)
• Permissions denied to access codec file
• Unsupported video file format requiring manual codec support

Fix KMPlayer External Codec Libvlcjni.so CPU ARM64-v8a Error

Let’s now look at all working methods to resolve this issue. Try them one by one—usually, Method 2 or 3 does the trick.

Update KMPlayer to the Latest Version

Before diving into codec installations, make sure your KMPlayer is updated:

1. Open Google Play Store.
2. Search for KMPlayer.
3. Tap Update (if available).
4. Restart the app and try playing your video again.

Why this helps: The latest version often comes bundled with updated internal codecs, reducing dependency on external ones.

Download and Install the Correct External Codec (libvlcjni.so for ARM64-v8a)

If the app still shows the Kmp External Codec Libvlcjni.so CPU ARM64-v8a error, you’ll need to manually download and install the required codec.

Download the correct codec for ARM64-v8a:

Extract the ZIP file:

• Use a file manager app like ZArchiver or RAR.
• Extract the .so file from the ZIP archive.

Create the codec folder in KMPlayer:

• • Open your internal storage or SD card.

  • Navigate to: Android/data/com.kmplayer/files/

  • If not present, create a new folder named codec.

  • Final path should be: Android/data/com.kmplayer/files/codec/

Move libvlcjni.so file:

Restart KMPlayer:

Play your video:

Use Internal Decoder as Fallback

If the external codec is not working, try switching to KMPlayer’s internal decoder:

1. Open KMPlayer.
2. Play the video that gives the error.
3. Tap the three dots (More) in the top-right.
4. Go to Playback Options > Decoder.
5. Change from External Codec to Internal Codec.
6. Restart playback.

This avoids relying on external codec files altogether and can solve most playback problems, especially for popular formats like MP4, MKV, or AVI.

Clear KMPlayer Cache and Storage

Sometimes a corrupt app cache can prevent KMPlayer from loading new codecs.

1. Go to Settings > Apps > KMPlayer.
2. Tap Storage & Cache.
3. Hit Clear Cache, then Clear Storage.
4. Open KMPlayer again and reconfigure codec settings.

Note: Clearing storage will reset app settings and downloaded subtitles.

Grant KMPlayer Storage Permissions

KMPlayer needs file access permission to load external codec files from storage.

1. Go to Settings > Apps > KMPlayer > Permissions.
2. Enable:

Relaunch KMPlayer and try again.

Try VLC Player as an Alternative

If none of the fixes work, and the video file format is common (like MKV, MOV, HEVC), try using VLC for Android, which doesn’t rely on external codecs.

1. Download from Play Store: VLC for Android
2. Open the app and locate your file.
3. VLC supports ARM64-v8a natively with no additional codec installation required.

• If you have root access, you can also try placing the libvlcjni.so file into /data/local/tmp/codec/ for system-wide access.
• Make sure the codec file permissions are set to readable by KMPlayer.
• Always match codec architecture to your CPU. ARM64-v8a codec won’t work on ARMv7 or x86 devices.

Recommended Codec Download Links (2025)

Here are trusted sources for the latest external codec files for KMPlayer:

Always check your device architecture before downloading. You can use the Droid Hardware Info app to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What does “libvlcjni.so CPU ARM64-v8a” mean?

It’s a codec file that enables video playback for ARM64-based Android devices in KMPlayer. If missing or incompatible, certain video formats will not play.

Q2. Is KMPlayer not working on ARM64 phones?

KMPlayer works fine, but for specific formats like H.265 or AC3 audio, it may need external codec support on ARM64 phones.

Q3. Why is my external codec not being detected?

Ensure:

• File is placed in /Android/data/com.kmplayer/files/codec/
• It matches your device’s CPU (ARM64-v8a)
• You’ve restarted the app
• Permissions are granted

Q4. Can I rename the codec file?

No. The file must be named exactly libvlcjni.so for KMPlayer to detect it correctly.

Conclusion

Fixing the KMP External Codec Libvlcjni.so CPU ARM64-v8a error in KMPlayer might seem frustrating at first, but with the right steps, it’s an easy fix. Whether you install the external codec or switch to the internal decoder, you’ll be back to smooth video playback in no time.

KMPlayer is a powerful app, but like any media player that relies on third-party libraries, it needs a bit of setup on newer devices. Once done right, you’ll enjoy full HD and 4K playback on your Android without interruptions.

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