Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 - installing VLC player gets 'Xap not installed' message.

[GalaxyTabS_10_5]

After a recent reset of my Tab S 10.5 I've been trying to install VLC player but I'm getting the 'Xap not installed' message. I've tried giving it permission via the setting but that's had no effect.
I'm wondering if I need to:
a) Get online?
b) Register with Google for Playstore?
Thanks for reading.

 

[B. Diddy]

Where are you trying to install VLC from? The Play Store? The Galaxy Store? Or somewhere else?

 

[GalaxyTabS_10_5]

From the tablet's card. I copied it there from my computer.

 

[B. Diddy]

So it's an apk? If so, do you know where it's from, and what version it's for? It's possible the version you're trying to install is the wrong one -- you can find apks of various versions here: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/videolabs/vlc/

 

[GalaxyTabS_10_5]

Yes it's an apk. It's the version you recommended in this thread:

Post in thread 'Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 SM-T800-Reset needed?'

Feb 22, 2025

You could download the APK from a trusted source like APKMIrror, and then transfer the file to the tablet. You'd have to make sure that the option to install apps from Unknown Sources is turned on (search the system settings for that). https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/videolabs/vlc/

Turning on wi-fi shouldn't trigger any kind of account activation -- is there a reason why you don't want to turn on wi-fi and connect to your home network? Or is it that you don't want to have to sign in with a Google or Samsung account?

• B. Diddy

As I explained earlier, I hadn't intended to have this tablet online, but I've done that, enabling wifi and setting up a Google account. However, I still get the 'XAP not installed' message at the end of the installation process.

 

[B. Diddy]

What happens if you try to install VLC directly from the Play Store? Is there a reason you'd rather use the APK?

 

[GalaxyTabS_10_5]

No reason, I'll try that.
Cheers.

 

[GalaxyTabS_10_5]

Yes, that worked. All good now

 

[GalaxyTabS_10_5]

LOL. As I said, installing VLC from the Playstore worked. Only thing, the "Android is starting optimizing app 1 of 1" message with the rotating gears animation is back. But now I know how to fix that, and the best source for VLC, so I'll just redo everything. I expect no problems. Thanks everyone, for your help and advice