How to open a .pls file (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Q: Why can't I open my .pls file?

Usually your computer lacks an app that understands PLS. Install one of the apps listed here, or convert the file to a more common format.

A .pls file is a PLS Playlist. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads PLS yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.

Open a .pls file step by step

Confirm the file really is a .pls. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
On Windows, open it with VLC or Winamp.
On Mac, use VLC or Music (iTunes).
On Linux, try VLC or Rhythmbox.
Still stuck? Convert the .pls to m3u, which opens more widely.

Best apps to open .pls files

Windows

VLC
Winamp
foobar2000

macOS

VLC
Music (iTunes)

Linux

VLC
Rhythmbox
any text editor

Before you open it: Safe. A PLS is a text list of media references and does not contain audio itself.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open my .pls file?

Almost always because no installed app understands PLS. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.

How do I open a .pls file?

Open it in a media player like VLC or Winamp, which loads the listed tracks or radio stream. A text editor shows the entries.

What is the difference between PLS and M3U?

Both are playlists. M3U is a simple line list; PLS uses an INI-style [playlist] structure with numbered keys and is common for internet radio.