Owners of popular Chinese Android TV Box processor-based Amlogic or Rockchip often encounter an incomprehensible application in the list of installed apps called RKMC. The abbreviation raises many questions among beginners, since the app interface is radically different from the usual launcher, and the name has no obvious meaning for the average user.
In fact, this is not a virus or malware. RKMC is an adapted version of the well-known media server Kodipreinstalled by the manufacturer for the basic playing video files. However, this version is often stripped down, contains Chinese services or is unstable, which prompts users to look for information about its purpose and management methods.
In this article we will analyze in detail the functionality of this software, explain why it takes up memory space, and provide instructions on how to completely uninstall it or replace it with a more modern version. You will learn how to distinguish the system kernel from the user shell and safely optimize the operation of your set-top box.
Deciphering the abbreviation and the origin of the software
The name RKMC is an abbreviation for Rockchip Media Center. Initially, this software product was developed by the company's engineers Rockchip as a standard solution for displaying multimedia content on devices with their processors. Over time, the term has become a household word and is now often used by manufacturers of set-top boxes on chips Amlogic and Allwinner to refer to a pre-installed player.
Technically RKMC based on the open source code of the project Kodi (previously known as XBMC). It is a powerful open source platform that turns the device into a complete home entertainment center. However, vendors often take an old version of the kernel, for example Kodi 14 Helix or Kodi 15 Isengard, and “pull” their interface onto it.
The main problem is that such an assembly rarely receives updates. Security outdated versions are questionable, since they may contain unclosed vulnerabilities. In addition, the interface is often overloaded with Chinese services, which are useless for a user from the CIS and only consume RAM.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to remove RKMC if in the settings of your set-top box it is marked as a system application without superuser rights. Forced removal via ADB can lead to the fact that when loading the system will look for this process and go into an endless reboot (bootloop).
Many users mistakenly believe that deleting this application will free up gigabytes of space. In fact, the executable file itself does not take up much space, but its libraries and cache can grow. Therefore, before any actions, it is recommended to carry out memory analysis and understand the real load on the system.
Functionality and limitations of the version
Despite its age, the basic version RKMC is capable of performing a number of important tasks for reproducing content. It supports most popular video codecs, which allows you to watch movies in high definition without additional software. However, the functionality highly depends on the specific firmware installed on your device.
The main capabilities include working with a local network and external drives. You can connect hard drives via ports or broadcast video using protocols from a computer or server. This makes the set-top box a convenient tool for creating a home theater. USB ports or broadcast video using protocols SMB And NFS from a computer or NAS-servers. This makes the set-top box a convenient tool for creating a home theater.
However, there are serious limitations that interfere with comfortable use:
- 📺 Lack of support for modern codecs, such as HEVC (H.265) with 10-bit color depth, which is critical for 4K content.
- 🌐 Impossibility of installing up-to-date addons due to outdated Python architecture in the core of the app.
- 🇨🇳 Availability of built-in Chinese weather services, news and video hosting services that do not work outside of China.
- ⚙️ Complex navigation system, not adapted for control from a regular one remote control without mouse mode.
For advanced users, it is important to understand the difference between hardware and software decoding. In older versions RKMC soft decoding is often enabled by default, which loads the central processor and causes the set-top box to overheat. In new versions Kodi these settings are optimized automatically.
Instructions for updating to the latest version of Kodi
Instead of suffering with the outdated one RKMC, the most reasonable solution would be to install a fresh version of the original Kodi. This will allow you to get a modern interface, support for new formats and regular security updates. The update process does not require root access and is performed using standard Android tools.
First you need to download the installation file APK. It is recommended to use the official website of the developer or trusted repositories, such as F-Droid. Avoid downloading modified assemblies from unverified forums, as they may contain adware.
Procedure for installation:
- Connect the set-top box to the Internet and open a browser or file manager.
- Go to security settings and allow installation of applications from
Unknown sources. - Download the latest version Kodi for your processor architecture (usually
ARMV7AorARM64). - Run the installer and follow the prompts on the screen.
After installation, you will see a new icon with a logo Kodi. You can set it as the default application for opening video files. The old application RKMC will remain in the system, but you will simply stop using it.
☑️ Preparing to install a new player
It is important to note that settings and media libraries are not transferred automatically from the old version to the new one. You will have to re-specify the paths to the folders with movies and music. This minor inconvenience is compensated by stable operation and the absence of playback errors.
⚠️ Attention: The interfaces of new versions of Kodi may differ from the usual RKMC. If you are used to a certain navigation scheme, give yourself time to adapt or install skins (themes) that return the classic look.
Methods for completely removing RKMC from the set-top box
If you are determined to get rid of pre-installed garbage, there are several removal methods RKMC. The method you choose depends on the access rights your device has. On most boxes without root access, the standard “Uninstall” button will be inactive.
The safest way for regular users is to disable the application through system settings. This will not free up space on the internal flash drive completely, but it will stop all background processes and hide the icon from the menu. To do this, go to Settings → Applications, find RKMC and select Disable.
For those who want to completely clean the system, you will need to use a computer and utilities ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to remove even system packages, but requires caution. You need to enable USB debugging in the developer menu on the set-top box.
The uninstall command is as follows:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.rockchip.rkmcThe package name com.rockchip.rkmc may vary depending on the manufacturer. You can find out the exact name using the command adb shell pm list packages | grep rkmc. Be extremely careful when entering commands, as removing system components may disrupt the operation of other services.
What to do if the set-top box stops booting after removal?
If after removing the system package the device goes into reboot, you will need to reflash it via a computer using the USB Burning Tool utility and the official firmware image for your model. This will return the system to its factory state.
Interface setup and remote control
One of the main complaints about RKMC is inconvenient control. A standard console remote control often works correctly only in basic functions, and navigation through complex menus requires mouse emulation. The solution to this problem is the correct configuration of settings files.
You can edit the file guisettings.xmlto assign remote control buttons to specific actions. For example, configure the “Back” button to exit the menu, and the “Home” button to call up the main screen. The file is usually located in the directory /sdcard/Android/data/org.xbmc.kodi/files/.kodi/userdata/.
It is also recommended to install specialized addons for management, such as CoreELEC Remote or configure protocol support CECif your TV supports it. This will allow you to control the player directly using the TV buttons, which greatly simplifies interaction.
To improve visual perception, it is worth changing the output resolution and frame rate. In the system settings, set the value 1920×1080 or 3840×2160 with frequency 60 Hz or 50 Hz depending on your region and display capabilities. Incorrect settings can lead to desynchronization of audio and video.
Use the "Mouse Toggle" application on your smartphone if the remote control cannot handle the controls in RKMC. This will turn the phone into a touchpad for precise selection of interface elements.
Problem diagnosis and alternative solutions
Even after all the settings, users may encounter playback problems. Often the reason lies not in the application itself, but in insufficient network bandwidth or processor overheating. If the video is slow, try lowering the file bitrate or switching to a wired connection Ethernet.
The table below shows common errors and how to fix them:
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Black screen on startup | Resolution incompatibility | Reset display settings in Android |
| No sound in DTS format | Lack of licensed codecs | Enable transcoding or update APK |
| Application crashes on startup | Full cache | Clear application data in settings |
| Menu slowdown | Lack of RAM | Close background processes and delete unnecessary ones |
If problems with RKMC are not solved, it makes sense to consider alternative players. An excellent replacement would be VLC for Android, MX Player or Nova Video Player. They are less demanding on resources, have a modern interface and work perfectly with remote controls out of the box.
Remember that Android TV Box is an open platform. You are not limited to the software supplied by the manufacturer. Installing a third-party launcher and players is standard practice for unlocking the full potential of the device. Experiment with the settings, but always have the option of resetting to factory settings at hand.
⚠️ Attention: Characteristics and Software capabilities may vary depending on the specific set-top box model and firmware version. Before making critical changes, check the documentation of your device on the manufacturer's official website.
Replacing the stock RKMC with a fresh Kodi or VLC is the most effective way to improve the stability of the media center and gain access to modern features without the risk of equipment failure.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update RKMC via the Google Play Store?
No, the pre-installed version RKMC is usually signed with the manufacturer's key and has no connection with the Google Play store. Updating is possible only by manually installing a new version Kodi via an APK file.
Is it safe to delete RKMC if I don't use it?
Complete removal using system methods (ADB) carries risks. The safest option is to use the "Disable" feature in Android app settings. This will stop the process, but will preserve the ability to restore if necessary.
Why does RKMC show movies only with sound, but without pictures?
Most likely, your video processor does not support hardware decoding of a particular codec, and software decoding is too weak for this resolution. Try installing a player that supports software decoding, for example, VLC.
How to return the factory version of RKMC after removal?
The only reliable way is to completely reset the device to factory settings (Wipe Data/Factory Reset) via the Recovery menu or reflash the device with the official firmware.