# How to configure and access a Jellyfin media server remotely
## Introduction
[Jellyfin](https://jellyfin.org/docs/) is an easy-to-use, open-source media system that enables you to have a single device that covers all your media needs: managing, viewing, sharing, and more. The server can be set up locally on all three desktop operating systems keeping you in full control of your data. However, accessing video files on the Jellyfin server from outside the [local area network](https://nordvpn.com/blog/what-is-lan/) (LAN) requires [port forwarding](https://nordvpn.com/blog/port-forwarding/) or advanced networking configurations.
By using [Meshnet](https://nordvpn.com/meshnet/), you can connect the Jellyfin server and the client devices to a single virtual network without changing your router or [firewall](https://nordvpn.com/cybersecurity/glossary/vpn-firewall/) settings. This setup enables remote access to your Jellyfin server’s content from anywhere in the world.
For a quick start, check out our video tutorial.
{% embed url="" fullWidth="false" %}
This article also contains written instructions for setting up your personal Jellyfin server and accessing your video library remotely using Meshnet.
## Install Jellyfin server
To start setting up, first, install the Jellyfin server software
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Windows" %}
To install the Jellyfin server on Windows:
1. Navigate to the [Jellyfin download page for Windows](https://repo.jellyfin.org/?path=/server/windows/latest-stable/amd64).
2. Download the latest installer file.
3. Launch the Jellyfin installer. \
\
If you receive a Windows Defender SmartScreen dialog, select **More info** and click **Run anyway**.
4. Follow the instructions provided by the installation wizard.
5. Click **Close** to exit the installer.
6. Start your Jellyfin server by doing any of the following:
* Opening the **Jellyfin server** app from your Desktop.
* Opening the **Jellyfin tray app** from the start menu.
You should now see a Jellyfin icon in your system tray.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**
If the **Windows security alert** box appears, select both the *private* and *public* networks options, and then click **Allow access** to allow connections through the firewall.
{% endhint %}
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="macOS" %}
To install the Jellyfin server on macOS:
1. Navigate to the [Jellyfin repository page for macOS](https://repo.jellyfin.org/?path=/server/macos/latest-stable).
2. Select your Mac's processor architecture.
* If you are using an Intel Mac, choose **AMD64**.
* If you are using an Apple silicon Mac, choose **ARM64**.
3. Download the available package file.
4. Open the downloaded `.dmg` file.
5. Drag the **Jellyfin** package to the **Applications** folder.
6. In **Finder** , navigate to the **Applications** folder and launch **Jellyfin**. If you receive a confirmation dialog, click **Open**.
You should now see a Jellyfin icon in your menu bar.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Linux" %}
{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**
In this section, the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS distribution is used as an example.
{% endhint %}
To install the Jellyfin server on Linux:
1. Open **Terminal**.
2. Execute the Jellyfin installation script with this command:\
3. Press **Enter** to confirm the installation.
4. Once the process is finished, the terminal should display that the Jellyfin service is active.
\
Alternatively, may manually check the status of Jellyfin by using the following command:
sudo systemctl status jellyfin
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
### Accessing the Jellyfin web interface
After installing and launching Jellyfin, you can begin configuring your server through its web interface.
1. Open your internet browser and visit the following address:\
\
`http://localhost:8096`\
2. Follow the instructions provided by the initial configuration wizard.
3. On the **Setup your media libraries** screen, click **Next** without adding any media folders.
\
You will find instructions for importing media libraries in the [Add media libraries](#add-media-libraries) section below.
4. Ensure to select the **Allow remote connections to this server** option when prompted.
5. Complete the initial setup and click **Finish**.
Your Jellyfin server is now active.
## Add media libraries
To add a media library to the server, you need to guide Jellyfin to where your digital content is located on the system. Jellyfin will then scan the added folders and automatically display all of the compatible files on your server.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**
This section uses a macOS device as an example, but the process is identical on Windows and Linux. The only difference will be the path structure of the media folder directory.
{% endhint %}
To add media files stored locally on your device, follow these steps:
1. Open your Jellyfin server's web interface and sign in to your account.
2. In the upper-left corner, select the three-bar menu and, under **Administration**, click **Dashboard**.
3. From the menu on the left, under **Server**, select **Libraries** and click **Add media library**.
4. In the new window, from the dropdown list, select the desired content type and enter a display name.
5. Click the plus (+) button next to **Folders**.
6. In the **Folder** field, enter the path to your media folder. Alternatively, you can navigate to it using the options underneath.
7. Click **OK** twice.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**
For additional information regarding media library configuration, refer to the “Media” section under “Server Guide” on the [Jellyfin documentation](https://jellyfin.org/docs/) page.\
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="success" %}
**Tip**
Optionally, you can add shared network locations, like shared folders from your NAS, as media libraries. For more information, see the [Add shared media](#optional-add-shared-media) section at the end of this article.
{% endhint %}
## Secure access to your server
Before you start using your Jellyfin server, you should modify some of the settings to minimize the risk of [unauthorized access](https://nordvpn.com/blog/unauthorized-access/).
### Restricting remote connections
First, since the remote access option is enabled on the Jellyfin server, it is recommended to restrict the allowed remote connections only to the Meshnet IP range. You can do so by taking these steps:
1. In the Jellyfin web interface, select the three-bar menu and click **Dashboard**.
2. From the menu on the left, under **Advanced**, select **Networking**.
3. Scroll down to the **Remote access settings** section.
4. In the **Remote IP address filter** field, enter `100.64.0.0/10`.
5. Click **Save** to confirm the changes.
### Creating new user accounts
If you plan on sharing access to your Jellyfin server with friends or family, it is a good idea to create unique accounts for each user. This way, everyone can keep track of their preferred content and your administrator account remains private.
1. On your Jellyfin web interface, select the three-bar menu and click **Dashboard**.
2. From the menu on the left, under **Server**, select **Users**.
3. Click the plus (+) button to add a new user.
4. In the **Name** and **Password** fields, enter the authentication details of the new account.
5. Under **Libraries**, choose which media the account can access. Alternatively, select **Enable access to all libraries**.
6. Click **Save** to finish.
## Remotely access the Jellyfin server
After setting up the Jellyfin server and adding the desired media content, you can access the server remotely.
### Method 1: Using Jellyfin Media Player
The first method to access media content stored on a Jellyfin server is by using Jellyfin’s media player software.
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Windows" %}
1. Download and install Jellyfin Media Player for Windows from [Jellyfin’s GitHub page](https://github.com/jellyfin/jellyfin-media-player/releases).
2. Copy the server device’s Nord name directly from the NordVPN app.
3. Launch **Jellyfin Media Player** and click **Add server**.
4. In the **Host** field, paste the copied Nord name, followed by `:8096`. Click **Connect**.\
\
**Example**
5. Sign in to the user account created on the Jellyfin server.
All media content stored on the Jellyfin server is now accessible via the Jellyfin Media Player app.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Android" %}
1. Download and install Jellyfin for Android. You can get it from:
* [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.jellyfin.mobile\&hl=en\&gl=US)
* [F-droid app catalog](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.jellyfin.mobile/)
* [Jellyfin's GitHub repository](https://github.com/jellyfin/jellyfin-android/releases/)
2. Copy the server device's Nord name directly from the NordVPN app.
3. Launch **Jellyfin**.
4. In the **Host** field, paste the copied Nord name and tap **Connect**.\
\
**Example**
5. Sign in to the user account created on the Jellyfin server.
All media content stored on the Jellyfin server is now accessible via the Jellyfin Media Player app.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="iOS" %}
1. Download and install [Jellyfin Mobile for iOS](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/jellyfin-mobile/id1480192618?mt=8) from the App Store.
2. Copy the server device's Nord name directly from the NordVPN app.
3. Launch **Jellyfin**.
4. In the **Server address** field, paste the copied Nord name, followed by `:8096`, and tap **go**.\
\
**Example**
5. Sign in to the user account created on the Jellyfin server.
All media content stored on the Jellyfin server is now accessible via the Jellyfin Media Player app.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="macOS" %}
1. Download and install Jellyfin Media Player for macOS from [Jellyfin’s GitHub page](https://github.com/jellyfin/jellyfin-media-player/releases).
2. Copy the server device’s Nord name directly from the NordVPN app.
3. Launch **Jellyfin Media Player** and click **Add server**.
4. In the **Host** field, paste the copied Nord name, followed by `:8096`. Click **Connect**.\
\
**Example**
5. Sign in to the user account created on the Jellyfin server.
All media content stored on the Jellyfin server is now accessible via the Jellyfin Media Player app.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Linux" %}
#### Install Jellyfin Media Player
1. Download the Jellyfin Media Player installation file for your Linux distribution from [Jellyfin’s GitHub page](https://github.com/jellyfin/jellyfin-media-player/releases).
2. Open **Terminal** and navigate to your downloads directory using the `cd` command.\
\
**Example**
cd ~/Downloads
3. Run the following command to install the Jellyfin Media Player package: \
```bash
sudo apt install -f ./jellyfin-media-player*
```
4. When prompted, press **Y** and **Enter** to confirm the installation.
#### Connect to the Jellyfin server
1. Copy the server device’s Nord name from the `nordvpn meshnet peer list` command output.
2. Launch **Jellyfin Media Player** and click **Add server**.
3. In the **Host** field, paste the copied Nord name, followed by `:8096`. Click **Connect**.\
\
**Example**
4. Sign in to the user account created on the Jellyfin server.
All media content stored on the Jellyfin server is now accessible via the Jellyfin Media Player app.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Android TV" %}
1. Download and install Jellyfin for Android TV. You can get it from:
* [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.jellyfin.androidtv\&hl=en\&gl=US)
* [F-droid app catalog](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.jellyfin.androidtv/)
* [Jellyfin's GitHub repository](https://github.com/jellyfin/jellyfin-androidtv/releases)
2. Launch **Jellyfin**.
3. Select **Enter server address**.
4. Type in the Nord name of your Jellyfin server and select **Connect**.\
\
**Example**
5. Choose **Add account** and log in to your Jellyfin account.
All media content stored on the Jellyfin server is now accessible via the Jellyfin app on your Android TV.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
### Method 2: Using an internet browser
You can also access the Jellyfin server through an internet browser. This method works consistently across all devices using Meshnet.
1. Copy the server device’s Nord name directly from the NordVPN app.
2. Open your internet browser.
3. Paste the copied Nord name followed by `:8096/` to the URL field and press **Enter**. \
\
**Example**\
`secret.meerkat-altai.nord:8096/`
4. In the **User** and **Password** fields, enter the login credentials of your Jellyfin account and click **Sign in**.
All media content stored on the Jellyfin server is now accessible via the internet browser.
## Optional: Add shared media
You may also add shared network storage locations as media libraries to your Jellyfin server. These locations can vary from [shared folders](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/remote-files-media-access/set-up-folder-sharing) of your Meshnet peers to a [remote NAS](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/remote-files-media-access/remote-openmediavault-nas). However, the storage medium must first be mounted on the server's system itself, only then you can import it to Jellyfin.
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Windows" %}
Instructions for mounting network shares on Windows can be found in the [Mount a shared folder](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/set-up-folder-sharing/configure-and-access-shared-folders-on-windows#mount-a-shared-folder) section of the "Configure and access shared folders on Windows" article.
After mounting the shared location, follow the steps from the [Add media libraries](#add-media-libraries) section to import the content to your Jellyfin server.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="macOS" %}
The shared location is mounted automatically on macOS after you connect to it. To connect to a network share on macOS, refer to the [Access shared folders section](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/set-up-folder-sharing/configure-and-access-shared-folders-on-macos#access-shared-folders) of the "Configure and access shared folders on macOS" article.
Once mounted, the path to the shared folder will be as follows:
{% code overflow="wrap" %}
```bash
/Volumes/
```
{% endcode %}
**Example**
{% code overflow="wrap" %}
```bash
/Volumes/MeshnetVideos
```
{% endcode %}
After mounting the shared location, follow the steps from the [Add media libraries](#add-media-libraries) section to import the content to your Jellyfin server.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**
Upon restarting your Mac, you'll need to reconnect to the network share. Until that is done, the media content will be visible but unplayable.
{% endhint %}
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Linux" %}
Instructions for mounting network shares on Linux can be found in the [Mount a shared folder](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/set-up-folder-sharing/configure-and-access-shared-folders-on-linux#mount-a-shared-folder) section of the "Configure and access shared folders on Linux" article.
After mounting the shared location, follow the steps from the [Add media libraries](#add-media-libraries) section to import the content to your Jellyfin server.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
is an easy-to-use, open-source media system that enables you to have a single device that covers all your media needs: managing, viewing, sharing, and more. The server can be set up locally on all three desktop operating systems keeping you in full control of your data. However, accessing video files on the Jellyfin server from outside the [local area network](https://nordvpn.com/blog/what-is-lan/) (LAN) requires [port forwarding](https://nordvpn.com/blog/port-forwarding/) or advanced networking configurations.
By using [Meshnet](https://nordvpn.com/meshnet/), you can connect the Jellyfin server and the client devices to a single virtual network without changing your router or [firewall](https://nordvpn.com/cybersecurity/glossary/vpn-firewall/) settings. This setup enables remote access to your Jellyfin server’s content from anywhere in the world.
For a quick start, check out our video tutorial.
{% embed url="
, navigate to the **Applications** folder and launch **Jellyfin**. If you receive a confirmation dialog, click **Open**.
