# Access shared folders from Android TV

In this article, you will learn how to access another device's shared folder from an Android TV device.

## Before you begin

Make sure that:

* You have configured a shared folder on a desktop device. Refer to the following guides for detailed instructions:
  * [Configure shared folders on Windows](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/remote-files-media-access/configure-and-access-shared-folders-on-windows#configure-a-shared-folder)
  * [Configure shared folders on macOS](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/remote-files-media-access/configure-and-access-shared-folders-on-macos#create-a-sharing-user)
  * [Configure shared folders on Linux](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/remote-files-media-access/configure-and-access-shared-folders-on-linux#prerequisites)
* You have a file manager that allows access to SMB network storage. In this guide, the X-plore file manager is used as an example.

## Access shared folders

To connect to a shared folder:

1. On your Android TV, download and install the [X-plore file manager](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lonelycatgames.Xplore\&hl=en\&gl=US) from Google Play.
2. Launch **X-plore file manager**. \
    \
   If requested, grant X-plore permission to access media on your device.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FE91wKAA0QgJvRIpGy0KO%2Ftv_smb_permission.png?alt=media&#x26;token=58e4656b-8735-40d7-8da2-28a0d2cfb24c" alt="Selecting &#x27;Allow&#x27; to grant X-plore access to photos and media."><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
3. In the right pane, navigate to **LAN** > **Add server**, and then select **Add server**.

   <figure><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FnAZJD8wLQEfQDKTjxmDk%2Ftv_lan_add_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ef5fd49b-94c9-4504-a776-a2dd486ea64d" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FS1P5UbBmNwgbLvT2h8sk%2Ftv_lan_add.png?alt=media&#x26;token=afb762ed-2a3a-4c15-b01c-05112c4176ec" alt="Selecting &#x27;LAN&#x27; > &#x27;Add server&#x27; > &#x27;Add server&#x27; in the file manager."></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

   &#x20;
4. Fill in the following details:
   * In the **Label** field, enter a custom name for the shared folder, which will be shown in the file manager.
   * In the **Server** field, type in the Nord name of the sharer's device.
   * In the **Path** field, enter the name of the network share.
   * In the **Username** and **Password** fields, enter the authentication details required for accessing the shared folder\
     &#x20;\
     **Example**

     <div align="left"><figure><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F4xlV7wqKnJR7sv9RjWgJ%2Ftv_smb_creds_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=85592ac3-4160-414b-856a-4c5a8d2bc248" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FRZXZnIhAigpJSVgetUeE%2Ftv_smb_creds.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a45786ea-ab17-4489-b9c1-916254e6c44d" alt="The &#x27;Add server&#x27; dialog filled in with the shared folder&#x27;s information." width="563"></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

     &#x20;
5. Select **Test** to check whether the connection can be established. Then, select **Save**.

The added folder should now be visible on the right pane, under **LAN**. Select it to display the files available in the folder.

<div align="left"><figure><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FFNyIY8Byw6zo7JlkxDpP%2Ftv_added_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=21f5470b-7f29-4716-8030-d6d2f8fb99e2" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FPUp9vuuQWzwVSMv9JzD8%2Ftv_added.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5fc09702-61cb-4e3d-8ad3-6a06b0064d71" alt="Contents of the shared folder visible in the file manager." width="563"></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

## See also

* [Access shared folders from Android](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/remote-files-media-access/access-shared-folders-on-android#before-you-begin)
* [Access shared folders from iPhone/iPad](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/remote-files-media-access/access-shared-folders-on-ios#before-you-begin)


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/remote-files-media-access/set-up-folder-sharing/access-shared-folders-from-android-tv.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.