Access shared folders from Android

Learn how to access shared folders from an Android device over Meshnet.

On this page, you can find instructions for accessing shared folders over Meshnet from an Android device using some of the more popular file managers.

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

  • Configure shared folders on macOS

  • Configure shared folders on Linux

• You have a file manager that allows access to SMB network storage. If the file manager that is installed on your device does not have this capability, you will need to use a third-party app.

Access shared folders

Samsung My Files

To connect to a shared folder using Samsung's built-in My Files app:

1. Copy the sharer's Nord name directly from the NordVPN app.

2. Open My Files.

3. Under Storage, tap Network storage.

   

4. Select Add network storage and choose Network drive (SMBv2/SMBv3).

   

5. Tap Add manually.

6. Fill in the following details:

   • In the Address field, paste the copied Nord name, followed by a slash (/) and the name of the network share. Example secret.meerkat-pyrenees.nord/MeshnetFolder

   • In the Port field, enter 445.

   • In the Username and Password fields, enter the credentials required for accessing the shared folder.

   • In the Display name field, type in a custom name of how the shared folder will be named in the file manager.

7. Tap Add.

   

The folder should now display its contents inside the file manager

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Mi File Manager

Start by downloading and installing the Mi File Manager from the Play Store. Once it is installed:

1. Copy the sharer's Nord name directly from the NordVPN app.

2. Launch File Manager.

3. In the upper-left corner, tap the three-line menu icon and select Remote.

   

4. Tap Add remote device > LAN > Edit.

5. In the LAN dialog, fill in the following details:

   • In the Host field, paste the copied Nord name.

   • In the Username and Password fields, type in the authentication details required for accessing the folder.

6. Tap OK.

The added folder should now be displayed in your file manager. Tap it to display its content.

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MiXplorer

You can download and install MiXplorer from either the Play Store or using the .apk file. After installing the app:

1. Copy the sharer's Nord name directly from the NordVPN app.

2. Launch MiXplorer.

3. At the bottom, tap the plus (+) button and select Storage.

   

4. From the list of options, choose LAN (Samba).

5. Fill in the following details:

   • In the URI address field, paste the copied Nord name, followed by a slash (/) and the name of the network share. Example secret.meerkat-pyrenees.nord/MeshnetFolder

   • In the Username and Password fields, enter the credentials required for accessing the shared folder.

   • In the Display name field, type in a custom name of how the shared folder should be displayed in the file manager.

6. Tap Save.

   

7. If prompted, tap Agree to grant the file manager access to the files on your device.

   

You can now find the added folder by tapping the three-line menu from the upper-left corner.

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Cx File Explorer

Begin by downloading Cx File Explorer from the Play Store. Upon installing it:

1. Copy the sharer's Nord name directly from the NordVPN app.

2. Launch Cx File Explorer.

3. Switch to the Network tab and select New location.

   

4. Under the Remote tab, choose SMB.

   

5. Fill in the following details:

   • In the Host field, paste the copied Nord name, followed by a slash (/) and the name of the network share. Example secret.meerkat-pyrenees.nord/MeshnetFolder

   • In the Username and Password fields, enter the credentials required for accessing the shared folder.

6. Tap OK.

   

The shared folder should now open in the file manager. You can locate the folder later under the Network tab on the main app screen.

See also

• Access shared folders from iPhone/iPad
• Access shared folders from Android TV