How To Access Jellyfin From Another Network

MIster jashon

8 min read

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Oct 04, 2024

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How to Access Jellyfin from Another Network

Jellyfin is a fantastic open-source media server that lets you stream your personal media collection anywhere, anytime. But what happens when you want to access your Jellyfin server from outside your home network? This is where accessing Jellyfin from another network comes in handy.

This guide will walk you through the steps to access your Jellyfin server from another network, whether it's your workplace, a friend's house, or even your mobile device while you're on the go.

Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into the specifics, let's clarify the underlying concepts:

• Local Network: This refers to the network within your home or office, where your computer and Jellyfin server are connected.
• Public Network: This refers to any network outside your local network, like the internet or a public Wi-Fi network.
• Port Forwarding: This is a crucial technique that allows you to open a specific port on your router, making your Jellyfin server accessible from outside your local network.

Steps to Access Jellyfin from Another Network

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to configure your Jellyfin server and router to enable access from another network:

1. Configure your Jellyfin server:

   • Enable Remote Access: Navigate to the Jellyfin web interface, typically found at http://[your server IP address]:8096. Go to Settings > Network and check the "Enable Remote Access" checkbox.
   • Choose a Port: You'll need to select a port for Jellyfin to listen on. The default port is 8096, but you can choose a different one if necessary. Make sure the port is not already in use by another application on your server.
   • Set your Server Address: Choose how you want to connect to your Jellyfin server. You have two options:
     • Public IP address: This is the most common method. Obtain your public IP address from websites like .
     • Domain name: Using a domain name (like ) is more user-friendly and allows for easier access from other networks. You'll need to configure a domain name with your chosen registrar and point it to your public IP address.

2. Configure your router:

   • Access your router's settings: Open a web browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. The default IP address is usually printed on the back of your router. You'll likely need to enter your router's login credentials to access the settings.
   • Find the Port Forwarding section: Look for a section labeled "Port Forwarding," "NAT," or something similar.
   • Create a new port forwarding rule: Add a new rule with the following information:
     • Name: Give your rule a descriptive name (e.g., "Jellyfin").
     • Protocol: Select "TCP".
     • External Port: Enter the port you chose in your Jellyfin server settings (e.g., 8096).
     • Internal Port: Enter the same port you selected in your Jellyfin server settings.
     • Internal IP address: Enter the IP address of your Jellyfin server on your local network. You can find this by typing ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (Linux) in your server's command prompt or terminal.

3. Test your setup:

   • From another network: On your smartphone, tablet, or computer, open a web browser and enter the address of your Jellyfin server. It should be either your public IP address or domain name followed by the port number (e.g., or).
   • If you encounter issues: Double-check your port forwarding configuration on your router. Also, ensure that your firewall on your server is not blocking the selected port.

Tips and Troubleshooting

• Use a secure port: It's recommended to use a port other than the default port 8096 to avoid security vulnerabilities.
• Enable HTTPS: Consider using HTTPS to secure your connection and encrypt traffic between your device and your Jellyfin server.
• Use a VPN: If you are concerned about security, you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your traffic and mask your IP address.
• Dynamic DNS: Consider using a dynamic DNS service (like Dynu or No-IP) if your public IP address changes frequently. This will allow you to access your Jellyfin server even if your IP address changes.
• Firewall rules: Double-check your firewall rules on both your server and your router to ensure they are not blocking the selected port.
• Restart your server and router: Sometimes, restarting your Jellyfin server and your router can resolve connectivity issues.

Conclusion

Accessing your Jellyfin server from another network opens a whole new world of possibilities for your media enjoyment. By following the steps outlined above and understanding the underlying concepts, you can easily stream your personal media collection from anywhere in the world. Don't hesitate to experiment and find the configuration that best suits your needs. Enjoy your Jellyfin experience!