What you need before you start

To connect your phone to Jellyfin, you need three things: the Jellyfin server already running on a computer or device at home, the server's address (which looks like an IP address or a domain name), and your login details if the server requires them. Your phone and the server must be on the same network, or the server must be set up to allow outside connections.

Jellyfin is free software that stores your movies, TV shows, music, and photos on a device you control, then lets you watch or listen from other devices. The phone app is separate from the server itself — you download the app, point it at your server, and log in.

If you do not yet have a Jellyfin server running, you will need to set that up first on a computer, NAS, or other device. This guide assumes the server is already working and you know its address.

Key Takeaways

  • Download the official Jellyfin app from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS) — do not use third-party apps.
  • When you open the app for the first time, you will be asked to enter your server address, which is usually a number like 192.168.1.100 or a web address.
  • If your server requires a password, enter your username and password when prompted; if it does not, you can skip that step.
  • The app will connect and show your library — if it does not, check that your phone and server are on the same network or that remote access is turned on.

Finding your server address

Before you open the app, you need to know your server's address. If you set up the server yourself, you should have this information. If someone else set it up, ask them for the address — it will be something like 192.168.1.50 or jellyfin.example.com.

If you have access to the server computer, you can find the address by opening Jellyfin in a web browser on that computer and looking at the address bar. The part after http:// is what you need. If the server is running on a Synology NAS, QNAP, or similar device, check the device's settings or the Jellyfin documentation for that platform.

Write down the address or copy it somewhere you can access from your phone. You will need it in the next step.

Download and open the Jellyfin app

On your phone, open the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS). Search for Jellyfin. The official app is made by the Jellyfin project and has a blue icon with a white play button. Tap Install or Get, then wait for the download to finish.

Once installed, open the app. On first launch, you will see a screen asking you to add a server. This is where you enter the address you found in the previous step.

Enter your server address and log in

On the "Add Server" screen, tap the text field and paste or type your server address. Do not add http:// or https:// at the start — just enter the address itself, like 192.168.1.50 or jellyfin.example.com. Tap Connect or Next.

The app will try to reach your server. If it succeeds, you will see a login screen. If your server does not require a password, you may be able to tap Sign In without entering anything. If it does require a password, enter your username in the first field and your password in the second, then tap Sign In.

If the app cannot reach the server, you will see an error message. This usually means your phone is not on the same network as the server, or the server address is wrong. Check the address and try again, or see the troubleshooting section below.

What to do if the connection fails

If you see "Unable to connect" or a similar error, first check that you typed the address correctly. A single wrong number or letter will cause the connection to fail. Copy the address from a text message or email if possible, rather than typing it by hand.

Next, check that your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the server. If the server is at home and you are on mobile data (4G, 5G, LTE), the app will not find it unless the server is set up for remote access. Ask whoever manages the server whether remote access is turned on.

If you are on the same network and the address is correct, the server itself may be offline or not running Jellyfin. Check that the server computer or device is powered on and that Jellyfin is running. You can test this by opening a web browser on any computer on the same network and going to the server address — if Jellyfin loads in the browser, the server is working.

Playing content and managing your library

Once you are logged in, you will see your Jellyfin library organized by Movies, Shows, Music, and other categories. Tap any title to see details, then tap the play button to start watching or listening. The app will stream the content from your server to your phone.

You can also download content to your phone for offline viewing. Open a movie or show, tap the menu (three dots), and look for a download option. Downloaded content will play without needing a connection to the server, though this uses storage space on your phone.

If you have multiple servers set up, you can add more by tapping the menu and selecting "Add Server" again. The app will remember all of them and let you switch between them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Jellyfin on my phone away from home?

Yes, if the server is set up for remote access. This requires additional configuration on the server side — usually involving a reverse proxy, domain name, or remote access setting. Ask the person who manages your server whether this is turned on. If it is, you can connect from anywhere using the same app and address.

Why does the app keep disconnecting?

This usually happens if your phone switches between Wi-Fi and mobile data, or if your Wi-Fi connection drops. Try moving closer to your router, or check that your phone's Wi-Fi is staying connected. If the server itself is restarting or crashing, the app will also disconnect — check that the server is stable.

Do I need to pay for the Jellyfin app?

No. The official Jellyfin app for both Android and iOS is free. There are also free third-party apps in both app stores, but the official app is the most reliable and is made by the Jellyfin project itself.

What if I forgot my server password?

Contact the person who manages your server — they can reset your password or create a new account for you. You cannot reset it from the phone app alone.

Can I stream 4K video on my phone?

Yes, if your server has 4K content and your phone supports it. However, streaming 4K uses a lot of data and battery. The app will automatically adjust the quality based on your network speed, but you can also manually set the quality in the app settings to save data.