How to Connect Phone Tablet to DLNA Media Server

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard that allows you to connect and share multimedia content between different devices within your home network. This means you can effortlessly stream photos, videos, and music from your phone or tablet to a DLNA-compatible device like a smart TV or media player. 

Connecting Your Phone or Tablet to a DLNA Media Server

Understanding DLNA

DLNA works on the principle of media sharing within a local network. To establish this connection, you'll need:

DLNA-Certified Devices: Ensure that your TV, media player, or other receiving device is DLNA-certified. Most modern smart TVs and streaming devices support DLNA.

DLNA Server Software: You need DLNA server software installed on a device that stores your media content. This could be a computer, network-attached storage (NAS), or even some routers have DLNA server functionality built in. Popular DLNA server software includes Plex, Serviio, or even Windows Media Player for Windows users.

A Connected Local Network: Make sure all your devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Now, let's proceed with connecting your phone or tablet to your DLNA media server.

Method 1: Using a DLNA-Certified App

Many smartphones and tablets have built-in DLNA functionality in their media player apps. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Connect to the Same Network

Ensure that both your phone/tablet and the DLNA media server are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Open the Media Player App

Open your device's media player app. It could be named "Gallery," "Photos," "Video," or "Music," depending on your device.

Step 3: Access the DLNA Functionality

Look for an option like "Cast," "Connect," "Play To," or "Media Server" within the media player app. This option might be found in the app's settings or main menu. Tap on this option to search for DLNA devices on your network.

Step 4: Select the DLNA Server

Your phone/tablet will detect the DLNA media server(s) on your network. Select the server you want to connect to.

Step 5: Choose the Media to Stream

Navigate through your server's media folders to select the content you want to stream.

Step 6: Start Streaming

Tap on the media file you want to play, and it will start streaming to your DLNA-compatible device.

Method 2: Using a Third-Party DLNA App

If your device's default media player doesn't support DLNA, you can use a third-party DLNA app. Here's how:

Step 1: Install a DLNA App

Go to your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS) and search for a DLNA app. Some popular DLNA apps include "BubbleUPnP" for Android and "nPlayer" for iOS. Download and install the app on your device.

Step 2: Connect to the Same Network

Ensure that both your phone/tablet and the DLNA media server are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 3: Open the DLNA App

Open the DLNA app you installed.

Step 4: Access the DLNA Functionality

Look for an option like "Cast," "Connect," "Play To," or "Media Server" within the DLNA app. Tap on this option to search for DLNA devices on your network.

Step 5: Select the DLNA Server

Your phone/tablet will detect the DLNA media server(s) on your network. Select the server you want to connect to.

Step 6: Choose the Media to Stream

Navigate through your server's media folders to select the content you want to stream.

Step 7: Start Streaming

Tap on the media file you want to play, and it will start streaming to your DLNA-compatible device. That's it! You've successfully connected your phone or tablet to a DLNA media server and can now enjoy streaming your media content on DLNA-certified devices within your network. Whether you're sharing family photos, watching videos, or enjoying your music collection, DLNA makes it easy to access your multimedia content on different screens throughout your home.

Contact Support.Com:

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below or consider seeking personalized assistance from Support.Com.

1. Introduction

DLNA servers allow for a fast and easy way to share media; movies, music, and pictures, from device to device over your home network. Windows includes a simple-to-use DLNA server. This guide will walk you through setting up your DLNA server, and a DLNA client on your mobile device.

Tools You'll Need:

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• iPhone charging cable
• Access to a computer with iTunes installed
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Supplies You'll Need:

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Before You Begin:

• You must have access to a computer with iTunes installed.
• You must have that thing for the other thing so you can do the thing.

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What is DLNA?

DLNA stands for Digital Living Network Alliance. Usually, it's used to refer to a suite of services that can run on a computer and allow access to a media library by other devices on your home network.

This means it's a quick, easy method to share your whole media library from your computer to the rest of your devices on your home network.

DLNA Server

In this case, you'll be creating a DLNA server on your Windows 10 computer, then connecting your media devices — smart TVs, streaming media players, tablets, and smartphones — to it.

Recommendations

There are a few things to keep in mind when using your computer as a DLNA server.

These are not strict requirements, but rather suggestions to help you have the easiest setup, and best possible experience while sharing your media library.

Server

Your computer is acting as a server. Your computer must remain turned on while you are watching something on your other device.

Power

If your computer is a laptop, it is recommend to keep it plugged into power. Also, it's best to make sure your computer is not set to 'go to sleep' after a set amount of time.

Windows Power Settings

• How to Disable Sleep Mode in Windows

Ethernet Connection

It is highly recommended that your computer is connected to a wired Ethernet connection. This provides a more stable, faster connection, as well as lets you use the WiFi bandwidth for the device receiving the video, instead.

2. Enable Media Streaming

First, we need to turn on the media streaming server.

1. Open the Start Menu and select Settings.
   

1. Select Network & Internet.
   

1. Select Ethernet (if your computer has a wired connection), or Wi-Fi (if your computer uses a wireless connection) on the left.
   

1. Select Network and Sharing Center on the right.
   

1. Select Media streaming options on the left.
   

1. Select Turn on media streaming.
   

1. Name your media library, then select OK.
   

Shared Files

Next, we need to make sure we're sharing the files you want to share.

In most cases, this will already be setup, but it's best to check to be sure.

1. Open File Explorer, then select This PC on the left, and Videos on the right.
   

1. Make sure you see your movies listed here, and that they have sensible names. Move any other movies you want to be able to play into this folder. This is the folder your other devices will see when they browse for videos to play.
   

3. VLC or other DLNA Client

We now need a program setup on your phone or tablet to view the various video you're sharing.

There are dozens of other DLNA-compliant media players on the market, some cost money, others are free, and all have specific features that some people may find more or less useful. If you are more comfortable with another tool, then you are welcome to use that tool instead.

VLC

This document will focus on a program called VLC Media Player. It is free, open-source, and available for iOS and Android. It has a built-in DLNA media browser.

Installing VLC

• How to Install VLC on Smartphone or Tablet

4. DLNA Streaming

1. Open the VLC app.
   

1. Select Menu in the top-left corner.
2. On an Android phone or tablet

1. The menu will appear as three lines.
2. On an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch

1. The menu will appear as a small traffic cone.
2. Select Local Network.
3. On an Android phone or tablet

1. The icon will appear as a folder with network symbol on it.
2. On an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch

1. The icon will appear as a small house.
2. After a few moments, your computer will appear in the list near the bottom as a UPnP or DLNA item.
3. You may then choose the various categories to select the movie or video you want to watch.