I’m new to Jellyfin, and I’m having trouble getting started.

Goals:

  • Host my media on a Mac Mini server
  • Access my media in my home from 2 other devices (one is an Apple TV, the other is a Firefox browser on my HTPC)
  • Let my family members in other homes access my server via Roku or Apple TV.

So far I’ve set up Jellyfin Server on my Mac Mini (specs below). I can see my media. Server seems to be working.

But when I try to access my server via Jellyfin Vue on another device, I keep getting an “Unable to connect” message. I’ve tried different server addresses, but no luck. Any ideas on how to address?

Thank you Lemmy folks!

192.168.x.x:8096

x.x.192.28:8096

SW:

  • Server version 10.9.8

HW:

  • Mac Mini (Early 2009)
  • 293 GB Storage
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Running MacOS 12
  • MentalEdgeEnglish
    2·
    1 month ago

    Why are you using the Vue client? It is WIP and does not come with the server by default.

    Does it work locally, on the Mac mini, if you open localhost:8096 in a browser on it?

    • mulcahey@lemm.eeOPEnglish
      2·
      1 month ago

      Vue is the only browser-based movie client listed on the Jellyfin site. Is there a better browser-based option?

      • MentalEdgeEnglish
        2·
        1 month ago

        The one that jellyfin comes with?

        Jellyfin comes with a webUI built-in (jellyfin-web), it is the same one you use to configure it after installation. Just put in the URL for your server into any browser, and it will load from your server and allow you to log in and start watching things.

        The Vue client will eventually replace that, but it’s not complete yet. ATM it is just an alternative client which is not included with the server.

        It’s only really meant to be used by those testing it for bugs, and that’s why you can “use” it by going to the “vue client” in a browser and then connecting to your server. Normally you wouldn’t do that, as entering your login details into some other website which then connects to your server, is extremely risky.

        That’s why webUIs normally come with the servers they are for, so they are hosted by you, not someone else. To properly use the Vue client, you would install it on your server.

        • mulcahey@lemm.eeOPEnglish
          3·
          1 month ago

          Ok, this makes sense, thank you.

          I’m now able to access my Jellyfin server from other devices in my home. (A browser on another machine, and an Apple TV with Swiftfin).

          If I wanted to extend access to people outside my home, what’s the best way?

          Thank you

          • MentalEdgeEnglish
            1·
            1 month ago

            Either use a reverse proxy, or a VPN. The former is easier if the idea is to allow less tech savvy users to just open a URL and get going.

            There are many ways to accomplish either option, for my reverse proxy I use nginx, but I hear caddy is very user-friendly.

            What a reverse proxy will do, is allow you to forward the default web ports (80 and 443) instead of exposing the one used by jellyfin directly. It sits between jellyfin and the outside, encrypting the traffic to the outside web, while internally forwarding the traffic to your jellyfin server. It also removes the need to remember IPs and port numbers as they are used with a domain.

            As such you will need a domain name. If that isn’t an option, your only option is a VPN… But any free dynamic dns service should be able to provide you with one.

            I use one that’s in my asus modems config. If you also have an Asus router, it should include the same feature, and it’s much less hassle than the online ones.