Editing Introduction to a Self Managed Life: a 13 hour & 28 minute presentation by FUTO software (section)

= How to Set Up VLC on Android to Play Videos from a Samba Server =

What’s the point of hoarding 100 terabytes of recipes and GNU/Linux ISOs if you can’t enjoy them on your home entertainment system or your smartphone; no matter where you are in the world?

I’ll start with the phone setup and then move on to the home entertainment system. A lot of people think my GNU/Linux setup that connects to my home entertainment system is way more complicated than it actually is. It’s simpler than you think.

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<span id="step-1-installing-vlc-on-android"></span>

== Step 1: Installing VLC on Android ==

<span id="download-vlc-from-the-f-droid-store"></span>
==== 1.1 Download VLC from the F-Droid Store ====

# Go to f-droid store app
# Search for VLC
# Download VLC
# Install VLC
# be happy

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<span id="step-2-adding-samba-share-as-a-favorite"></span>
== Step 2: Adding Samba share as a “favorite” ==

# '''Open VLC''': Once you have it installed, open it up.
# Grant VLC the permissions it asks for, if you want it to find files on your phone &amp; be able to play them.
# '''Add a Server''':
#* Go to <code>Browse</code>.
#* Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
#* Select <code>Add a server favorite</code>.
# '''Choose Protocol''':
#* Select <code>SMB</code> as your protocol. It defaults to FTP, but we want SMB.
# '''Enter Server Address''':
#* Type in the server address where your ZFS pool is located. This could be something like <code>happycloud.com</code> or simply the IP address: <code>192.168.5.2</code>.
# '''Server Name''':
#* Enter a server name, like <code>ZFS pool</code>, and hit OK.

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== Step 3: Find your hidden share ==

Once you’ve added the server to your favorites, you might notice nothing pops up on the screen. Plus, you might see items in favorites you never added. Don’t worry, it’s just open source quirks. Scroll over, and you’ll see the share you added. No mistakes here—it’s just open source being open source.

**Make sure you’re connected to your VPN!

Before you can connect to your share, make sure you’re attached to your VPN. Without it, you won’t be able to access your share. Once connected, you can click on your share!

# '''Authenticate''':
#* You’ll see <code>Archive</code>, but you need to authenticate with your username and password.
#* Enter your credentials. You can save them in VLC or use a password manager like Bitwarden—whatever floats your boat. I’ll save it in VLC for now.
# '''Access Files''':
#* Click on your file, and let’s watch. Ignore any video player tips. And there you have it! That’s how you connect to your share from anywhere in the world to view your files.

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== Alternative Programs ==

There are also non-open source programs that are pretty good at browsing, like '''Owl Files'''. You’d set them up similarly by entering your Samba credentials and network share information. Connect to your VPN, and your files are right there and available for you.

And that’s it! Enjoy your media from your ZFS pool wherever you are.

<span id="setting-up-a-linux-based-home-entertainment-system"></span>