Logging into android box from phone..

Good evening folks..

I'm wondering if this might be possible?..

I have an android box plugged into my TV, that I have an external hard drive connected to with stuff on it..

I'm hoping to be able to log into it from elsewhere and watch stuff from the hard drive on a phone or whatever..

Might this be possible at all?..

Thanks,

basill

https://www.noip.com/remote-access/computer

Thanks..I don't think it works with android, does it?..but a dns is what I'm looking for, yeah?..

banie01

FX explorer on both, or any of the many file explorer apps available.

That's just my preferred.

I use it fairly regularly for swapping files and .apk's between android boxes and phone.

**Added video**

https://youtu.be/nEIqoo9UEYM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058210874/logging-into-android-box-from-phone

Generally its possible, but just to be sure, what Android box do you have? A few years ago I bought a cheap chinese android box to do just this. Its functionality was extremely limited and couldn't do the basics.

Once i/we know what you have we can get better provide assistance.

It's a something t-9..

Generally It's OK I think..

I've managed to connect with the fx but can't do anything beyond see the files..

Ideally I'd like to stream or download from it..

I can only connect from the web browser..can't get the two fx apps connected..

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117951968#Comment_117951968

I added a video above that will show you how to transfer files.

I'm trying to figure out why you want to stream or download from the box tho? Most people stream to these devices, and they are generally poor for serving content.

That needs you to setup the tv box as a server, and then use a media app like Kodi or Plex on the phone to watch.

It's not as simple as just accessing the files.

My fault entirely that FX advice didn't fit the use, hadn't read the last paragraph of your OP, sorry bout that.

Clareman

Plex Server works on Shield boxes so might be an option if the box will run it. Only thing to remember is if you have an external drive plugged in running full time chances are it'll fail so make sure anything important is backed up.

Well, it's just that I have stuff on the hard drive plugged into the box that I'd like to be able to access..they're mp4 mostly I think..some of them quite large..was thinking Dropbox but there's more than 2 gig..

banie01

Clareman's advice is right re:Plex, there a couple of more options too. VLC and MediaMonkey have server options too.

You need to set the box as a server and then use a media player app Plex/Kodi/VLC or whichever your preference is to stream on the phone.

Depending on your home modem? You could hook the hard drive up to that and switch on the DLNA media server.

Fritz, Asus and a few other brands have that option.

Yeah there's a USB plug in the back of the modem alright..it's one of the newer Vodafone ones..

I'll try that maybe..might be better not relying on uploading through the android box..

Many thanks..

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117952062#Comment_117952062

If it's the Gigabox, setup instructions are here.

https://deviceguides.vodafone.ie/vodafone/gigabox-windows-10/basic-use/use-file-sharing/

Legend..thanks..

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117952126#Comment_117952126

I'm just looking through it there..

It looks like it's only accessible over the local network..

Is there any way I'll be able to get at it externally?..

Clareman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117952533#Comment_117952533

If it's just media, then plex is probably the easiest and probably the most secure way of doing it if you aren't used to doing technie stuff. If you want to make all your files accessible externally you'll need to put security in place to make sure that only you can access it, not only for making sure your stuff stays private but to protect against randsomware which could wipe all your files very quickly.

Assuming you are ok with all of that and just want to get to the files, if you follow the instructions banie01 gave you you'll see the FTP setup, in that setup you'll notice it's a local IP address, on the vodafone box you should be able to find the external IP of the router, you can try to use this IP to access the files externally.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, remember that an external hard drive isn't really designed to be accessible and spinning 24/7 which it will be if you leave it plugged into the router, if you notice in the Vodafone instructions it shows a flash drive which doesn't have moving parts, it might seem like sense to have a drive left plugged in and accessible but eventually it will fail and need to be replaced, often the cheapest option is a subscription service.

banie01

@CQD Clareman's explanation above is a good one.

I don't know if the Gigabox is DDNS capable? If it is, access via WAN needs that setup, along with likely a portforwarded and a firewall rule to ensure only the HDD is open to to the net.

Plex will do what you want (as will VLC and a couple of other options). Plex has great documentation but the "best" functionality is in the paid version.

VLC is free, it's extremely well supported but slightly less polished in setting up.

The one thing that's important to remember here tho is that if you want to run your Android in server mode? Is that whenever you want to do anything else with the box, eg watch a movie directly in a different app, use any other app on the device, that server mode stops until the server app is restarted.

If what you are after is media library functionality, that can be accessed from other devices on internal/external networks and remain secure? I see the below as your options.

1.Dedicated server mode on your existing android device.

2. Add a raspberry Pi (a pi3 or up will do) and add a NAS image to that and then set it up. Can be a bit involved but should be done for @€50

3. Buy a NAS enclosure with a USB socket. Immediate use of your USB drive over LAN/WAN.Will allow quick and easy addition of extra storage. And usually DDNS and other tools are built in. Over a €100 for a good option tho, and a little more will add a couple of TB of storage.

Clareman

I didn't realise that about Plex, sorry about that. I just checked and discovered that I've the full Plex Pass, remembered I got a great deal years ago, back in 2017, didn't realise that or that it's on VR as well, time to dust off the auld Oculus and have some fun.