Streaming & networking

Connect to an SMB or NFS share on a Mac, PC, or NAS

BoxPlayerUpdated November 2, 20262 min read

Connect media on a computer or NAS as a network source without copying the whole video to your device.

Platforms

iPhone / iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Android phone / tablet / TV, Windows / Linux. Protocol and playback support vary.

01Prepare the share and account

Enable SMB or NFS on the host. Note the host address, share name, and an account with read access. Start with the device and server on the same local network.

02Add a network share

Open Add File Source and select the matching network protocol. Enter a display name, host, and the path or credentials requested by the form, then save. A website URL is not an SMB path.

SMB connection form: host, share path, and account fields

03Browse and favorite a media folder

Open the saved share and confirm that folders and files are visible. Favorite a movie or TV folder and follow the indexing prompt. Start with a small folder.

Saved shares: file list and folder favorite stars

Before you finish

  • The host is reachable
  • The account can read the folder
  • A small file opens successfully

Related articles

Add a cloud drive and play a fileAdd a WebDAV or AList sourceConnect Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin
Need help with these steps?Contact support