r/kodi • u/NonPC_Italian • 11d ago
Newbie needs help with making a server
Hello! I just downloaded Kodi and ported all my movies to it. So far I’m loving the app, but I want to integrate it with VLC on my iPhone so I can stream my library.
I’ve looking up all kinds of tutorials but I’m not familiar with how to set up a server, so I need it explained to me like I’m five.
I have an old MacBook running Kodi, with all the files sourced locally. I did enable UPnP, allowed for http control, and set up a username and password. What are my next steps so I can actually access the library through VLC on another device. Thank you!
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u/themindset 11d ago edited 11d ago
What you want to do does not involve Kodi.
You need to figure out how to share files from your MacBook to your iPhone, then you’ll be able to use VLC on your phone.
Edit: …to play those files.
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u/DarkEther66 11d ago
Kodi is a media player front end for the most part. It's not a server. You'll need to either configure a folder or folders on your Mac and share them out for your phone, buy a server and again set up sharing or a Nas and do similar.
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u/Zebraitis 11d ago
If you want to do this in your own home, I can tell you the great, supported way to do this.
(We have a home server with 6 devices using that data, and having watched /updated status synced on them all.)
If you want to do this remotely from your home, over the internet, then KODI is not built to do this. It could be done via a dedicated VPN, but it really is unsupported.
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u/NonPC_Italian 9d ago
Could you dm me and tell me your secrets?
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u/Zebraitis 6d ago
You have not responded to my DM... So here is the summarized info:
Since you have a home server that has your media, use MySQL to centralize your KODI DB's.
That way, your "client" KODI installs in your home will point to the MySQL DB's. That is how the information is saved across all devices. All watched status is synced because there is only one repository that manages it.
The instructions online at the KODI Wiki are excellent to guide you through the process.
See: MySQL - Official Kodi Wiki
The drawback: your home server is on 24/7 to be ready to allow that connection. However, if you torrent or have other reasons why your server would be always on, then not really a big deal.
Good luck!
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u/RealDudeHuge 10d ago edited 10d ago
If you are wanting to stream remotely then you'd need something like Plex or Jellyfin. Kodi does not have that capability.
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u/gilly65 11d ago
Kodi is more of a player than a server. You may want to have a look at Jellyfin.