- Reuse your Android as a multimedia server for sharing content on a local network
- Take advantage of apps like Plex, BubbleUPnP and AllConnect for easy setup
- Expand capacity with microSD or external drives via OTG according to your needs
Do you have an old Android phone sitting in a drawer and don't know what to do with it? Before it gathers dust any further, you should know that you can give it a surprising second life: turn it into a home media server. This alternative is not only fun, but it is also useful and can offer you a practical experience for the whole family, taking advantage of all the capacity of storage and connectivity from your old Android device. If you love movies, music, or storing memories in the form of photos and videos, turning your phone into a multimedia center could be the perfect solution.
The versatility of Android allows these devices to do much more than just receive calls or send messages. Turn them into multimedia servers allows you to share the content you store on your mobile with other devices on your local network, access your media library from your Smart TV, computer or even from other mobile phones and, in some cases, manage it from anywhere in the world. We will guide you step by step so that Get the most out of your old Android and turn it into the entertainment center of your home.
Why use an old Android as a media server?
When we change our phone, our old one often ends up forgotten, even though it's still a fully functional device. Repurpose it as a media server It's a great way to get more out of it, especially if you're struggling to part with technology that's been with you for years. Plus, It is an ecological solution y save money, since you don't need to buy a NAS or expensive equipment to access your content online.
A media server is any device that stores and distributes video, music, or photo files to other connected devices. Thanks to the power of Android and the vast number of apps available, your old smartphone It can become the multimedia distribution center for TVs, computers, tablets, consoles and smart speakers, supporting a great diversity of formats and protocols.
Plus, phones typically come with Wi-Fi connectivity, battery backup in case of power outages, and enough internal memory or a microSD card to store hundreds of gigabytes of content. You can even expand its capacity by connecting external hard drives or memory cards. USB using an OTG adapter, if your device supports it.
Prerequisites and what you need
To give your Android this new use, make sure you meet these basic requirements:
- A functional Android mobile or tabletThe newer the better, the better the performance and compatibility, but a model from years ago will also work.
- Good WiFi or wired connection, to ensure smooth streaming of media files.
- Sufficient storage space. Use a high-capacity microSD card or, if you have OTG support, connect external memory.
- Client devices (TV, computer, Chromecast, consoles, other mobile devices) from which you want to access the content.
In some cases, it may be helpful to keep a charger connected if usage is intensive, especially if you connect power-hungry external drives.
Options for setting up your media server on Android
There are several ways to turn your Android into a media server, from native system options to specific apps. Below, we'll show you the main methods and the best apps for each, highlighting their Ease of use, compatibility and power.
1. Share content with native Android options
Some manufacturers include in their own layer a integrated media server function, usually through DLNA support. DLNA is a standard protocol that allows photos, videos, and music to be shared over a local network between compatible devices without cables or complicated configurations. If your phone has this feature, you can activate it by following these general steps (they may vary by brand):
- Open the phone settings.
- Look for the section Device connection or similar.
- Sign in Connection preferences and locate the option media server (sometimes listed as Content Sharing or DLNA Server).
- Activate the function and select the files you want to share (photos, videos, music).
When activated, your phone will appear as a shared device on the local network, visible from your PC, smart TV, console, or other device. You can choose which folders to share, change the server name, and configure permissions based on who has access.
The main advantage of this method is that it doesn't require installing any additional apps, although it may have limitations in features or compatibility depending on the manufacturer.
2. Use specialized applications: Plex, BubbleUPnP and AllConnect
Most users choose to use dedicated applications to manage and share your media libraryAmong the most comprehensive and simple are Plex, BubbleUPnP, and AllConnect. Each offers advantages and different configuration modes.
Plex for Android: your personal Netflix
Plex is perhaps the most popular tool. It allows you to organize your entire library of music, videos, and photos, even from cloud services, and offers transmission in streaming to any compatible device, inside or outside the home. Everything is managed with a personal account, facilitating secure access and quick setup. To use it:
- Download Plex on your old Android and sign in with your Plex account.
- Go to settings and make sure you turn on the option Advertise as a server.
- Add the folders or files you want to share.
- On your TV, computer, or other device, install the Plex app, sign in, and you'll be able to access your entire library.
Plex stands out for its ease of use and remote access, turning your mobile into the multimedia hub for playing content both at home and on the go.
BubbleUPnP: streaming compatible with DLNA and Chromecast
BubbleUPnP is ideal if you want to stream directly to devices DLNA or Chromecast. It offers an intuitive interface, allows you to send files from your mobile to TVs, consoles or speakers, and manage content in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.). The basic steps are:
- Install BubbleUPnP on your Android.
- Select local or cloud files.
- Tap on the target device and choose between Chromecast, Smart TV, or any DLNA device.
- Enable Local Media Server in Settings > Local Media Server so other devices can detect your phone on the network.
The strength of BubbleUPnP Its compatibility with a wide variety of devices and services makes it ideal for diverse home networks.
AllConnect: the easiest and fastest option
For those looking for an even simpler option, All Connect It's a minimalist app that lets you share and play music, photos, and videos from your phone to any compatible device. Organize content by type and search for servers or receivers on the network. Simply:
- Open the app, select the content and the receiving device.
- Play it right away without any hassle.
Its simple design makes it the perfect choice for those who prioritize speed and ease without sacrificing compatibility.
Other powerful apps and advanced uses: Servers Ultimate and Airdroid
For those who enjoy experimenting and want additional functionality, Ultimate Servers It allows you to turn your Android into a versatile server, not just a media server. You can host web pages, share files via FTP, create email servers, or encrypt connections. Plus, includes DLNA compatibility, serving as a multimedia center. The only requirement is that your device has Android 2.1 or higher, so even very old models can take advantage of it.
Moreover, Airdroid It facilitates the management and transfer of files between your computer and mobile phone, wirelessly, via the local network or the internet. This simplifies uploading multimedia content and managing it from an external device.
Setting up a web server on Android: Termux for advanced users
Are you a computer enthusiast and want to go further? You can use Android as a full web server. Installing the Termux app, a powerful emulator Linux for Android, you will turn your mobile into a hosting for HTML pages, practice commands de terminal or learn about servers SSH or Node.js, all at no cost and without the need for root.
The process is accessible to those already experienced with terminals, allowing you to update packages and install lightweight web servers. You can even make your website accessible from outside your home network using services like Pinggy, although this is recommended only for experimentation and not for high-performance professional services.
Additional tips to get the most out of your Android server
- Be careful with energyIf you're going to use your phone as a media server for many hours, keep it charged and place it in a cool location to prevent overheating.
- Expands its capacity: Take advantage of large microSD cards or external drives via OTG if your device supports it.
- Organize your content: : Classify your files into folders for easy location and management.
- Configure network permissions: Limit access to only the devices you choose, especially if you have personal content.
It is important to note that although these solutions work very well in home environments, they may have limitations in speed or compatibility with very specific formats, especially on older phones or with hardware limited. However, in most homes, Setting up your own media server with Android is an economical, simple and effective option..
Turning an old Android into a media server extends the device's lifespan and turns it into a digital hub that can manage your entire video, photo, and music collection, allowing you to enjoy it throughout your home and quickly share it with friends and family. Exploring these options also encourages technological literacy and demonstrates Android's great versatility as a digital home hub.
Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.