Updated
Quick Start Guide
Stream turns media stored on your Android device, network shares, media servers, and supported cloud drives into one organized library. This guide takes you from installation to your first library scan.
Before You Begin
- An Android device running Android 7.0 or later
- Media files in a local folder or a source your device can reach
- Credentials for the source when authentication is required
Download Stream Media Player from Google Play, then open the app.
1. Add a File Source
Open File Source, choose Add File Source, and select where your media is stored.
| Source | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Local Folder | Videos stored on the Android device |
| SMB | A NAS, Windows share, Mac, or home server |
| WebDAV | A remote WebDAV endpoint |
| Plex | A Plex Media Server linked to your Plex account |
| Emby | An Emby server and user account |
Stream also exposes supported cloud-drive options in the add-source screen. The available choices can depend on the installed app version and its configuration.
2. Connect the Source
Complete the connection screen for the selected source. Stream checks that the location is reachable before saving it. Use the dedicated SMB, WebDAV, Plex, or Emby guide for source-specific fields.
3. Choose Library Folders
Open the saved source and select the folders you want Stream to include in the media library. Select folders that contain movies or TV episodes rather than adding an entire server when unrelated files are stored there.
4. Scan the Media Library
Choose Start Scan when prompted, or open the media library and run a scan later. Stream searches the selected folders, separates movies and TV series, and looks up matching metadata.
Clear filenames improve matching. Follow the video file naming rules when a title, season, or episode is detected incorrectly.
Supported Scope
Stream organizes media that you choose to add. A source must remain reachable from the Android device when browsing or playing files, unless a supported item has been downloaded for offline viewing.
Common Problems
- A source will not connect: Confirm the address, network, and credentials, then retry.
- The library is empty: Open the source and make sure at least one media folder is selected before scanning.
- Metadata is incorrect: Rename the file with a clearer title, year, season, and episode number, then refresh the source.
- A synced source needs a password: Re-enter credentials on the current device. Passwords and authorization tokens are not included in Google Drive sync data.
Privacy
Stream works with locations and accounts you choose to connect. Google Drive sync excludes source passwords and authorization tokens, so credentials may need to be entered again on another device.