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Repurpose old Android phones as media servers to stream music, videos, and take photos at home.
Using apps like Plex, Kodi, or BubbleUPnP, you can access organized, customizable, and reliable media streaming.
Regular maintenance, charging, and updates keep your media server running efficiently, thus preventing overheating risks.
If you are an Android user with an older model of smartphone just lying around, do not throw it away! You can actually repurpose the device as a media server, playing music, videos, and even snapping images using it on any other device by following these simple steps.
First, clean up the device before turning it into a media server. Remove all unused applications, cache, and unwanted files. Next, make sure your Android smartphone is running the latest version it can support - a clean slate is necessary for optimization.
Before you proceed, check for a stable internet connection. Your phone must be connected to the home Wi-Fi network to stream. Also, make sure that it stays connected to the charging cable when using because media servers are always running, and thus, must have a constant power supply.
Several apps can convert an Android phone into a media server. Some of the top picks are:
Plex: It provides an easy-to-use interface for streaming music, video, and photo content.
Kodi: Highly customizable and geared towards power users.
BubbleUPnP: This media server supports DLNA and UPnP-enabled devices for streaming media to smart TVs.
Install the app of your choice from Google's Play Store, then follow the installation steps.
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When you install the application on your device, it is essential to organize all your media files (music, videos, pictures) into folders on your smartphone or on the connected micro SD card.
The next step is to bring these folders to the application, allowing it to skim through your content for streaming. Plex and Kodi can also manage your media files into libraries for easier viewing.
Almost all media server applications have options for streaming quality, access, and remote systems. Some apps like Plex can also transmit media content outside the home network if appropriately configured.
It is time to enjoy your media! Connect your smart TV, laptop, tablet, or another phone to the server. Open up the client application (such as Plex or Kodi), search for your designated media server, and get ready to enjoy uninterrupted streaming!
To keep everything running well on the server, you need to clean out old files periodically, update the program, and make sure your phone is connected and charging properly. If the device keeps overheating, a cooling pad or a well-ventilated area might be necessary.
Also Read: Best SSDs for Server Storage
Repurposing an old Android phone to work as a media server not only means you do not need to spend money on yet another hardware component, but it will also help the planet - preventing another old device from ending up in a non-biodegradable trash pile.
Can any old Android phone be used as a media server?
Yes, most smartphones work, but newer models perform better for smooth streaming and app compatibility.
Which apps are best for turning an Android phone into a media server?
Plex, Kodi, and BubbleUPnP are top choices, offering easy setup, streaming, and library management features.
Is it safe to reuse an old Android phone as a media server?
Given you make sure to update the OS, remove personal data, and secure it on a trusted home network, it is possible to reuse an old phone.
Do I need my Android phone always connected to Wi-Fi and charging?
Yes, continuous power and stable Wi-Fi are essential for uninterrupted media streaming and server reliability.
Can I stream media from my server to devices outside my home network?
Yes, apps like Plex allow remote access if configured correctly, enabling secure streaming everywhere.
