Stream Your Media Anywhere, Anytime
Master your minidlna server
Minidlna provides a seamless, high-performance way to share your media across devices. Enjoy instant streaming with this lightweight open-source server solution.
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Powerful Features
MiniDLNA comes packed with everything you need to create the perfect home media streaming experience. Lightweight yet powerful, simple yet feature-rich.
Lightweight & Fast
Uses minimal system resources while delivering exceptional streaming performance for all your media files.
DLNA/UPnP Compatible
Works seamlessly with any DLNA or UPnP enabled device on your local network without extra configuration.
Secure Streaming
Your media stays on your network. No cloud uploads, no third-party access, complete privacy guaranteed.
Low CPU Usage
Designed for efficiency, perfect for running on older computers, NAS devices, or Raspberry Pi systems.
Auto Media Discovery
Automatically scans and organizes your media library with smart categorization for easy browsing.
Real-time Updates
New files are detected and added to your library automatically without manual intervention needed.
Easy Configuration
Simple text-based configuration file makes setup straightforward even for non-technical users.
Cross-Platform
Available for Linux, BSD, macOS, and Windows. Install on virtually any operating system you prefer.
Why Choose miniDLNA?
Beyond features, miniDLNA offers real benefits that improve your media experience. Here’s why millions of users trust it for their streaming needs.
Easy Configuration
No subscriptions, no hidden fees. MiniDLNA is open-source software you can use without spending a single cent.
Set Up in Minutes
Get streaming in less than 5 minutes. Simple installation and minimal configuration saves you precious time.
Reliable Performance
Built on proven technology that has been refined over years. Stable, dependable streaming you can count on.
Total Privacy Control
Your media never leaves your home network. No cloud services means complete control over your content.
Energy Efficient
Low power consumption means lower electricity bills and reduced environmental impact for eco-conscious users.
Active Community
Join thousands of users and developers who contribute, share tips, and help each other succeed.
Universal Compatibility
Works with virtually every DLNA-enabled device. One server supports all your different streaming devices.
Optimal Resource Usage
Runs smoothly on minimal hardware. Perfect for dedicated servers or background operation on any system.
How to Download and Install
Getting started with your own media server is easier than you think. Since minidlna is open-source, it is available across almost all Linux distributions through their official repositories. This ensures that you are downloading safe, verified, and stable binaries directly from trusted sources.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Getting miniDLNA up and running is straightforward, even if you’re new to media servers. Follow this beginner-friendly guide to start streaming your media collection in minutes.
Step 1: Choose Your Platform
MiniDLNA works on Linux, macOS, BSD, and Windows. For the best experience, we recommend Linux-based systems like Ubuntu or Debian, as they offer the simplest installation process through built-in package managers.
Step 2: Install the Package
Use your system’s package manager to install miniDLNA. On Ubuntu or Debian, simply open a terminal and run the apt-get command. For macOS users, Homebrew makes installation effortless with a single command.
Step 3: Configure Media Folders
Edit the configuration file (usually located at /etc/minidlna.conf) to specify your media directories. Add paths to your video, music, and photo folders using simple directory notation.
Step 4: Start the Service
Launch miniDLNA using your system’s service manager. On most Linux systems, use systemctl to start and enable the service for automatic startup on boot.
Step 5: Connect Your Devices
Your DLNA-enabled devices should automatically discover the miniDLNA server on your network. Open your smart TV’s media browser, gaming console, or mobile app to access your library.
How MiniDLNA Works
- 1. MiniDLNA scans your media folders.
- 2. It indexes videos, music, and photos.
- 3. The server announces itself on the local network.
- 4. Smart TVs and apps discover the server automatically.
- 5. Media streams directly without file conversion.
Device Compatibility
Helpful Guides & Technical Setup
Master your media server with these pro-tips and configuration secrets.
1. Understanding the Configuration File
The file located at /etc/minidlna.conf is the brain of your operation. It defines where your media is, how your server identifies itself, and how it handles files. To edit it, use a command like sudo nano /etc/minidlna.conf.
- media_dir: The most important setting. Use
V,/path/to/videosfor movies. - friendly_name: This is what shows up on your TV. Make it something cool!
- inotify: Set to ‘yes’ so the server watches for new files automatically.
- db_dir: Defines where the metadata database is stored. Usually /var/cache/minidlna.
2. Common Use Case Scenarios
| Scenario | Hardware Recommendation | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Small Apartment | Raspberry Pi Zero W | Tiny footprint, zero noise |
| 4K Family Cinema | Ethernet connected Mini PC | High bandwidth for 100GB rips |
| Music Enthusiast | NAS with high storage | Instant library search for FLAC |
3. Beginner Troubleshooting Tips
If your files aren’t appearing, 90% of the time it’s a permissions issue. The service usually runs under the minidlna user. Ensure your media folders allow “others” to read and execute: chmod -R 755 /path/to/media.
What People Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is minidlna?
It is a server software that serves media files to DLNA-compliant devices like Smart TVs and consoles.
Q: Is it free?
Yes, it is completely free and open-source under the GPL license.
Q: Is it the same as ReadyMedia?
Yes, ReadyMedia is the official name of the project, though most people still call it minidlna.
Q: Does it support 4K?
Yes, it serves original files. If your network and TV support 4K, minidlna will serve it.
Q: Can I use it on Windows?
Primarily built for Linux, but it can be used via WSL or custom Cygwin builds.
Q: How do I install it on Ubuntu?
Simply run ‘sudo apt install minidlna’ in your terminal.
Q: Can I run it in Docker?
Absolutely. There are many community-maintained Docker images for easy deployment.
Q: Does it work on Raspberry Pi?
Yes, it is one of the most popular media servers for the Raspberry Pi due to its low footprint.
Q: Where is the config file?
Usually found at /etc/minidlna.conf on most Linux distributions.
Q: Do I need root access?
Yes, typical installation and service management requires administrative privileges.
Q: How do I add media folders?
Edit the ‘media_dir’ line in the configuration file and restart the service.
Q: Can I mix music and video?
Yes, you can specify directory types using letters like V for video, A for audio, and P for pictures.
Q: How do I restart the service?
Use ‘sudo systemctl restart minidlna’ on systems with systemd.
Q: How do I force a re-scan?
Run ‘minidlnad -R’ or delete the database file and restart.
Q: Can I change the server name?
Yes, set the ‘friendly_name’ option in your configuration file.
Q: My TV can’t see the server?
Check your firewall settings and ensure the ‘inotify’ limit is high enough.
Q: Files are missing from the list?
Check file permissions; the minidlna user must have read access to the files.
Q: The server keeps crashing?
Check logs at /var/log/minidlna.log for specific error messages.
Q: Is my network too slow?
Use a wired Ethernet connection for 4K streaming to avoid Wi-Fi interference.
Q: Thumbnails are not showing?
Ensure files are named correctly or use embedded album art.