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Setup

App and device setup checklist

A checklist for setting up Emby or Jellyfin on a TV, phone, tablet or computer.

3 min read Updated By

Before you install anything

Confirm which service you ordered and keep the welcome email or client-area credentials nearby. Emby credentials go in an Emby app, and Jellyfin credentials go in a Jellyfin-compatible app.

  • Update the device operating system and app store first
  • Use Ethernet or stable 5 GHz/6 GHz Wi-Fi where possible
  • Copy the server address exactly, including https:// when supplied
  • Do not reuse or share the credentials outside your household

Setting up Emby or Jellyfin

Install a supported app for your platform: Moonfin works with both Emby and Jellyfin on most devices, Jellyfin apps also come from your app store, and Emby is described in the next section. Add the server address from your welcome details, then enter the provided username and password. If the app offers local-server discovery, skip it and add the remote server manually.

  • Start playback with automatic quality enabled
  • Allow direct play when the device supports the file
  • Enable subtitles only when needed because some formats can trigger transcoding
  • Test one HD title before trying high-bitrate 4K content

Which Emby app to install

Don't install Emby from the Play Store or App Store. Those apps ask for a separate Emby Premiere purchase and stop playback; Emby Premiere isn't part of your subscription and you don't need to buy it. Jellyfin Lite isn't affected: Jellyfin apps come from your app store as usual.

Moonfin is our recommended free player. It works with our Emby and Jellyfin servers on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android phones and tablets, Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV, Windows, macOS, Linux, and LG and Samsung TVs (sideloaded). Get it from moonfin.io.

On Android TV and Fire TV you can also install Emby with the free Downloader app: enter one of the codes below. Uninstall any Emby app already on the device first. Some devices only run one of the two builds, so if the first code does not work, try the second.

  • Emby for Android, build 1

    7001423

    The newer app, with more features and a better layout. Works on Android TV and Fire TV.

  • Emby for Android, build 2

    3075801

    The same app in a second build, for devices that will not run build 1.

  • Emby for Android TV

    8623060

    The older TV app. A bit dated, but some people prefer it.

  • Android phones and tablets: Moonfin from Google Play
  • Android TV and Fire TV alternatives: Moonfin or VidHub
  • iPhone, iPad and Apple TV: Moonfin, Infuse, VidHub or SenPlayer
  • Add the server manually. Do not use Emby Connect
  • Sign in with the server address, username and password from your welcome details

When sign‑in fails

First type the credentials rather than relying on autofill. Check for spaces at the beginning or end, confirm the correct app family, and verify that the service is active in the client portal.

  • Try the same credentials on one other supported device
  • Restart the app after correcting the server address
  • Avoid repeated password guesses that may trigger a temporary lock
  • Open a support ticket with the app name, device model and exact error

Tune playback after the first successful stream

Once sign-in works, test a normal HD title before changing advanced settings. Automatic quality is the safest starting point because it lets the app adapt to the device and connection. Only change direct-play, transcoding or buffer options when a repeatable playback problem gives you a reason.

Keep the app current and use the same server address on every device. Saving screenshots of the working connection settings can make a later reinstall much faster without exposing the password.

  • Confirm audio and subtitle languages on one familiar title
  • Check that playback progress syncs before setting up more devices
  • Avoid copying credentials into unofficial apps you do not trust
  • Sign out of devices that are sold, shared or no longer used

Record useful details before contacting support

A useful support request includes the service name, app name and version, device model, server address without credentials, and the exact wording of any error. Include whether the same account works on another device or network. That separates an account problem from a device-specific setup issue.

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