Connecting Remotely from iOS

The FunHoard iOS app can connect to your server from anywhere — not just your home Wi-Fi. Here’s how to set it up.

Prerequisites

Method 1: Scan QR Code (Easiest)

If you have access to the server’s web interface:

  1. On the server, go to Remote Access in the admin menu
  2. A QR code is displayed on the page
  3. On your iPhone, open the Camera app and point it at the QR code
  4. Tap the FunHoard notification that appears
  5. The app will show a confirmation: “Connect to FunHoard Server?” with the server URLs
  6. Tap Connect

The QR code contains both your local network address and external address. The app will try the local address first (faster when at home) and fall back to the external address when away.

Someone with access to the server can send you a connection link:

  1. On the server’s Remote Access page, click Copy Share Link
  2. Send the link via iMessage, WhatsApp, email, or any messenger
  3. On your iPhone, tap the link
  4. FunHoard opens with a confirmation dialog
  5. Tap Connect

This is useful when the server admin wants to give someone else access without them needing to visit the web interface.

Method 3: Manual Configuration

  1. Open FunHoard on your iPhone
  2. Go to Settings → Sign In to Server
  3. Tap Manage to see the server connection list
  4. Edit or add a connection with your server’s URL:
    • Local: http://192.168.1.62:8741 (for home Wi-Fi)
    • External: http://mymedia.duckdns.org:8741 (for remote access)
  5. Enter your username and password
  6. Tap Sign In

Tip: Add both your local and external URLs. FunHoard tries each one in order and uses the first that responds — so it’s fast at home and still works remotely.

Multiple Server URLs

FunHoard supports multiple server URLs in priority order. It tries each one and uses the first that responds. This means:

  • At home — connects via local IP (fast, no internet needed)
  • Away — falls back to external IP/domain (works from anywhere)
  • Server moved — just update the URLs, no need to re-download anything

You can see and edit the URL list in Settings → Server → Manage.

Automatic Detection

When you open the app, it periodically checks which server URL is reachable. If your IP changes (e.g. your ISP assigns a new one), you may need to:

  1. Ask the server admin for the new URL (or scan a fresh QR code)
  2. Or set up a custom domain with DynDNS so the URL never changes

Troubleshooting

“No server reachable”

  • Check that the server is running (menu bar icon should be green)
  • On the same Wi-Fi? Try http://(server IP):8741 in Safari first
  • Remote? Check that port forwarding or UPnP is configured on the server

Slow streaming over mobile data

  • Downloads play more reliably than streaming on slow connections
  • Consider downloading playlists for offline use before travelling

Connection drops when switching between Wi-Fi and cellular

  • FunHoard automatically reconnects when the network changes
  • Downloaded content continues playing without interruption

What’s Next?