Setting Up Remote Access
By default, FunHoard is only accessible on your local network. Remote access lets you stream your media from anywhere — at work, on the train, or on holiday.
Before You Start
Make sure your server is running and accessible on your local network first. Open http://localhost:3742 in your browser to confirm.
Option 1: Automatic (UPnP)
The simplest method — FunHoard asks your router to forward ports automatically.
- Log in to the web interface as admin
- Click Remote in the top navigation (or find it in the admin menu)
- Click Enable under “Automatic (UPnP)”
If successful, you’ll see your external URL (e.g. http://82.45.123.67:8741). Copy it or scan the QR code from the iOS app.
Note: UPnP must be enabled on your router. Most home routers have it on by default, but some ISP-provided routers disable it.
Limitations
- Your external IP address may change periodically (see Custom Domain below)
- No built-in HTTPS — use a reverse proxy (nginx, Caddy) for encryption
- Not all routers support UPnP
Option 2: Manual Port Forwarding
If UPnP doesn’t work, configure your router manually:
- Find your server’s local IP address (shown on the Remote Access page)
- Log in to your router’s admin panel (usually
http://192.168.1.1) - Navigate to Port Forwarding (may be under Advanced, NAT, or Firewall settings)
- Add rules:
| Service | Protocol | External Port | Internal IP | Internal Port |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FunHoard API | TCP | 8741 | (your server IP) | 8741 |
| FunHoard Web | TCP | 3742 | (your server IP) | 3742 |
- Save and test by visiting
http://(your external IP):3742from a mobile device on cellular data
Custom Domain (DynDNS)
If your ISP changes your IP address regularly, use a Dynamic DNS service:
- Sign up for a free DynDNS provider (e.g. No-IP, DuckDNS, Dynu)
- Set up the provider’s update client on your Mac or router
- On the Remote Access page, enter your domain under Custom Domain (e.g.
mymedia.duckdns.org) - Optionally set a custom port if you’re forwarding to a non-default port
The custom domain replaces the raw IP address in QR codes and share links.
Sharing Access
Once remote access is configured, you can share it with others:
QR Code
The Remote Access page shows a QR code. Anyone with the FunHoard iOS app can scan it to automatically configure their connection.
Share Link
Click Copy Share Link to get a URL you can send via iMessage, WhatsApp, email, etc. When the recipient opens the link, the FunHoard app asks whether to update their server connection.
Manual Configuration
Share your server URL (e.g. http://mymedia.duckdns.org:8741) — the recipient enters it in the iOS app’s Settings → Server.
Security Considerations
- Change the default password before enabling remote access
- Create separate user accounts for each person accessing your server (Admin → Users)
- Consider setting up HTTPS via a reverse proxy for encrypted connections
- Password-protected directories remain locked even over remote access — each user must unlock them separately
Troubleshooting
“No UPnP router found”
- Check that UPnP/NAT-PMP is enabled in your router settings
- Some ISP routers disable UPnP — try manual port forwarding instead
Can access locally but not remotely
- Verify port forwarding rules are correct
- Check your ISP isn’t blocking the ports (some block common ports)
- Try accessing from cellular data, not Wi-Fi (to ensure you’re truly external)
Connection drops or is slow
- Check your upload speed (remote streaming uses your home upload bandwidth)
- Consider transcoding to lower bitrate for remote playback
What’s Next?
- Set up the iOS app to stream on the go
- Add more media to your library