Android tablets and phones have become the ideal platform for consuming multimedia content. The convenience of relaxing on the sofa and enjoying iconic series like Breaking Bad or True Detective is one of the greatest advantages of today's mobile technology.
If you want to avoid using cables to transfer the next episode of your favorite series from your computer (PC or Mac) to your mobile device, streaming is the solution. Thanks to local network technology, you can turn your computer into a server and access your entire catalog from your tablet or smartphone screen.
To achieve a smooth experience, you'll need to install three applications . If you follow the steps carefully, the complete setup will take no more than five minutes , allowing you to enjoy your video files in the highest quality without any physical hassle.
What tools do we need?
To set up this home streaming system, we will need the following software:
- Plex Media ServerIt is installed on the Windows or Mac operating system and acts as the file management kernel.
- BubbleUPnP: Android application that allows you to locate and play server content.
- VLC Media PlayerA versatile player capable of decoding almost any video format.
1. Downloading and setting up Plex Media Server on PC/Mac
We'll use Plex Media Server as our centralized database . Unlike a simple shared folder, Plex organizes your music and movies, automatically adding cover art and metadata.
First, you need to download and install the application . Once running, the program will continue to run in the background , with its icon visible in the Windows taskbar. Clicking on it will open the settings interface in your default web browser, where you can assign a custom name to your server.
The next step is content indexing. To do this, click on the + symbol that appears in the interface, as shown in the images.
Now, select the content type (Movies, TV Shows, or Music) and your preferred language. Next, you'll need to specify the folder path where your files are stored. It's essential that your folders are well-organized so Plex can recognize the titles correctly.
Simply select the folder in the file explorer and Plex will begin adding the content to your digital library.
2. Setting up and using BubbleUPnP on Android
The BubbleUPnP app is a free and extremely powerful tool that allows you to stream content from any UPnP server or cloud storage. Most notably, it requires no complex network configurations.
For it to work, you only need the PC to be turned on with the Plex server active and both devices (computer and Android) to be connected to the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
- By swiping the screen from the left edge, you will access the menu of contentsYou will find two key options: the "Player" (where the content will be heard/seen) and the "Library" (the file source).
In this scenario, your Android device acts as a renderer . In the "Library" section, choose "Local Media Server" and select Plex Media Server . Then, navigate to the "Videos" folder, and you'll see a list of movies and TV shows imported from your computer. When you select a file, the system will prompt you to choose an app to play it.
3. Choosing the media player
Android lets you choose from several installed media players. In this guide, we recommend using VLC , as it's open-source software that supports a huge number of codecs and formats, including the popular MKV format , thus avoiding compatibility issues or black screens.
Advanced alternatives for streaming and transferring videos
If direct streaming isn't what you're looking for or you're experiencing lag issues, there are other ways to get content from your PC to your Android device or Smart TV.
Native Windows to Smart TV streaming
If you have a Smart TV connected to the same router as your Windows PC, you can use the built-in network sharing feature. Make sure file sharing is enabled in File Explorer (Network section). Once configured, right-click on the video file and select "Cast to device ," choosing your TV from the list. Remember that your PC must remain turned on during playback.
Fast wireless transfer
For those who prefer to copy the file to the device instead of streaming, there are modern tools available:
- QuickShareIdeal for Samsung and other Android users. Allows you to send large files via the Windows app using an ultra-fast local connection.
- Mobile Link (Phone Link)The Microsoft app that syncs your phone with your PC, allowing you to drag and drop files directly to your mobile screen.
- Send Anywhere: Multiplatform service based on a Code of 6 digitseliminating the need for accounts or cables.
- Google DriveUpload the video to the cloud from your PC and download it using the Android Drive app. This is the most reliable option if you're not on the same local network.
Transfer via USB cable and Managers
When dealing with extremely large files (such as 4K movies), a cable remains the most reliable option. You can connect your device in "File Transfer/Android Auto" mode and manually copy the folder. For more professional management, tools like iReaShare Android Manager allow you to organize videos, create backups, and transfer files while maintaining the original resolution without size restrictions.
There are multiple ways to transfer your multimedia content from your computer to the Android ecosystem, from creating a local network server with Plex to direct USB transfer or cloud storage. The choice will depend on whether you prioritize the immediacy of streaming or the security of having the file physically stored on your mobile device.
