Set up Pixette with an SMB shared folder

Play the photos in any SMB shared folder: Windows, Unraid, TrueNAS, QNAP, Synology or Linux. Connect with the server's IP address, the share name and an account.

Share your photo folder

Share the folder with your photos over SMB. On Windows, right-click the folder, choose Properties → Sharing → Advanced Sharing, tick 'Share this folder' and note the share name. Unraid, TrueNAS, QNAP and Synology create SMB shares in their own settings, under Shares or Shared Folders.

Note the server's IP address

Find the IP address of the computer or NAS that shares the folder, for example 192.168.1.20. On Windows, run ipconfig in a Command Prompt and read the IPv4 Address line. A NAS shows its address in its web interface, and your router lists it too.

Choose SMB / CIFS in Pixette

Open Pixette and choose 'SMB / CIFS' in the list of sources.

Enter the server and the share

In Server Address, type the IP address, for example 192.168.1.20, or tap the computer button next to the field to pick a server Pixette found on your network. Keep Port at 445 and enter the Share Name, for example photos.

Sign in and test

Enter the Username and Password of an account that can open the share, then tap Test Connection. When the test succeeds, tap Continue.

Pick your folders

The Folder Selection screen opens with every folder ticked. Untick the folders you want to leave out of the slideshow, then tap Done.

Let Pixette index your photos

Pixette now lists your photos and videos, then the slideshow starts. A large library can take a few minutes the first time.

Connection Details

Method: SMB / CIFS

Server: 192.168.1.20

Port: 445

Share: photos

Username: your_user

Password: your_password

In Pixette, choose 'SMB / CIFS' as the connection method, then enter these details. The share name is the name the folder is shared under, and 445 is the standard SMB port. The user name and password are case-sensitive.

Read-only access is enough

Pixette only reads your photos, so an account with read-only access to the share works. Only the optional Remove File Button (off by default) renames files on the share, and it needs write access.

Sharing from a Windows PC

Sign in with the user name and password of the Windows account that shares the folder. For a Microsoft account, that is its email address and password. Keep the PC awake while the slideshow plays, so Pixette can load new photos.

Can't connect?

Check that your device is on the same network as the server and that the address is the server's IP address. On Windows, turn on network discovery and file sharing for your network. If the server has a firewall, allow SMB on port 445.

Don't have Pixette yet?

Download it free on your tablet, phone or TV, then come back to connect your SMB / CIFS library.

Setting up a TV?

Connect Pixette on your phone first, with the guide for your NAS. Then open Pixette on your Apple TV or Android TV, choose Set up from your phone, and scan the QR code it shows with the phone. No typing with the remote. How TV setup works

Using a different NAS?

Synology Photos Immich Apple Photos Jellyfin Plex Microsoft OneDrive Synology (WebDAV) QNAP Nextcloud ownCloud Seafile TrueNAS Unraid