Previously, we have seen how it is possible to access a shared Windows folder on Android and stream media on the device. However, after I bought an iPhone recently, I realized that this feature is needed in iOS devices more than anything else. The reasons are:
- Since iOS comes with non-expandable memory and the 32 and 64 GB versions are expensive just because of the extra memory. Need to find a way to stream video on my iPhone without using any internal drive space.
- Copying videos on iPhone is not as simple as it is on Android and that is why this trick can be very useful when you have multiple computers onsite. Since iPhone makes it difficult to sync videos from multiple PCs, this method can be useful if you want to access downloaded videos from another computer without doing iTunes sync.
- Viewing on a Retina Display really makes a difference.
So, let’s see how to share folders on Windows PC and access those folders directly on iOS devices.
To access folders on iOS directly, you must first share them on Windows over your local Wi-Fi network. While discussing a post on how to access shared folders on Android, we saw how to enable folder sharing on Windows 7. This method still works and can also be used on Windows 8 and 8.1 .
Once you’ve shared the folder you want to access on your iOS device, assign a static IP to your computer.
Assign a static IP to your computer
Specifying a static IP ensures that the link created between iOS and the shared Windows computer is never broken. If your computer is configured to receive an IP address automatically assigned by the network, then you will most likely have to configure the application each time your computer is assigned a new IP by the network.
To assign a static IP to your computer, first open network and sharing center and click on option Change adapter configuration on the left on the newly opened window.
Here, double click your Wi-Fi adapter to open it status page and click details button. Now, make a note of all the values marked in the image above.
Once that’s done, close the Network Connection Details page and click the Properties button (which will require administrative access). Under Wi-Fi Properties, click option Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Here fill in all the fields from the values you obtained from Network connection details page. Record the details you fill in the IP address field. It will be used to connect the application to the computer.
So, once you’ve shared folders on your Windows PC and assigned it a static IP, we’re ready to install an app on the device to access files over Wi-Fi.
Step 1: Download and install the FileBrowser lite app on your iPhone or iOS device from the App Store. FileBrowser is a great app for accessing your local file system on your iPhone, along with shared folders on Windows, Mac, and Linux. The app can also be used to browse files on OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive) and Dropbox.
The minified version is free to install and use, and it’s only good to make sure you can connect to the shared folder. Once you’re sure you can connect to your computer and stream content, you should upgrade to the full version for $5.99 to remove its limitations and annoyances.
Step 2: After you launch the app, it will show you all the locations you have mapped on the app. When accessing the app for the first time, it will only show local files. Tap the Plus button in the upper right corner and tap the option More connections.
Step 3: From the list, select PC and in the address field enter the IP address you assigned to the computer you want to connect to. Keep the User Name and Password part intact as required for security reasons and save the settings. Don’t forget to name the connection.
Step 4: After you make the connection, it will be shown below Remote file section app. Just tap the connection name to open the shared folders on the computer. The app may ask you for login information depending on your settings.
Step 5: Once the shared folders open, you can access any file without downloading it. For example, try opening a movie on your computer. It will open in iOS video player without lag. There may be some video file types that are not supported by the native iOS player. The app will give you the option to copy the file’s direct URL.
Stream video from Windows to iOS
The direct URL generated above can then be used in VLC for iOS to stream videos without any limitations. Just open the VLC app and paste the link in Open the Network Streams section.
Conclusion
So that’s how you can access a shared Windows folder on your iOS device and directly access videos, music, and other digital content. If you are having any trouble connecting the application to the shared folder, see the Windows firewall settings. If you are using any third party security application, make sure you add a network exception to allow the connection.
If you have any doubts about the process, just put them in the comments and we will be happy to help.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
