Access Windows Shared Folders on Android & iOS

Accessing Shared Folders on Mobile Devices

Utilizing Windows' integrated sharing capabilities, folders can be made accessible on Android, iPad, and iPhone devices.

This method provides a practical solution for wirelessly streaming videos from your personal computer or gaining access to other files.

Compatibility with Mac and Linux

Folders shared from macOS or Linux systems can be accessed using the same procedures.

To ensure accessibility, these folders must first be shared to be visible from Windows PCs.

Once shared, they will be displayed alongside your available Windows computers within the network.

Key Benefit: This approach offers a unified file access experience across different operating systems and mobile platforms.

Convenience: Wireless access eliminates the need for cables.
Versatility: Works with Android, iOS (iPad & iPhone), Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Accessibility: Stream media or access files from anywhere on your network.

Sharing Folders on a Windows Network

This guide details how to share folders across devices. It’s applicable when connecting Windows with other operating systems like macOS and Linux. Homegroup functionality is no longer the preferred method for this process.

Instead, traditional file sharing must be enabled. Begin by opening the Control Panel. Navigate to 'Choose homegroup and sharing options' located under the 'Network and Internet' section. Subsequently, select 'Change advanced sharing settings'. Ensure that 'file and printer sharing' is activated.

Configuring Advanced Sharing Options

Further customization of sharing settings is possible within the advanced settings menu. For instance, password-protected access can be disabled if all devices on the local network are considered trustworthy.

Enabling file and printer sharing allows you to designate specific folders for network access. Open File Explorer (or Windows Explorer), right-click the desired folder, and choose 'Properties'. Then, click the 'Share' button to make the folder accessible on the network.

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This sharing functionality relies on a local network connection. Both your computer and mobile devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network to access the shared files.

Important Note: Accessing shared Windows folders remotely, via the internet, or through a mobile data connection is not supported. A stable Wi-Fi connection is required for successful access.

Accessing Shared Folders on Android Devices

Related information can be found regarding accessing shared Windows folders and streaming videos over Wi-Fi on Android platforms.

The Android operating system doesn't natively include a file manager application. Consequently, direct access to Windows shared folders isn't possible by default, similar to how browsing files on an SD card requires an application.

Numerous file manager applications are available for Android, and many incorporate the functionality to connect to network shares. ES File Explorer was a popular choice, offering free access to files across diverse systems.

Note: ES File Explorer is no longer available for download. Solid Explorer is a recommended alternative, capable of establishing connections to Windows network shares utilizing the SMB protocol.

Begin by installing Solid Explorer. Launch the application, then tap the menu icon (resembling a phone before a globe). Select "Network" from the menu, and subsequently tap "LAN".

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Initiate a network scan by tapping the "Scan" button. Solid Explorer will then search for Windows computers that are sharing files on your network. Computers will be listed using their respective local IP addresses; select the IP address corresponding to your Windows PC.

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Depending on your file sharing configuration, you may be prompted to enter a username and password for authentication.

Android’s inherent flexibility allows for opening files directly from the Windows share within other applications. Alternatively, files can be copied to the device’s internal storage for offline access.

Furthermore, video streaming is possible directly from the network share, effectively utilizing your PC as a media server without the need for specialized software installations.

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Accessing Shared Folders on iOS Devices

To gain access to and navigate Windows shares, or other file systems, on your iOS device, a third-party file management application is required. Numerous options are readily available for download through the App Store.

We evaluated FileExplorer Free, finding it to be a well-designed, complimentary application that functions effectively.

Connecting to a Windows Share

Initiate the application and select the + button. Subsequently, choose Windows to begin the process of adding a Windows network share.

The application will then scan your local network for computers with shared files. These detected computers will be presented in a list. Selecting a computer from this list will display its available shared files.

You may be prompted to enter your username and password for authentication, or you can attempt to connect as a guest user.

File Management Capabilities

iOS presents certain limitations regarding file management and file associations. Consequently, the range of actions you can perform with these accessed files is somewhat restricted.

Nevertheless, you can directly open and play video files from the shared folder on your device. Similar access is also available for other media file types.

Furthermore, the "Open In" functionality allows you to specify a particular application for opening a selected file.

Understanding the Underlying Protocol

The Windows network file sharing protocol is officially known as CIFS. This represents a specific implementation of the broader SMB protocol.

If you are seeking alternative applications for Android or iOS capable of accessing these file types, a search on Google Play or the Apple App Store using the terms "SMB" or "CIFS" will yield relevant results.