root@myserver:/mediaserver/config#

Step 8: Configure MiniDLNA

Now that we have a mounted media folder, let’s configure MiniDLNA so it knows where to look for your movies and music.

1. Open the configuration file in the terminal:

What does this command mean?

• sudo run the command as administrator (root access).
• nano a simple text editor for the terminal.
• /etc/minidlna.conf the configuration file for MiniDLNA.

This file contains all the settings used by the MiniDLNA media server. We will change only two lines.

2. Find and update this line:

Replace it with:

This tells MiniDLNA to scan the folder we created on your USB drive for media files.

3. Set a friendly name (optional but recommended):

Find the line that looks like:

Uncomment it (remove the #) and set your desired name:

This name will appear on smart TVs or media apps when they detect your DLNA server.

4. Save and close the file:

These are nano shortcuts:

• Ctrl + O: write the file (save).
• Enter: confirm the file name.
• Ctrl + X: exit the editor.

5. Restart MiniDLNA to apply changes:

Explanation:

• sudo — “Superuser do”. Runs the command with administrator rights.
• systemctl - controls system services.
• restart - stops and starts the service to reload settings.
• minidlna - the name of the service.

6. Access your media server:

Now MiniDLNA is running and scanning your media folder. You can view its status in a web browser:

Replace your-server-ip with your actual IP address (e.g. 192.168.0.100).

This page shows what files were indexed and current status.

Most smart TVs, phones, and media apps like VLC player will automatically detect your DLNA server and show your files.