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Access Jellyfin and More Remotely: Using Tailscale, Zerotier or Cloudflare
Giorgio Zhang - May 26, 2025
Easily accessing Jellyfin media server from anywhere on ZimaOS/CasaOS
Imagine you are on a business trip and want to watch a movie on Jellyfin in your hotel room after a busy day, but you can’t access your media server at home. Or, you want to share a movie at a friend’s house, but find the remote connection setup is complicated and headache-inducing.
Why Jellyfin
Jellyfin has emerged as one of the most popular open-source media servers, with over 290M docker pulls worldwide. Unlike proprietary alternatives like Plex or Emby, Jellyfin offers:
- 100% free access to all features
- No tracking or vendor lock-in
- Full ownership of your media library
While Jellyfin works perfectly within your local network, accessing it remotely traditionally required complex port forwarding or VPN setups – until now.
TheUI of Jellyfin
The ZimaOS: Built for NAS and Remote Access
ZimaOS is a game-changer for NAS enthusiasts, pro users, and studios. Its intuitive UI simplifies data backup and management, ensuring your critical files are always secure. ZimaOS excels in Docker application installation, streamlining the process with just a few clicks.
Hence, ZimaOS (and its sibling CasaOS) solves remote access challenges with elegant approaches:
- One-ClickApp Installation
- Both systems feature app stores with 700+ applications including Jellyfin, Immich, Plex, and Emby
- Networking tools like Tailscale and Cloudflare Tunnel are installed in seconds
- Native Zerotier Integration
- ZimaOS automatically creates secure remote connections without exposing ports
- The Zima Client intelligently routes traffic through the fastest available network
ZimaOS hides complexity of remote while providing security
- Cloudflare Tunnel Support
- For users wanting domain-based access, Cloudflare Zero Trust integrates seamlessly
No need to down client and to memorize IP addresses – access via your personalized domain
ZimaOS and remote access tools
Simplified Remote Access Setup
To access it remotely, install Jellyfin first via ZimaOS/CasaOS app store.
Install Jellyfin and More Apps in ZimaOS/CasaOSApp Store
Method 1: Remote Access(built in ZimaOS based on Zerotier)
1.Turn on remote access in the settings panel of ZimaOS
2.Open Zima Client on your mobile/desktop
3.Connect once locally in the LAN – the system will automatically remember the remote login info
4.Access Jellyfin remotely as if you’re on the same network
This remote method is also demonstrated in a video:
Method 2: Tailscaled(App Store)
1.On the server, install Tailscaledfrom the ZimaOS/CasaOS app store
2.Click and launch the Tailscaled app
3.Authenticate with your preferred provider (Google, GitHub, etc.)
3.1.On ZimaOS/CasaOS, you can find the authentication method in the log panel of the app
3.2.On other devices, refer here to find the corresponding method to join the same network
4.Access Jellyfin via Tailscale-assigned IP on the client machine
Method 3: Cloudflared(App Store)
1.On the server, install Cloudflaredfrom the app store
2.Click and launch the Cloudflared app
3.Configure your domain in Cloudflare Zero Trust dashboard
4.Map Jellyfin’s port to your domain
5.Enjoy access via an easy-to-remember domain without the need of a client app
| Remote Access(based on Zerotier) | Tailscaled | Cloudflared | |
| Access | LAN-like | LAN-like | Domain |
| Domain | Not required | Not required | Required |
| Key Advantage | Smart switching and pre-built in ZimaOS | Easy configuration | Free global CDN with no client needed |
Comparison between Zerotier, Tailscale and Cloudflare Tunnel for Jellyfin access
Beyond Jellyfin: Your Entire App Library Remotely Accessible
The same principles apply to all 700+ apps in ZimaOS/CasaOS:
- Photo management with Immich
- Game servers like Minecraft
- Productivity tools like Nextcloud
Apps on ZimaOS/CasaOS
