FTP on Android TV — Access Remote Servers
While SMB is ideal for local NAS access, FTP serves a different purpose on Android TV: connecting to remote servers that aren't on your local network. This includes seedboxes, web hosting, VPS instances, and home servers accessible over the internet.
When FTP/SFTP is useful on TV:
- Stream media from a remote seedbox (downloaded content accessible from anywhere)
- Access files on a VPS or cloud server
- Connect to a home FTP server while away (with port forwarding)
- Download content from FTP-based distribution sources
- Access older NAS devices that only support FTP (not SMB)
FTP vs SMB on Android TV
| Aspect | FTP/SFTP | SMB |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Remote servers (internet) | Local NAS (home network) |
| Speed (local) | Good (20-50 MB/s) | Best (40-100+ MB/s) |
| Speed (remote) | Internet-limited | N/A (local only) |
| Encryption | SFTP = encrypted | No (local network assumed safe) |
| Works over internet | ✅ (with port forwarding) | ❌ (local only) |
| Setup complexity | Medium | Low |
| Authentication | Username + password | Username + password |
Rule of thumb: Use SMB for NAS on your home network. Use FTP/SFTP for servers accessible over the internet or servers that don't support SMB.
Setting Up FTP on Android TV
Local FTP server (home network)
- AnExplorer → Network → FTP → tap +
- Server: local IP (e.g.,
192.168.1.50) - Port: 21 (FTP) or 22 (SFTP)
- Username and password for your FTP server
- Connect → browse remote files with TV remote
Remote server (over internet)
- AnExplorer → Network → SFTP → tap + (always use SFTP over internet)
- Server: domain name or public IP (e.g.,
myserver.example.com) - Port: 22
- Username and password (or SSH key if supported)
- Connect → browse remote server files
Seedbox access
- Get FTP/SFTP credentials from your seedbox provider
- AnExplorer → Network → SFTP → enter seedbox hostname, port, credentials
- Browse downloaded content on the seedbox
- Tap video files → stream directly to TV (if speed sufficient) or download first
Streaming Media from FTP
Playing video directly from an FTP server:
- Connect to FTP/SFTP server in AnExplorer
- Navigate to video files
- Tap video → launches in VLC or system player
- Player buffers and plays the remote file
Speed requirements for streaming:
- 1080p video: 5-20 Mbps download speed from server
- 4K video: 20-50 Mbps download speed
- If server speed is insufficient: download the file first, then play locally
Note: Streaming from remote FTP depends on your internet download speed AND the server's upload speed. Local FTP (same network) works like NAS — fast and smooth.
Common FTP Use Cases on TV
Seedbox media streaming
If you use a seedbox for downloading:
- Connect to seedbox via SFTP
- Browse the completed downloads folder
- Tap movies/shows → stream to TV
- Like having a remote NAS with unlimited storage
Home server access
If you run a Raspberry Pi or old PC as a file server:
- Enable FTP/SFTP on the server
- Connect from TV → browse shared files
- Play media, view documents, manage content
- Useful when SMB isn't configured on the server
Web hosting file access
Access files on your web hosting account:
- Get FTP credentials from hosting control panel (cPanel)
- Connect from TV → browse web server files
- Download backups or media stored on hosting
D-pad Navigation
FTP browsing works fully with the TV remote:
- D-pad up/down: scroll file list
- D-pad left/right: navigate breadcrumb (go back)
- OK: open folder / play file / download
- Back: go up one directory
Security: FTP vs SFTP
| Protocol | Data encrypted | Password encrypted | Use when |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTP (port 21) | ❌ | ❌ | Local network only (trusted) |
| SFTP (port 22) | ✅ | ✅ | Any connection over internet |
| FTPS (port 990) | ✅ | ✅ | When server requires SSL/TLS |
Always use SFTP over the internet. FTP sends your password and data unencrypted — anyone on the network path can intercept them. SFTP encrypts everything via SSH.
Compatible TV Devices
FTP/SFTP client works on all Android TV devices:
- Nvidia Shield TV, Google TV Streamer, Chromecast with Google TV
- Amazon Fire TV (all models)
- Sony Bravia, TCL, Hisense (Google TV models)
- Xiaomi Mi Box, Walmart Onn 4K Pro
- Any Android TV device running AnExplorer
Related Guides
- FTP Client Feature — full FTP capabilities
- SMB for Android TV — local NAS access (preferred for home)
- File Manager for Android TV — complete TV guide
- Network Storage — all protocols overview