Sharing Jellyfin access with family members

[jonathanpublic]

I'm running Jellyfin on my HexOS server and I'd like to share access to it with some family members.

What's the best way to do that?

I'm using Tailscale for myself when I need to connect to it remotely.

But it's not ideal to share access to the server through Tailscale, because when I do, they get access to the media folders as well if they type in the right IP address and have the ability to delete files.

None of them would delete anything on purpose but I want to prevent any potential accidents.

So how do you guys share external access to your server with family?

[TheGlitch]

On 1/11/2026 at 12:20 AM, jonathanpublic said:

I'm running Jellyfin on my HexOS server and I'd like to share access to it with some family members.

What's the best way to do that?

I'm using Tailscale for myself when I need to connect to it remotely.

But it's not ideal to share access to the server through Tailscale, because when I do, they get access to the media folders as well if they type in the right IP address and have the ability to delete files.

None of them would delete anything on purpose but I want to prevent any potential accidents.

So how do you guys share external access to your server with family?

Really good question and concern. 

It all comes down to... "How easy do you want your life to be?" lol

You have a few options.

• Port Forwarding: Simple but higher risk.
• Switch to Emby: Simple and allows for remote users, but it would require a license. 
• Reverse Proxy: Systems like Nginx / Traefik / Caddy - Best balance of security and usability
• VPN: Services like Tailscale but adds a little more complication on their end. You would also need to buy more slots (3 is free) unless you spin up Wireguard.

 

 

[TheGlitch]

Check out https://wiki.serversatho.me/en/jellyswarrm