How to stream media from WD My Cloud drive

Western Digital’s My Cloud drives are popular personal cloud storage solutions, allowing users to store, access, and stream their media files—including videos, music, and photos—from anywhere. One of the most useful features of a My Cloud device is the ability to stream content directly to your TV without transferring files to a USB stick or external hard drive. Whether you’re using a smart TV or a streaming device, WD My Cloud makes this easy.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to stream media from WD My Cloud to your TV.

Method 1: Use DLNA on a Smart TV

WD My Cloud comes with a built-in DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) media server. Most modern smart TVs support DLNA, allowing direct access to files over your home network.

Steps:

Enable DLNA on My Cloud:

Log in to your My Cloud dashboard using a web browser.

Go to Settings > Media > DLNA Media Server.

Turn the DLNA option ON.

Organize Your Media:

Store videos, music, and photos in the Public > Shared Videos, Shared Music, or Shared Pictures folders, or other folders you've shared via DLNA.

Connect Your TV to the Same Network:

Make sure both your TV and My Cloud drive are connected to the same home Wi-Fi or LAN network.

Access from Your TV:

On your smart TV, open the Media Player, Photos & Videos, or DLNA section.

Select WDMyCloud from the list of available servers.

Browse and play your media.

Note: File formats must be compatible with your TV (e.g., .mp4, .mp3, .jpg).

Method 2: Stream Using a Streaming Device (e.g., Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast)

If your TV isn’t smart, or doesn’t support DLNA, you can use a streaming device to bridge the gap.

A. Using Plex Media Server:

Plex is a powerful media server that runs on My Cloud (on supported models like EX2 Ultra, PR2100).

Steps:

Install Plex on My Cloud:

Go to Apps > App Center on the My Cloud dashboard.

Install the Plex Media Server.

Set Up Plex:

Create a Plex account and log in to the My Cloud Plex app.

Add libraries (movies, shows, photos, etc.).

Install Plex App on TV/Device:

Download the Plex app on your smart TV, Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV, or Chromecast.

Log in and stream your content.

Benefit: Plex organizes media beautifully and adds metadata like movie posters and descriptions.

Method 3: Use Mobile Casting (Smartphone as a Bridge)

If your TV supports Google Cast (Chromecast) or Apple AirPlay, and your WD My Cloud is accessible via an app (like the My Cloud app or Plex), you can cast media from your phone to your TV.

Steps:

Open the My Cloud app on your smartphone.

Find and open a video, photo, or music file.

Tap the Cast or AirPlay icon.

Select your TV or streaming device.

This method is quick but may depend on your phone’s compatibility with formats and codecs.

Tips for Smooth Streaming

Use Ethernet: For the best streaming experience, connect your WD My Cloud to the router via Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi.

Organize Media: Properly name and sort media files for easier access via TV interfaces or Plex.

Check Compatibility: Ensure your TV supports the media formats you intend to stream.

Enable Media Streaming Settings: If using Windows PCs to add files, turn on media streaming in Windows settings.

Update Firmware: Keep your My Cloud firmware up to date for optimal media server performance.

Conclusion

Streaming media from your WD My Cloud drive to your TV is simple and flexible. Whether you have a DLNA-compatible smart TV, use a media streaming stick, or cast directly from your mobile phone, there are multiple ways to enjoy your movies, music, and photos on the big screen. By setting up DLNA or Plex, organizing your media, and ensuring all devices are on the same network, you can turn your My Cloud device into a powerful home media server.