Web and phone apps
Install the phone apps, connect to the right server, and switch between devices.
The phone app needs a separate Cantinarr server running on a computer or NAS. That server connects to Radarr, Sonarr, Plex, and your other services. Installing the phone app does not install the server.
If someone runs Cantinarr for you, ask them for a connection link or the Cantinarr server address. If you are setting it up yourself, follow the server installation guide first. It covers Docker and links to Unraid and other app catalogs.
| Device | How to open Cantinarr |
|---|---|
| Browser | Open your server’s address; the web app is included |
| iPhone or iPad | Join the public TestFlight beta |
| Android | Install the Android app on Google Play |
Android is available on Google Play without beta enrollment. iOS is in App Store review; the iPhone and iPad app remains available through TestFlight. A TestFlight upload can take time to process and reach testers. See updates for the difference between server and app versions.
Connect the phone app
Section titled “Connect the phone app”The Connect to Cantinarr screen has one Link or Cantinarr address field:
- Have a connection link? Open it on your phone, or paste the complete link into the field and choose Connect. The link supplies the server address and signs you in. If the server requires single sign-on, complete its provider sign-in. An incomplete, expired, or already-used link needs to be replaced by your administrator.
- Have a server address? Enter it and choose Connect. Use the Cantinarr address, such as
http://192.168.1.10:8585, not a Radarr, Sonarr, or Plex address. Sign in with a method enabled by your administrator. A newly installed server asks you to create its first administrator account. - Need to install the server? Choose Set up a Cantinarr server to open the installation guide. If the browser cannot open, the app offers its address to copy.
The app remembers servers after successful sign-in. When you need to sign in again, the last address is filled in without leaving this screen. Saved servers expands the saved choices; Forget removes a shortcut, with Undo if needed.
Sign in with passkey appears on the connection screen when the remembered server and your device support it. Check the server name and address beside the button. A fresh installation needs a connection link or server address first. Servers that require single sign-on show their required sign-in provider after you choose Connect; administrator recovery remains on that sign-in screen.
If checking the remembered server fails, choose Retry saved server, paste a connection link, or enter another address. A failed check does not remove the saved server.
Choose the right server address
Section titled “Choose the right server address”Use an address reachable from the device. A Docker service name such as http://cantinarr:8585 may work between containers and still be unusable on your phone.
If the address works on home Wi-Fi but not on cellular data, the server is probably only reachable inside your home. Your administrator needs to provide a remote-access address or a private-network connection. See remote access.
Sign in on another device
Section titled “Sign in on another device”Use an enabled password, passkey, or sign-in provider, or obtain a fresh connect link. Connect links are single-use and do not serve as permanent login bookmarks.
Sessions appear in the administrator’s Connected Devices screen. If a device is lost, revoke its session there. Changing a display name does not revoke a device.
Leave the demo or change servers
Section titled “Leave the demo or change servers”Choose Settings > Sign out. Confirm, then enter the intended server address from the connect screen. Signing out clears the local connection even when the server cannot be reached.
The public demo is for exploring the interface. Connecting your installed app to the demo does not connect it to your own media library.
Browser and native differences
Section titled “Browser and native differences”Browser playback links open browser destinations. Native app links may open a supported installed media app. Push notification registration and native passkeys depend on the device and server configuration.
External sign-in opens a browser for approval. Finish the flow in the initiating tab or return to the initiating phone app. If the server restarted or the attempt expired, begin a new sign-in rather than reusing the old callback link.