Support

We're happy to help you get Needlefin running.

Needlefin is a native Apple TV client for Jellyfin. To use it you'll need your own Jellyfin server — Needlefin is the player, your server is the library.

Get in touch

For questions, bug reports, or feedback, email us. We aim to respond within a few business days.

What you need

• An Apple TV running a current version of tvOS.
• A running Jellyfin server reachable from your Apple TV, and a Jellyfin user account on it.

Getting started

• Connect to your server. Enter your server address (for example 192.168.1.50:8096), or tap Scan Network to find Jellyfin servers on your local network automatically.
• Sign in. Use your Jellyfin username and password, or Quick Connect — approve a short code from another device without typing your password on the remote.
• Browse and play. Your libraries, Continue Watching, and Next Up appear on the Home screen. Select anything to see details and press Play.

Common questions

Do I need a Jellyfin server?

Yes. Needlefin is a client for Jellyfin and does not provide any media of its own. Jellyfin is free and open-source — see jellyfin.org to set one up.

A video won't play, or the audio is missing.

Needlefin prefers direct play and falls back to transcoding (via your server) for formats the Apple TV can't play natively. If a title won't play, make sure your Jellyfin server is healthy and has transcoding available for that file. Sending us the title and its format helps us look into it.

Why can't I download a particular title for offline viewing?

Only direct-play files (such as MP4/M4V/MOV) are downloaded for offline playback. Titles that would need transcoding are streamed from your server instead.

I'm signed out unexpectedly.

If your server's access token expires or is revoked, the app returns you to the sign-in screen. Just sign in again to continue.

Privacy

Needlefin collects no personal data and talks only to your own server. See our Privacy Policy for details.