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Stremio Setup Guide - Complete Tutorial & Documentation

Sync & Multiple Devices

Stremio’s sync feature allows you to access your library, watchlist, and viewing progress across all your devices. This guide covers setting up sync and managing multiple devices effectively.

Setting Up Sync

Creating a Stremio Account

Steps

  1. Sign Up Process

    • Open Stremio app
    • Click profile icon (top right)
    • Select “Login” or “Create Account”
    • Enter email and password

  2. Email Verification

    • Check email for verification link
    • Click link to activate account
    • Return to app and login

  3. Account Benefits

    • Sync across unlimited devices
    • Backup of your data
    • Access to premium features
    • Community features

Stremio accounts are free and don’t require payment information. Premium features are optional.

Initial Sync Setup

Steps

  1. Login on First Device

    • Enter credentials
    • Allow data synchronization
    • Initial sync may take a few minutes

  2. Verify Sync Status

    • Check profile icon shows logged in status
    • Library and watchlist should appear
    • Settings sync across devices

  3. Add Additional Devices

    • Install Stremio on other devices
    • Login with same account
    • Data automatically syncs

What Gets Synced

Core Data

Always Synced:

  • Library: Your personal collection
  • Watchlist: Saved for later content
  • History: Viewing history and progress
  • Add-ons: Installed add-ons and settings
  • User Preferences: App settings and configurations

Device-Specific:

  • Local Files: Device-specific media
  • Cache: Temporary data (not synced)
  • Offline Content: Downloaded content

Sync Timing

How Often It Syncs:

  • Real-time: Changes sync within seconds
  • On App Start: Full sync when opening app
  • Manual Sync: Force sync in settings
  • Background: Continuous sync when connected
Tip

Sync works over Wi-Fi and mobile data. Enable background sync for best experience.

Managing Multiple Devices

Device Types Supported

Desktop:

  • Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Multiple monitors supported
  • Keyboard shortcuts optimized
  • Full feature access

Mobile:

  • Android and iOS
  • Touch-optimized interface
  • Background playback
  • Casting capabilities

TV/Stick:

  • Android TV, Fire TV, Roku
  • Large interface elements
  • Remote control optimized
  • 4K support

Device Management

Steps

  1. View Connected Devices

    • Settings → Account
    • See list of active devices
    • Last sync time for each device

  2. Device Limits

    • Unlimited devices allowed
    • No restrictions on device types
    • Simultaneous usage supported

  3. Remove Devices

    • Select device from list
    • Choose “Remove” or “Logout”
    • Device loses access to account

Device-Specific Settings

Customizing Per Device:

  • Quality Preferences: Different quality on mobile vs. home
  • Add-on Selection: Different add-ons per device type
  • Interface Settings: Touch vs. mouse optimization
  • Playback Settings: Device-specific preferences

Sync Troubleshooting

Common Sync Issues

Not Syncing:

  • Check internet connection
  • Verify login status
  • Restart Stremio app
  • Check account status

Missing Data:

  • Wait for sync to complete
  • Check other devices for data
  • Force manual sync
  • Verify account ownership

Slow Sync:

  • Large library may take time
  • Check connection speed
  • Close other apps using bandwidth
  • Sync during off-peak hours

Advanced Troubleshooting

Steps

  1. Clear Sync Cache

    • Settings → Advanced
    • Clear sync data
    • Re-login to account

  2. Reset Sync

    • Logout from all devices
    • Clear app data/cache
    • Re-login and allow fresh sync

  3. Network Issues

    • Check firewall settings
    • Try different network
    • Disable VPN temporarily
    • Contact ISP if needed

Privacy & Security

Data Privacy

What Stremio Stores:

  • Your library and watchlist
  • Viewing progress and history
  • Add-on preferences
  • Anonymous usage analytics

What Stremio Doesn’t Share:

  • Specific content you watch (only aggregated)
  • Personal information with third parties
  • Viewing data for advertising

Account Security

Steps

  1. Strong Password

    • Use complex, unique password
    • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
    • Change password regularly

  2. Device Management

    • Regularly review connected devices
    • Remove unknown or unused devices
    • Logout from public/shared devices

  3. Privacy Settings

    • Control analytics sharing
    • Manage data retention
    • Export/delete account data
Warning

Always logout from shared or public devices. Use strong passwords and enable 2FA for security.

Advanced Sync Features

Selective Sync

Choose What to Sync:

  • Library Only: Skip watchlist/history
  • Add-ons Only: Sync installations but not data
  • Settings Only: Preferences without content

Backup & Restore

Steps

  1. Manual Backup

    • Export library data
    • Save add-on configurations
    • Backup custom settings

  2. Account Backup

    • All data automatically backed up
    • Restore by logging into account
    • Cross-device restoration

  3. Data Export

    • Export to CSV/JSON
    • Compatible with other services
    • Manual backup option

Third-Party Integration

Enhanced Sync:

  • Trakt.tv: Advanced tracking and lists
  • MyAnimeList: Anime/manga tracking
  • Letterboxd: Movie diary and reviews
  • TVTime: TV show progress tracking

Device-Specific Optimization

Desktop Setup

Multi-Monitor:

  • Extended desktop support
  • Different content on each screen
  • Keyboard shortcuts for efficiency

Performance:

  • Hardware acceleration
  • High-quality streaming
  • Multiple tabs/windows

Mobile Optimization

Data Management:

  • Auto quality adjustment
  • Background playback
  • Offline download support

Touch Interface:

  • Swipe gestures
  • Large touch targets
  • Gesture navigation

TV/Stick Devices

Remote Control:

  • Directional navigation optimized
  • Voice search support
  • Quick access buttons

Display:

  • 4K/HDR support
  • Large text and icons
  • Casting capabilities

Family & Shared Accounts

Multiple Users

Account Sharing:

  • One account per person recommended
  • Separate libraries and preferences
  • Individual viewing history

Family Features:

  • Parental controls (planned)
  • Separate profiles (planned)
  • Content restrictions

Shared Device Management

Steps

  1. User Switching

    • Logout current user
    • Login with different account
    • Data switches automatically

  2. Shared Libraries

    • Create family shared lists
    • Use Trakt for collaborative lists
    • External sharing tools

Performance Optimization

Sync Performance

Speed Up Sync:

  • Incremental Sync: Only changes transferred
  • Compression: Data compressed for speed
  • Background Sync: Continuous updates
  • Smart Caching: Local cache reduces server calls

Storage Management

Data Optimization:

  • Automatic Cleanup: Old cache removal
  • Selective Sync: Choose what to sync
  • Offline Mode: Reduce sync frequency
  • Storage Limits: Monitor device storage

Best Practices

✅ Do:

  • Use strong, unique passwords
  • Enable 2FA for security
  • Regularly review connected devices
  • Keep apps updated for sync improvements
  • Backup important data manually
  • Use same account across personal devices
  • Logout from shared/public devices

❌ Don’t:

  • Share account credentials
  • Use sync on untrusted networks without VPN
  • Ignore sync error messages
  • Clear data without backup
  • Use multiple accounts unnecessarily
  • Disable sync for convenience

Troubleshooting Guide

Sync Not Working

Step-by-Step:

  1. Check internet connection
  2. Verify login status
  3. Restart Stremio
  4. Clear cache and retry
  5. Check server status
  6. Contact support if persistent

Data Loss Issues

Recovery Steps:

  1. Check other devices for data
  2. Wait for automatic sync
  3. Force manual sync
  4. Restore from backup
  5. Contact support for account recovery

Performance Issues

Optimization:

  1. Reduce synced data size
  2. Use faster internet connection
  3. Close bandwidth-heavy apps
  4. Update to latest app version
  5. Clear old cache data

Sources: