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💻 Desktop sign-in (Moonfin)

Use Moonfin as the recommended native Jellyfin app on a compatible Windows PC, Mac, or Linux computer. The Jellyfin web client remains the simplest option when you prefer not to install an app.

Before you start

  • Be an active member of the Discord and have the Jellyfin username and password supplied by Cruv. Ask Cruv for a Jellyfin account if you do not have one.
  • Use your supplied username, not your email. An Emby account is not automatically your Jellyfin account.

Install Moonfin

  • Windows 10 or later: open Moonfin’s downloads → Desktop and follow the stable release link. Choose the Windows .exe installer matching x64 or ARM64 in your PC’s System → About information.
  • Mac: use the Moonfin App Store listing when compatible with your Mac. The Desktop download page also links the stable .dmg; open it and move Moonfin to Applications. Check the selected build’s current macOS requirements.
  • Linux: choose the release package for your distribution and processor: .deb for Debian/Ubuntu, .rpm for RPM-based systems, or .AppImage. Choose x64 for most Intel/AMD computers or ARM64 for an ARM computer. Use a Wayland desktop session and your distribution’s normal package installation process; an AppImage may need permission to run as a program. If an X11 session gives poor playback, use the browser while asking Cruv for help.

Use a stable release, rather than a nightly or test build, for everyday viewing. Installer choices and availability are listed in the official installation guide.

Connect and sign in

  1. Open Moonfin. Choose Add Server if the server-entry screen is not already open.
  2. In Server Address, enter https://jellyfin.blackbeardsvault.com and choose Connect. Use the complete HTTPS URL; Moonfin detects the server type automatically.
  3. If Who’s watching? appears, choose your existing profile. If yours is missing, choose Add User to enter your username.
  4. Choose Password if Moonfin opens Quick Connect automatically. Enter your supplied Jellyfin Username if requested and your Password, then choose Sign In. Emby Connect is not the login for this server.
  5. Complete the appearance wizard or choose Skip setup to keep the defaults. Open a movie or episode and test picture, audio, and subtitles.

Expected result: your available Jellyfin libraries and watch progress appear. Moonfin is a free independent client; ordinary streaming does not require the Moonbase server plugin. Extra integrations and settings sync depend on what Cruv enables on the server.

If Quick Connect is offered, you can authorize the displayed code from an already signed-in browser instead of typing a password. Follow the Quick Connect instructions.

First playback

Keep the initial player settings. Choose your preferred audio and subtitle languages during setup or later in Settings. Do not copy an advanced mpv configuration just to sign in. Codec support differs between native desktop playback and a browser. On Windows, Moonfin normally converts HDR for SDR output. If you have an HDR display and want native HDR, review Settings → Playback & SyncPlay → Video Playback Preferences → Native HDR output and the playback guide; this is optional and requires a compatible Windows HDR setup.

Downloads

Downloads require a request to and approval from Cruv, even when Moonfin shows a Download button. After approval, use the Downloading Media guide. The separate old downloader is deprecated.

Alternatives

Use the official Jellyfin client catalog for another desktop player, or open Jellyfin in a browser. Your existing Jellyfin account works with these alternatives.

Troubleshooting

  • Cannot connect: check the complete https://jellyfin.blackbeardsvault.com address, including https://. Do not add 8096, 8920, or Emby’s Port 0. Try signing in through the same address in a browser.
  • Sign-in rejected: remove accidental spaces and use your supplied Jellyfin username. If browser sign-in also fails, stop repeated attempts and ask Cruv.
  • Browsing works but playback fails: update the app, leave quality on Auto where offered, and try another title. Test the audio and subtitles too. Format, HDR, and surround-sound support depend on your device and app; a supported platform does not guarantee every file will direct-play.
  • Need another client: use the platform alternative or the browser guide while reporting the problem.

Contact @Captain Cruv on Discord. Include your device model, operating system, app name/version, title, exact error, and when it happened. Never post your password.

References

Moonfin downloads · Desktop installation · Moonfin setup · Stable releases

Technical guidance reviewed 17 October 2026. Store builds, compatibility, and interface labels can differ; check your device’s listing before installing.