Network & Hostname Setup

How Fans Connect

Band-Fans runs a web server on your local network. Fans connect by opening a URL in their phone's browser. The easiest way to get them there is the QR code the app displays — scanning it opens the fan page automatically.

Fans can also type the address manually. By default the address is your computer's local IP address (something like http://192.168.1.5:3000). A hostname like http://band-fans.local is much easier to type and remember.

The app shows a QR code when a show is active. Display it on a TV, projector, or print it on a sign. Fans scan it with their phone camera — it works on every modern smartphone with no app download.

This is the simplest approach and works with any network setup. No extra configuration needed.

Setting up a .local hostname lets fans type a simple address instead of an IP. This is most useful if you want a typed backup URL on your signage.

On Mac (mDNS — zero configuration)

Mac computers broadcast a .local hostname automatically using mDNS (Bonjour). Your computer's hostname is usually something like your-mac-name.local. You can find it in System Settings → General → About → Local hostname. Fans on the same network can reach Band-Fans at http://your-mac-name.local:3000 with no extra setup.

On Windows (hosts file)

Windows doesn't broadcast mDNS by default. The simplest workaround is to use your IP address directly, or set up a custom hostname on the router's DNS if your router supports it.

To find your local IP on Windows: open a Command Prompt and type ipconfig. Look for IPv4 Address under your active network adapter.

Hardware Bundle

The hardware bundle's router is configured with DNS so that http://band-fans.local always points to the mini computer. No setup needed — it works for any device connected to the show WiFi.

You can always reach Band-Fans using the computer's local IP address. It's less memorable but always works.

Replace 192.168.x.x with your actual IP address. The port is always 3000.