How to Set Up a Nixplay Frame: Complete Walkthrough

Nixplay frames connect to more photo sources than any other brand. You can pull in pictures from Google Photos, Facebook, Instagram, and Dropbox. But that also means setup has a few more steps. Here is the full walkthrough from box to slideshow.

Unboxing Your Nixplay

Inside the box you will find the frame, a power adapter, and a quick start guide. Nixplay frames do not have touchscreens, so there is no screen tapping during setup. Everything happens through the app or the Nixplay website.

Step 1: Plug In and Power On

Set the frame on a desk or shelf near a power outlet. Plug in the power adapter. The frame boots up and shows the Nixplay logo. After a moment, it will ask you to connect to WiFi.

Step 2: Connect to WiFi

The frame shows a list of available WiFi networks. Use the buttons on the back of the frame (or the remote, if your model includes one) to select your home network. Enter your WiFi password. The frame connects and shows a confirmation screen.

Nixplay frames work on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. If you have trouble connecting, try the 2.4 GHz network. It has a longer range and works better through walls.

Step 3: Download the Nixplay App

On your phone, go to the App Store or Google Play and search for "Nixplay." Download the free app. Open it and create an account with your email and a password. You can also sign up through the Nixplay website at nixplay.com.

Step 4: Add the Frame to Your Account

In the app, tap "Add Frame." The frame shows a unique ID on its screen. Enter that ID in the app. The frame links to your account and you can now send photos to it from anywhere.

Give the frame a name. Something like "Den Frame" or "Mom's Frame" helps if you own more than one Nixplay.

Step 5: Build Your First Playlist

Nixplay uses playlists to organize photos. Think of a playlist like an album. You can have a playlist called "Family Vacation" and another called "Kids." The frame cycles through the photos in your active playlists.

To create a playlist, tap "Create Playlist" in the app. Give it a name. Then add photos from your phone camera roll. Pick the photos you want and tap upload. They will appear on the frame within minutes.

Step 6: Connect Photo Sources

This is where Nixplay shines. In the app settings, you can link Google Photos, Facebook, Instagram, and Dropbox. Once linked, you can pull albums from those services directly into your playlists.

For example, link your Google Photos account, then create a playlist that pulls from your "Family" album. Any new photo added to that Google Photos album will automatically appear on the frame.

Step 7: The Nixplay Plus Decision

Nixplay offers a free plan with 500 MB of cloud storage. That is a few hundred photos at most. The paid Nixplay Plus plan adds more storage, video support, and advanced playlist features.

Our advice: start with the free plan. If you hit the storage limit or want video playback, upgrade later. There is no pressure to pay right away.

Step 8: Invite Family

Share the frame with family by tapping "Friends" in the app. Enter their email address and they get an invite. Once they accept, they can send photos to your frame from their own phone.

Step 9: Email Photos (Bonus Method)

Nixplay frames also accept photos by email. In the app, go to your frame settings and find the frame's email address. Anyone can send photos to that email and they will show up on the frame. This is great for older family members who prefer email over apps.

Step 10: Use the Web Interface

Nixplay has a full web interface at nixplay.com. Log in with your account and manage playlists, upload photos from your computer, and control frame settings. This is handy when you want to upload a batch of photos from a laptop instead of your phone.

Want to see how Nixplay compares to other brands? Check our Aura vs Nixplay vs Skylight comparison or our Nixplay 10 review.

You Are All Set

Your Nixplay frame is now connected, loaded with photos, and ready to go. Playlists will update as you add new pictures. Family members can send photos from their own phones. Sit back and let the memories roll.