Hello and welcome to our comprehensive guide on Linux Plex Server. As you may know, Plex is a popular media server that allows you to stream your media files to various devices. It is a great way to organize and access your media library from anywhere. In this guide, we will be discussing everything you need to know about setting up and running a Plex server on Linux. From the basics to advanced topics, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
Part 1: Getting Started
What is Plex?
Plex is a media server software that allows you to store your media files (movies, TV shows, music, etc.) on one device and access them from anywhere using other devices. With Plex, you can stream your media to devices such as smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and more. It is a powerful tool for organizing and accessing your media library.
Why use Plex on Linux?
Linux is a popular operating system that is known for its stability and security. It is also open-source, which means that it is free and can be customized to meet your needs. Additionally, Linux provides better performance for running servers compared to other operating systems. Therefore, using Plex on Linux is a great choice for those who want a reliable and secure media server.
System Requirements
Before we start, let’s take a look at the system requirements for running a Plex server on Linux. The following are the minimum requirements:
| Requirements | Minimum |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage | At least 2 GB of free space for the application and metadata storage. Additional space is required for media files. |
| Operating System | Ubuntu 18.04, Debian 9, CentOS 7, or any other Linux distribution that supports Plex. |
Installation
Now that we have the system requirements covered, let’s move on to the installation process. The following steps will guide you through the installation of Plex on Linux:
- Open the terminal on your Linux machine.
- Download the Plex Media Server package using the following command:
wget https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-media-server-new/1.23.4.4707-b6d758175/debian/plexmediaserver_1.23.4.4707-b6d758175_amd64.deb - Install the package using the following command:
sudo dpkg -i plexmediaserver_1.23.4.4707-b6d758175_amd64.deb - Start the Plex Media Server using the following command:
sudo systemctl start plexmediaserver - The Plex Media Server should now be running. You can access it by opening your web browser and going to
http://localhost:32400/web.
Part 2: Configuring Plex
Accessing the Plex Media Server
Once the Plex Media Server is installed, you can access it using any web browser. Simply go to http://localhost:32400/web to access the Plex web interface. If you’re accessing the server from a different device on the same network, use the IP address of the Linux machine instead of localhost.
Setting up Libraries
Before you can start streaming media with Plex, you need to add your media content to the Plex library. Here’s how to set up libraries:
- Open the Plex web interface.
- Click on the “+” icon in the left sidebar to add a new library.
- Select the library type (movies, TV shows, music, etc.) and set the name of the library.
- Click on “Add Folder” and navigate to the folder where your media files are stored.
- Click on “Add Library” to create the library.
User Management
Plex allows you to create user accounts for your family and friends. This enables you to restrict access to certain media files for specific users. Here’s how to create a new user account:
- Open the Plex web interface.
- Click on the “Settings” icon in the left sidebar.
- Click on “Users” and then “Invite Friend”.
- Enter the email address of the person you want to invite and select the libraries they have access to.
- Click on “Send Invitation”.
Remote Access
If you want to access your Plex server from outside your home network, you need to set up remote access. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Plex web interface.
- Click on the “Settings” icon in the left sidebar.
- Click on “Remote Access”.
- Enable remote access by toggling the switch.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
Part 3: Advanced Topics
Transcoding
Plex supports transcoding, which means it can convert media files to a format that is compatible with the device being used to stream the media. Transcoding can be CPU-intensive, so it is recommended that you have a powerful CPU for the server. Here’s how to adjust the transcoding settings:
- Open the Plex web interface.
- Click on the “Settings” icon in the left sidebar.
- Click on “Transcoder”.
- Adjust the settings to your preference.
Plugins
Plex supports plugins, which are add-ons that provide additional functionality to the server. There are many plugins available, such as movie trailers, subtitle downloads, and more. Here’s how to install a plugin:
- Open the Plex web interface.
- Click on the “Settings” icon in the left sidebar.
- Click on “Plugins” and then “Install Plugins”.
- Select the plugin you want to install and click on “Install”.
Backing up and Restoring Plex
It is always a good idea to back up your Plex server to prevent data loss. Here’s how to back up and restore Plex:
Backing up Plex
- Stop the Plex Media Server using the following command:
sudo systemctl stop plexmediaserver - Create a backup of the Plex Media Server folder using the following command:
sudo tar czvf plex_backup.tar.gz /var/lib/plexmediaserver - Start the Plex Media Server using the following command:
sudo systemctl start plexmediaserver
Restoring Plex
- Stop the Plex Media Server using the following command:
sudo systemctl stop plexmediaserver - Extract the backup file using the following command:
sudo tar xzvf plex_backup.tar.gz -C / - Start the Plex Media Server using the following command:
sudo systemctl start plexmediaserver
Frequently Asked Questions
What operating systems does Plex support?
Plex supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Roku, and many other platforms.
Can I use a Raspberry Pi for a Plex server?
Yes, Raspberry Pi can be used for a Plex server. However, it is recommended that you use a Raspberry Pi 4 for better performance.
How much does Plex cost?
Plex offers both free and paid plans. The free plan provides access to all basic features, while the paid plans offer additional features such as live TV and DVR.
Can I access my Plex server from outside my home network?
Yes, you can access your Plex server from outside your home network by setting up remote access.
What media formats does Plex support?
Plex supports a wide range of media formats. Some of the supported formats include MP4, MKV, AVI, and MP3.
Conclusion
Linux Plex Server is a powerful tool for organizing and accessing your media library. With this guide, you have learned everything you need to know about setting up and running a Plex server on Linux. From the basics to advanced topics, we’ve covered it all. We hope this guide has been helpful, and we wish you all the best in your Plex server journey!