Plex (software)
Contents
Plex (software)
Plex is a client-server media system that helps you organize, stream, and share your personal media (movies, TV shows, music, photos) to various devices. It offers a user-friendly interface and automatically adds details like posters, plot summaries, and cast information to your media.
The Plex system has two main parts:
Plex Media Server (PMS): This software runs on your computer, NAS, or seedbox where your media files are stored. It scans, organizes, and prepares your media for streaming. Plex Clients: These are apps on devices like smart TVs, phones, tablets, or web browsers that connect to the Plex Media Server to browse and play your media. Plex also offers some free ad-supported streaming content, but most users value it for managing their own media.
How Plex Works
The Plex Media Server scans your media folders, identifies your content using filenames, and then pulls rich details (metadata) from online databases. This organized library then becomes available to any Plex client signed into your Plex account or on the same local network.
When you play something, the server streams the file. If your device doesn't support the file's format, the Plex Media Server can transcode it on the fly, converting it into a compatible format for smooth playback. The server's processing power determines how well it can transcode.
Installation and Setup on Linux
Installing Plex Media Server on Linux usually means downloading the correct package for your Linux distribution and using your system's package manager to install it.
Prerequisites:
A Linux system (desktop, server, or compatible device) to run the server. Enough storage for your media. An internet connection for metadata and initial setup. A free Plex account (create one on the official Plex website). Basic command-line knowledge.
Step 1: Download the Plex Media Server Package
Go to the official Plex Downloads page. Select "Linux" and choose the package for your distribution and architecture (e.g., .deb for Debian/Ubuntu, .rpm for Fedora/CentOS).
You can use wget or curl to download it directly. For example, for a 64-bit Debian/Ubuntu system:
wget https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-media-server-new/VERSION/debian/plexmediaserver_VERSION_amd64.deb
(Replace VERSION with the current version number, found on the Plex website.)
Step 2: Install the Plex Media Server
Open a terminal in the directory where you downloaded the package.
For Debian/Ubuntu (.deb):
sudo dpkg -i plexmediaserver_*.deb sudo apt --fix-broken install # To fix any missing dependencies
For Fedora/CentOS/RHEL (.rpm):
sudo dnf install plexmediaserver-*.rpm # For newer versions
or
sudo yum install plexmediaserver-*.rpm # For older versions
Step 3: Start and Enable the Plex Media Server Service
Plex runs as a system service. Start and enable it to run when your system boots:
sudo systemctl start plexmediaserver sudo systemctl enable plexmediaserver sudo systemctl status plexmediaserver # Check if it's running
Step 4: Access the Plex Web App for Initial Setup
You'll set up Plex Media Server using its web interface (Plex Web App), which runs on port 32400 by default.
If on the same local network as the server: Open a web browser and go to:
http://[Your_Server_IP_Address]:32400/web
(Replace [Your_Server_IP_Address] with the local IP of your server.)
If the server is remote (e.g., a seedbox or VPS): You might need an SSH tunnel for the first-time setup. Open a terminal on your local computer and run:
ssh -L 8888:localhost:32400 your_remote_username@your_remote_server_ip
(Replace 8888 with a local port you choose, and your_remote_username/your_remote_server_ip with your server's details.) Keep this SSH connection open. Then, in your local browser, go to:
http://localhost:8888/web
Step 5: Complete the Plex Setup Wizard
Once you access the Plex Web App, a wizard will guide you:
Sign In: Use your Plex account. Server Setup: Give your server a name. Check "Allow me to access my media outside my home" if you want remote access later (you might need to configure port forwarding on your router). Media Libraries: Tell Plex where your media files are. Click "Add Library," choose media type (Movies, TV Shows, etc.), name it, and add the folders on your server. Following Plex's naming conventions helps with metadata matching. Finish: Complete the wizard. Plex will start scanning your libraries and gathering metadata.
Using Plex on a Local Network (LAN)
Once the Plex Media Server is running, accessing your media on your local network is simple:
Install Plex Clients: Get the Plex app on your playback devices (smart TV, phone, tablet, computer). Sign In: Use the same Plex account you used for the server. Automatic Discovery: Plex clients on the same network usually find the server automatically. Browse and Play: Browse your libraries and start watching! You can also often access the Plex Web App directly via http://[Your_Server_Local_IP]:32400/web from a local computer without signing in, depending on your server's settings.
Using Plex on a Seedbox Server
Seedboxes, like those from Pulsed Media, are great for hosting Plex Media Server due to their high bandwidth and large storage.
The exact setup on a seedbox can vary, but here are common scenarios:
One-Click Installation: Many seedbox providers offer one-click installers for Plex. Log into your seedbox control panel, find the "Applications" or "One-Click Installers" section, and follow the steps. Manual Installation: If no one-click installer is available, you can often install Plex manually via SSH, following the general Linux steps above. Accessing the Web App and Remote Access: Initial setup usually needs an SSH tunnel (as described in Step 4). For remote access, ensure it's enabled in Plex settings and that your seedbox provider has handled port forwarding or offers instructions. Adding Media: Upload your media files to your seedbox using SFTP, FTP, or a web file manager, then add those directories to your Plex libraries in the Plex Web App. Performance Considerations: Seedboxes have good bandwidth, but CPU power varies. If you plan to stream high-resolution media (e.g., 4K) that needs transcoding, ensure your seedbox plan has enough processing power. Always check your seedbox provider's official documentation for specific instructions.
Plex Clients
To watch your media, you need a Plex client app on your device. Plex offers clients for many platforms, including:
Web browsers (via app.plex.tv or your server's IP) Mobile devices (Android, iOS) Smart TVs Streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV) Game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox) Desktop operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) Download the client app from your device's app store or the Plex website. Sign in with your Plex account, and your server should appear.
Troubleshooting
Cannot access Plex Web App: Check if the plexmediaserver service is running (sudo systemctl status plexmediaserver). Verify server firewall settings; port 32400/tcp needs to be open. If remote, ensure your SSH tunnel is active. Confirm your server's IP address. Plex not finding media: Check if media folders are correctly added to your Plex libraries. Ensure the Plex service user has read permissions for media folders. Verify your media files follow Plex's recommended naming conventions. Try "Scan Library Files" in the Plex Web App for the affected library. Remote access not working: Ensure your server is signed into your Plex account. Check Remote Access settings in the Plex Web App (Settings -> Server -> Remote Access). Configure port forwarding on your router (if applicable) to forward external TCP traffic on chosen port (default 32400) to internal port 32400 on your server's local IP. Ensure your server's firewall allows incoming connections on the Plex port.
