Introduction
Welcome to our guide on how to stop Plex Media Server on Ubuntu. As a media server software, Plex provides users with the ability to organize and stream media files such as movies, TV shows, and music across various devices. However, there are situations where you might want to stop the server, whether it’s to make changes to the configuration or to troubleshoot a problem. In this guide, we’ll show you various ways to stop Plex Media Server on Ubuntu and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Who is this guide for?
This guide is for anyone who uses Ubuntu as their operating system and has installed Plex Media Server for organizing and streaming media files. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to stop Plex Media Server on Ubuntu.
About Plex Media Server
Plex Media Server is a media server software that allows users to organize, stream, and access media files from various devices. Its user-friendly interface and features such as automatic library organization and metadata retrieval have made it a popular choice among media enthusiasts.
While Plex Media Server is generally reliable and easy to use, there are instances where you might need to stop the server. This could be due to a problem with the server, a need to configure settings, or simply to free up resources on your computer.
Preparing to Stop Plex Media Server
Before we delve into the various methods of stopping Plex Media Server, it’s important to make the necessary preparations.
- Save any changes to your media library: If you’ve made any changes to your media library such as adding or removing files, make sure to save these changes before stopping the server.
- Close any Plex clients: If you have any Plex clients such as the app on your smartphone or tablet, make sure to close them before stopping the server.
- Exit any active media streams: If there are any active media streams, make sure to exit them before stopping the server.
- Take note of your server’s IP address: You’ll need to know your server’s IP address to access the server configuration page, which we’ll discuss later in the guide.
Methods of Stopping Plex Media Server
There are several ways to stop Plex Media Server on Ubuntu, including via the command line, web interface, and system services. Let’s take a closer look at each method.
How to Stop Plex Media Server Ubuntu via Command Line
One of the most straightforward ways to stop Plex Media Server on Ubuntu is by using the command line. This method involves running a few commands in the terminal, and it’s ideal if you’re comfortable with using the command line. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Open the terminal
To open the terminal in Ubuntu, press Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard.
Step 2: Check if Plex Media Server is running
Before stopping the server, it’s important to check if it’s currently running. To do this, type the following command into the terminal:
Command |
Explanation |
|---|---|
sudo systemctl status plexmediaserver |
Checks the status of Plex Media Server |
If the output shows that Plex Media Server is active, you can proceed to stop it.
Step 3: Stop Plex Media Server
To stop Plex Media Server, type the following command into the terminal:
Command |
Explanation |
|---|---|
sudo systemctl stop plexmediaserver |
Stops Plex Media Server |
This will stop the Plex Media Server service immediately.
Step 4: Verify that Plex Media Server has stopped
To ensure that Plex Media Server has stopped properly, run the following command:
Command |
Explanation |
|---|---|
sudo systemctl status plexmediaserver |
Checks the status of Plex Media Server |
If the output shows that the service is inactive, then Plex Media Server has stopped successfully.
How to Stop Plex Media Server Ubuntu via Web Interface
Another way to stop Plex Media Server on Ubuntu is by using the web interface. This method involves accessing the server configuration page and clicking a button to stop the server. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Access the server configuration page
To access the server configuration page, open your web browser and enter the following URL:
http://localhost:32400/web
Alternatively, you can use your server’s IP address instead of localhost if you’re accessing the page from another device on the same network.
Step 2: Stop Plex Media Server
Once you’ve accessed the server configuration page, click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the screen. This will open the server settings menu.
From the menu, click on Server and then click on the General tab.
At the bottom of the page, you’ll see a button labelled Stop Server . Click on this button to stop Plex Media Server.
Step 3: Verify that Plex Media Server has stopped
To ensure that Plex Media Server has stopped properly, follow the instructions in Step 2 and click on the Start Server button. If the server starts successfully, then it means that the server was stopped properly.
How to Stop Plex Media Server Ubuntu via System Services
The final method we’ll discuss is stopping Plex Media Server via system services. This method involves using the Ubuntu System Services manager to stop the server. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Open System Services Manager
To open the System Services Manager, go to the Unity Dash and search for Services. Click on the Services icon to open the manager.
Step 2: Locate Plex Media Server
In the System Services Manager, locate Plex Media Server in the list of services.
Step 3: Stop Plex Media Server
To stop Plex Media Server, click on the Stop button next to the service.
Step 4: Verify that Plex Media Server has stopped
To ensure that Plex Media Server has stopped properly, repeat Step 2 and click on the Start button next to the service. If the server starts successfully, then it means that the server was stopped properly.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Stopping Plex Media Server Ubuntu
Advantages
Stopping Plex Media Server on Ubuntu can provide you with several benefits such as:
- Freeing up system resources: By stopping Plex Media Server, you can free up valuable system resources such as CPU and memory, which can improve the performance of your computer.
- Fixing problems: Stopping the server can help you troubleshoot problems such as issues with media files or configuration settings.
- Saving energy: If you’re using a device with limited battery life such as a laptop, stopping Plex Media Server can help you save energy.
Disadvantages
While there are advantages to stopping Plex Media Server, there are also some disadvantages such as:
- Interruption to media streaming: If you have active media streams, stopping the server can interrupt the streaming and cause inconvenience to users.
- Reconfiguration: If you stop the server to make changes to the configuration, you’ll need to configure the server again once you restart it.
- Extra step: Stopping Plex Media Server requires an extra step, which can be time-consuming if you need to stop and start the server frequently.
Table: Summary of Methods to Stop Plex Media Server Ubuntu
Method |
Description |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
Command Line |
Stop server via terminal using commands |
Quick and easy |
Can be overwhelming for beginners |
Web Interface |
Stop server via server settings page |
Intuitive and user-friendly |
Requires access to web interface |
System Services |
Stop server via Ubuntu System Services manager |
Simple and straightforward |
Requires use of System Services manager |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Can I start the server again after stopping it?
Yes, you can start the server again after stopping it by using the same methods described in this guide.
FAQ 2: Will stopping the server delete my media library?
No, stopping the server will not delete your media library. However, it’s always a good idea to save any changes you’ve made to your media library before stopping the server.
FAQ 3: Can I stop the server while media is still being streamed?
It’s recommended that you exit any active media streams before stopping the server to avoid interruptions. However, if you need to stop the server immediately, you can do so, but it will interrupt any active media streams.
FAQ 4: Which method is the best for stopping Plex Media Server?
The best method for stopping Plex Media Server depends on your personal preference and level of expertise. If you’re comfortable with using the command line, the command line method may be the best choice. If you prefer a user-friendly interface, the web interface method may be the best choice.
FAQ 5: Can I stop Plex Media Server on other operating systems besides Ubuntu?
Yes, you can stop Plex Media Server on other operating systems such as Windows and macOS using similar methods.
FAQ 6: Will stopping Plex Media Server affect other applications running on my computer?
Stopping Plex Media Server should not affect other applications running on your computer.
FAQ 7: Do I need to be an advanced user to stop Plex Media Server?
No, you don’t need to be an advanced user to stop Plex Media Server. The methods described in this guide are straightforward and easy to understand.
FAQ 8: How do I know if Plex Media Server has stopped properly?
To ensure that Plex Media Server has stopped properly, you can check the server status using the methods described in this guide.
FAQ 9: Can I stop Plex Media Server from a remote device?
Yes, you can stop Plex Media Server from a remote device using the web interface method.
FAQ 10: What should I do if I have trouble stopping Plex Media Server?
If you have trouble stopping Plex Media Server, you can try the other methods described in this guide. If the problem persists, you can consult the Plex support forums or contact their support team for assistance.
FAQ 11: Will stopping Plex Media Server affect my media files?
Stopping Plex Media Server should not affect your media files. However, it’s always a good idea to save any changes you’ve made to your media library before stopping the server.
FAQ 12: Can I stop Plex Media Server automatically when I shut down my computer?
Yes, you can configure Plex Media Server to stop automatically when you shut down your computer using the Ubuntu System Services manager.
FAQ 13: Will stopping Plex Media Server affect my Plex account or login credentials?
Stopping Plex Media Server should not affect your Plex account or login credentials. However, if you’re having trouble logging in after stopping the server, you can try restarting the server or contacting Plex support for assistance.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has provided you with the knowledge to stop Plex Media Server on Ubuntu using various methods. Whether you prefer the command line, web interface, or system services, there’s a method that will work for you. Remember to make the necessary preparations before stopping the server and to verify that the server has stopped properly.
By stopping Plex Media Server, you can free up system resources, troubleshoot problems, and save energy. However, it’s important to be aware of the disadvantages such as interruptions to media streaming and the need for reconfiguration.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, be sure to consult the Plex support forums or contact their support team.
Disclaimer
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