Welcome to Our Guide on Installing Plex Media Server on Ubuntu 20.04
Are you a media enthusiast looking for an easy way to manage and stream media files across different devices? Look no further than Plex Media Server, a powerful and user-friendly application that lets you organize and share your favorite movies, TV shows, music, photos, and more. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing Plex Media Server on Ubuntu 20.04, one of the most popular Linux distributions used by many individuals and businesses worldwide.
Installing Plex Media Server on Ubuntu 20.04
Before we dive into the installation process, let’s make sure you have everything you need:
- An Ubuntu 20.04 machine with administrative privileges
- A stable internet connection
- An updated system with all the necessary dependencies installed
Once you have met these requirements, you can proceed with the following steps:
Step 1: Update Your System
Before installing any application, it is essential to update your system to the latest version. You can do this by running the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt update |
Updates the package lists for upgrades and new packages |
sudo apt upgrade |
Upgrades the installed packages to their latest version |
It is recommended to reboot your system after running these commands to ensure that all the changes take effect.
Step 2: Add Plex Repository
Next, you need to add the Plex repository to your system by running the following commands:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
wget -q https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-keys/PlexSign.key -O - | sudo apt-key add - |
Downloads the Plex signing key and adds it to your system |
echo "deb https://downloads.plex.tv/repo/deb public main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/plexmediaserver.list |
Adds the Plex repository to your system’s software sources list |
Step 3: Install Plex Media Server
Once you have added the Plex repository, you can proceed with the installation of Plex Media Server by running the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt update |
Refreshes the package lists after adding the Plex repository |
sudo apt install plexmediaserver |
Installs Plex Media Server on your Ubuntu 20.04 machine |
Step 4: Configure Plex Media Server
Once the installation is complete, you can open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost:32400/web to access the Plex Media Server web interface. Follow the on-screen instructions to sign up for a Plex account and set up your media library. You can also configure advanced settings by clicking on the gear icon in the top-right corner.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Media on Different Devices
Now that you have installed and configured Plex Media Server, you can enjoy your media collection on different devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and game consoles. Simply download the Plex app on your preferred device and sign in to your Plex account to access your media library.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Plex Media Server on Ubuntu 20.04
While Plex Media Server is undoubtedly one of the best applications for managing and streaming media files, it does come with its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at each of these.
Advantages
1. User-Friendly Interface
Plex Media Server has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for users to organize and manage their media files. You can create custom playlists, filter your content by genre, artist, or album, and even add subtitles or audio tracks to your media files.
2. Cross-Platform Compatibility
Plex Media Server is compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and many more. This means that you can access your media files from any device with an internet connection.
3. Remote Access
Plex Media Server comes with a remote access feature that allows you to access your media library from anywhere in the world, even outside your home network. This is particularly useful if you want to stream your media to a friend or family member’s device.
4. Customizable Settings
Plex Media Server provides users with a wide range of customizable settings, such as playback quality, transcoding quality, and network bandwidth. This allows you to optimize your media streaming experience based on your preferences and network capability.
5. Third-Party Plugins
Plex Media Server supports third-party plugins that can extend its functionality, such as media scrapers, channel plugins, and subtitle providers. This means that you can customize your media library to suit your specific needs and preferences.
Disadvantages
1. Server Requirements
To use Plex Media Server effectively, you need a powerful server with enough processing power and storage capacity to handle your media files. This can be costly, especially if you have a large media collection.
2. Internet Speed
Plex Media Server requires a stable and fast internet connection to stream your media files to different devices. If your internet speed is slow or unstable, you may experience buffering or poor playback quality.
3. Privacy Concerns
Plex Media Server collects data on your media usage, including your viewing history, search queries, and device information. While Plex promises not to sell or share this data with third parties, some users may be wary of potential privacy violations.
4. Technical Expertise
Setting up and configuring Plex Media Server can be challenging for users who are not tech-savvy. You need to have a good understanding of network configurations, firewall settings, and media file formats to use Plex Media Server effectively.
5. Cost
Plex Media Server is not entirely free, and while the basic version is available at no cost, you need to purchase a Plex Pass subscription to access advanced features such as DVR, live TV, and mobile sync. This can be costly for some users.
FAQs About Installing Plex Media Server on Ubuntu 20.04
1. Do I need to be a Linux expert to install Plex Media Server on Ubuntu 20.04?
No, you don’t need to be a Linux expert to install and use Plex Media Server on Ubuntu 20.04. However, you should have a basic understanding of how to use the terminal and run commands.
2. Can I install Plex Media Server on other Linux distributions?
Yes, Plex Media Server is compatible with many Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS, and more.
3. How much storage space do I need to store my media files on Plex Media Server?
The amount of storage space you need depends on the size and quality of your media files. As a general rule, you should have at least twice the amount of storage space as your media files’ total size to ensure smooth playback and prevent buffering.
4. How do I access my media library remotely using Plex Media Server?
To access your media library remotely, you need to enable remote access on Plex Media Server and sign in to your Plex account on the device you want to use. You can then stream your media files from anywhere in the world.
5. Can I use Plex Media Server without an internet connection?
Yes, you can use Plex Media Server without an internet connection if you only want to stream your media files locally. However, you need an internet connection to access your media library remotely and use certain features such as mobile sync and cloud sync.
6. How do I update Plex Media Server on Ubuntu 20.04?
You can update Plex Media Server on Ubuntu 20.04 by running the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt update |
Refreshes the package lists after adding the Plex repository |
sudo apt upgrade plexmediaserver |
Upgrades Plex Media Server to the latest version |
7. Is Plex Media Server legal to use?
Yes, using Plex Media Server to manage and stream your own media files is legal. However, sharing copyrighted material without permission is illegal and may result in legal consequences.
8. Can I install Plex Media Server on a Raspberry Pi?
Yes, you can install Plex Media Server on a Raspberry Pi using the official Plex ARM package or third-party images such as RasPlex or PlexPi.
9. What media file formats does Plex Media Server support?
Plex Media Server supports a wide range of media file formats, including MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV, MPEG, WMV, and many more.
10. What are the minimum system requirements for running Plex Media Server on Ubuntu 20.04?
The minimum system requirements for running Plex Media Server on Ubuntu 20.04 are:
- Intel Core i3 processor or equivalent
- 2GB RAM
- At least 8GB of free storage space
11. How do I uninstall Plex Media Server from Ubuntu 20.04?
You can uninstall Plex Media Server from Ubuntu 20.04 by running the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt remove plexmediaserver |
Removes Plex Media Server from your Ubuntu 20.04 machine |
12. How do I troubleshoot common issues with Plex Media Server on Ubuntu 20.04?
If you encounter common issues with Plex Media Server on Ubuntu 20.04, such as buffering, poor playback quality, or server crashes, you can troubleshoot them by checking your system resources, network configuration, and Plex logs. You can also seek help from the official Plex support forum or community.
13. How do I optimize my media files for streaming on Plex Media Server?
To optimize your media files for streaming on Plex Media Server, you should consider using compatible file formats and codecs, reducing the file size, and using direct play or direct stream whenever possible. You can also optimize your network settings and server hardware for better performance.
Final Thoughts
Installing and using Plex Media Server on Ubuntu 20.04 is a straightforward process that can be done by users of all levels. With its powerful and versatile features, Plex Media Server is a must-have application for media enthusiasts who want to enjoy their media collection on different devices. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a hardcore media junkie, Plex Media Server has something for everyone. So, why not give it a try today?
Disclaimer:
While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented in this article, we cannot guarantee its correctness. The information provided in this article is for educational and informative purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. Please use this guide at your own risk.