The Ultimate Guide to Installing and Setting Up Plex Server on Ubuntu
Welcome to our guide on setting up Plex Server on Ubuntu. You’re probably here because you want to stream all your favorite movies, TV shows, and music to your devices. Having a Plex server on your Ubuntu machine is a great way to accomplish this, and we’re here to help you get started!
What is Plex Server?
Plex Server is a media server platform that allows you to stream your media content to various devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and smart TVs. With a Plex server, you can easily organize, catalog, and stream your digital media library to your devices.
Whether you’re a movie buff or a music lover, setting up Plex Server on Ubuntu can greatly enhance your media streaming experience. So let’s dive in and set up your very own Plex Server!
How to Install and Set Up Plex Server on Ubuntu
The following is a step-by-step guide that will walk you through installing and setting up Plex Server on Ubuntu:
Step 1: Install the Required Dependencies
The first step in setting up Plex Server on Ubuntu is to install the required dependencies. The following command will install all the necessary dependencies:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get update |
Updates the Ubuntu package index |
sudo apt-get install apt-transport-https |
Installs the apt-transport-https package |
wget -O – https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-keys/PlexSign.key | sudo apt-key add – |
Downloads and adds the PlexSign.key to the Ubuntu keyring |
echo deb https://downloads.plex.tv/repo/deb public main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/plexmediaserver.list |
Adds the Plex Media Server repository to the Ubuntu sources list |
sudo apt-get update |
Updates the Ubuntu package index again |
sudo apt-get install plexmediaserver |
Installs the Plex Media Server package |
Step 2: Configure Plex Server
Once you’ve installed Plex Server on Ubuntu, the next step is to configure it. Here’s how:
Step 2.1: Access Plex Web Interface
To access the Plex Web Interface, open your web browser and go to http://localhost:32400/web. Alternatively, you can access it by typing your Ubuntu machine’s IP address followed by :32400/web (e.g., http://192.168.0.100:32400/web).
Step 2.2: Sign In or Sign Up
If you already have a Plex account, sign in using your credentials. If not, create a new account by clicking on the “Sign Up” button.
Step 2.3: Set Up Your Plex Library
Once you’ve signed in or signed up, you will be prompted to set up your Plex library. This is where you will add all the media files you want to stream from your Plex Server.
Step 2.4: Add Your Media Files
To add your media files, simply click on the “Add Library” button and select the type of media you want to add (e.g., Movies, TV Shows, Music, Photos). Then, select the folder where your media files are stored and click “Add.”
Step 2.5: Optimize Your Media
Once you’ve added your media files, you can optimize them for streaming by clicking on the “Optimize” button. This will transcode your media into a format that is compatible with your devices and network. You can also select the quality level you want to optimize for.
Step 2.6: Set Up Remote Access
If you want to access your Plex Server remotely (i.e., from outside your home network), you will need to set up remote access. This can be done by enabling the “Remote Access” option in the Plex settings and forwarding the required ports on your router.
Step 2.7: Enjoy Your Media!
That’s it! You’re all set up with your very own Plex Server on Ubuntu. Now you can enjoy streaming all your favorite media content to your devices.
Advantages of Setting Up Plex Server on Ubuntu
There are numerous advantages of setting up a Plex Server on Ubuntu:
1. Centralized Media Library
With a Plex Server on Ubuntu, you can easily organize and catalog all your media files in one place. This makes it easier to access and stream your media content from multiple devices.
2. Cross-Platform Compatibility
Plex Server is compatible with various devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Smart TVs. This means you can easily stream your media content to any device you own.
3. User-Friendly Interface
With its intuitive interface, Plex Server makes it easy to set up and use. You can easily search for and stream your media content with just a few clicks.
4. Remote Access
By setting up remote access, you can easily access your Plex Server from anywhere in the world. This means you can stream your media content even when you’re away from home.
5. Personalization
Plex Server allows you to personalize your media experience by creating playlists, adding ratings, and even creating multiple user profiles.
Disadvantages of Setting Up Plex Server on Ubuntu
While there are numerous advantages to setting up a Plex Server on Ubuntu, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
1. Cost
While the Plex Server software is free, some features, such as live TV and DVR, require a Plex Pass subscription, which costs $4.99 per month or $39.99 per year.
2. Hardware Requirements
Running a Plex Server requires a computer or NAS device with sufficient processing power and storage capacity. This can be expensive to set up initially.
3. Network Bandwidth
Streaming media content requires a stable and fast internet connection. If your network bandwidth is limited, streaming quality may be reduced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum hardware requirements to run Plex Server on Ubuntu?
The minimum hardware requirements for running Plex Server on Ubuntu are a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM, and a 1 Mbps network connection.
2. Can I run Plex Server on a Raspberry Pi?
Yes, you can run Plex Server on a Raspberry Pi. However, the performance may be limited due to the Raspberry Pi’s hardware limitations.
3. Do I need to install any additional software to run Plex Server on Ubuntu?
No, all the required dependencies are included in the Plex Media Server package, which can be installed using the instructions provided earlier in this guide.
4. What media file types does Plex Server support?
Plex Server supports a wide range of media file types, including MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, and FLAC.
5. Can I access my Plex Server remotely?
Yes, you can access your Plex Server remotely by enabling the “Remote Access” option in the Plex settings and forwarding the required ports on your router.
6. Do I need a Plex Pass subscription to use Plex Server?
No, a Plex Pass subscription is not required to use Plex Server. However, some features, such as live TV and DVR, do require a Plex Pass subscription.
7. Is Plex Server free?
Yes, the Plex Server software is free. However, some features, such as live TV and DVR, require a Plex Pass subscription.
8. Can I use Plex Server to stream content on my mobile device?
Yes, the Plex app is available for both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to easily stream your media content on your mobile device.
9. Can I use Plex Server to stream content on my smart TV?
Yes, Plex is compatible with various smart TVs, including Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs.
10. Can I add multiple users to my Plex Server?
Yes, you can add multiple users to your Plex Server and even create individual user profiles with personalized settings.
11. Can I create playlists on Plex Server?
Yes, you can create playlists on Plex Server and even share them with other users.
12. Can I control playback on Plex Server?
Yes, you can easily control playback on Plex Server using the Plex app or the Plex Web Interface.
13. Can I optimize my media files for streaming?
Yes, you can optimize your media files for streaming by clicking the “Optimize” button in the Plex settings and selecting the quality level you want to optimize for.
Conclusion
Setting up Plex Server on Ubuntu is a great way to stream all your favorite media content to your devices. With its intuitive interface, cross-platform compatibility, and personalized features, Plex Server is a must-have for any media enthusiast.
If you’re new to Plex Server, we hope this guide has helped you set up your very own Plex Server on Ubuntu. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
Take Action Now!
What are you waiting for? Start streaming all your favorite media content with Plex Server on Ubuntu today!
Closing Disclaimer
This guide is intended for informational purposes only. The author and publisher assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this guide. The information contained in this guide is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness.