If you’re looking to create your own media server to stream movies, TV shows, music, and more, Plex is one of the best options available. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Plex makes it easy to manage and access your media from anywhere. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to install Plex on an Ubuntu server, ensuring you can enjoy a seamless media streaming experience.
Why Choose Plex?
Plex is a powerful media server that organizes your media collection and allows you to stream it to any device. It supports a wide range of formats and offers features like remote access, live TV, DVR, and more. Whether you’re a casual user or a media enthusiast, Plex provides a comprehensive solution for all your media needs.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, make sure you have the following:
- An Ubuntu server: This guide assumes you’re using Ubuntu 20.04 or later.
- Sudo privileges: You need administrative access to install software on your server.
- Plex account: While not required for installation, having a Plex account will allow you to make the most of its features.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Step 1: Update Your Server
First, ensure your server is up-to-date. Open your terminal and run the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
Step 2: Download the Plex Media Server
Visit the Plex download page to get the latest version of the Plex Media Server. Alternatively, you can use the following command to download it directly:
wget https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-media-server-new/1.25.9.5721-965587f64/debian/plexmediaserver_1.25.9.5721-965587f64_amd64.deb
(Note: Ensure you’re downloading the latest version by checking the Plex website for updates.)
Step 3: Install Plex Media Server
Once the download is complete, install Plex using the dpkg
command:
sudo dpkg -i plexmediaserver_1.25.9.5721-965587f64_amd64.deb
If you encounter any dependency issues, resolve them by running:
sudo apt --fix-broken install
Step 4: Enable and Start Plex Media Server
Enable Plex to start on boot and then start the service with the following commands:
sudo systemctl enable plexmediaserver.service
sudo systemctl start plexmediaserver.service
To check the status of the Plex service, use:
sudo systemctl status plexmediaserver.service
Step 5: Configure Plex Media Server
Now that Plex is installed and running, you can configure it via the web interface. Open your web browser and go to:
http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:32400/web
Replace YOUR_SERVER_IP
with the actual IP address of your Ubuntu server. This will take you to the Plex setup wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
Step 6: Add Media Libraries
Once you’ve completed the initial setup, you can start adding your media libraries. Plex supports a variety of media types, including movies, TV shows, music, and photos. To add a library:
- Click the Add Library button.
- Select the type of media you want to add (e.g., Movies, TV Shows).
- Choose the folder where your media is stored.
- Follow the prompts to complete the process.
Conclusion
Installing Plex on an Ubuntu server is a straightforward process that can transform your server into a powerful media hub. With Plex, you can easily organize, access, and stream your media from any device, anywhere in the world. At DediRock, we’re committed to providing you with the best hosting solutions and support to help you make the most of your server.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your server, don’t hesitate to contact our expert support team.
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Unlock the full potential of your media collection with Plex on Ubuntu, powered by DediRock. Happy streaming!