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How to Install CouchPotato on Linux

A major trend in the tech space is automation. For media center enthusiasts, CouchPotato is a nifty means of automatically aggregating and downloading torrents. Users may set up searches based on metrics such as quality standards, and there are loads of integrations to automatically snatch and download movies. Plus, there’s Usenet support, and even an auto-rename and move feature for maintaining a certain naming convention and folder structure. This makes CouchPotato the ideal Plex companion. Learn how to install CouchPotato on Linux!

How to Install CouchPotato on Linux

How to Install CouchPotato on Linux - Hero

For Windows and macOS, there are superb client downloads, but Linux users (Ubuntu and Debian) must compile from source. There are directions on the website, but they do leave out a few steps. Here are the full install instructions for how to set up CouchPotato on Linux:

  1. Install GIT

    First, install GIT
    apt-get install git-coreHow to Install CouchPotato on Linux - GIT

  2. Create a CouchPotato folder

    Now, create a CouchPotato folder under /opt/couchpotato
    mkdir /opt/couchpotato
    cd into /opt/couchpotato
    cd /opt/couchpotatoHow to Install CouchPotato on Linux - MKDIR

  3. Clone the CouchPotato GIT repository

    Next, clone the CouchPotato GIT repository
    git clone https://github.com/CouchPotato/CouchPotatoServer.gitHow to Install CouchPotato on Linux - Clone GIT

  4. Start CouchPotato

    Start CouchPotato with
    python /opt/couchpotato/CouchPotatoServer/CouchPotato.pyHow to Install CouchPotato on Linux - Start CouchPotato

  5. Set up CouchPotato to run on boot (optional)

    To run CouchPotato on boot, run:
    sudo cp CouchPotatoServer/init/ubuntu /etc/init.d/couchpotato
    Change the paths in the init scripts by entering
    sudo nano /etc/init.d/couchpotato
    GNU nano should be open in a terminal. Add these lines:
    CP_USER=username
    CP_HOME=/opt/couchpoato/CouchPotatoServer
    CP_DATA=/home/username/couchpotato
    When finished, press Ctrl+X, press Y and then Enter to save and exit nano.How to Install CouchPotato on Linux - Start on Boot

  6. Make CouchPotato executable

    Make CouchPotato executable with
    sudo chmod +x /etc/init.d/couchpotatoHow to Install CouchPotato on Linux - CHMOD

  7. Add CouchPotato to your defaults

    And add to your defaults using
    sudo update-rc.d couchpotato defaultsHow to Install CouchPotato on Linux - Add to Favorites

  8. Fire up CouchPotato

    Finally, open a browser and navigate to
    http://localhost:5050/
    then start adding movies to your watch list.

That’s it! CouchPotato should be functioning properly on Linux. I set up CouchPotato on Ubuntu, but this tutorial should work for any Ubuntu or Debian-based Linux distribution (distro).

Happy torrenting!

How to Set Up CouchPotato on Linux: FAQs

What is CouchPotato?

CouchPotato is a personal video recorder (PVR) that automatically finds and downloads movies you want using torrents and Usenet.

How do you install CouchPotato on Linux?

The process for installing CouchPotato on Linux is installing GIT, creating a CouchPotato folder, cloning the CouchPotato GIT repo, starting CouchPotato, setting up CouchPotato to start on boot, making CouchPotato executable, adding CouchPotato to your favorites, and opening CouchPotato in your web browser.

What is the best CouchPotato alternative?

The best CouchPotato alternative is Radarr.

How to Install CouchPotato on Linux – Final Thoughts

Ultimately, CouchPotato is a great torrent and Usenet automation platform for downloading movies. It lets you build a solid film collection for your media server without lifting a finger. As an alternative, you can always rip your DVDs and Blu-rays to create digital backups.

If you’re torrenting, make sure to use the best VPN on the market, or get one of the best VPNs with split tunneling.

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