How to Install Plex on Linux

Plex revolutionized my media consumption. Something of a do-it-yourself (DIY) Netflix, Plex offers a means of creating a media server for streaming movies, TV shows, music, and even viewing photos. There are plenty of ways to install Plex, from running Plex on Windows, MacOS, Docker, and FreeBSD. You can even setup Plex Media Server on the Nvidia Shield TV for a small form factor, energy efficient NAS. However, my favorite Plex environment is Linux. Learn how to install Plex on Linux!

Plex on Linux – What is Plex?

Simply, Plex is a media server software option. Whereas the likes of Hulu and Netflix host content elsewhere, you’ll need to supply the content. I rip my Blu-rays and DVDs, plus I’ve unprotected DRMed content purchased from the Apple iTunes store and other digital providers. Then, Plex takes those videos, music files, and photos and organizes them into a pretty user-interface complete with box art, meta descriptions, and other information when available. It’s incredibly user-friendly, yet there’s a ton of customization for power users.

I first started using Plex back in 2016. Initially, I ran a Plex server off of an aging Windows laptop before upgrading to a beefy Lenovo TS140 ThinkServer dedicated Linux Plex server build. I’ve also set up Raspberry Pi Plex servers which offer low-cost options for in-home Plex streaming. You can also install Plex Media Server on Windows, macOS, and Docker.

How to Install Plex on Linux – Run Plex on Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Debian, Fedora, CentOS, SUSE, and More

When it comes to support, Plex runs on virtually any Linux distribution (distro). I’ve had success installing Plex on Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and even Raspbian for a Raspberry Pi-based Plex server. To install Plex on Linux, you’ll need a compatible Linux operating system (OS). Compatible Plex media server Linux distros include Debian 8+ and Ubuntu 16.04+ OSes, as well as Fedora 27+, CentOS 7+, and SUSE 15+. There’s Plex Linux media server compatibility for Intel and AMD 32-bit and 64-bit systems, plus ARMv8 and ARMv7 for Ubuntu and Debian. Since Plex media server runs on Debian-based distros, you can install Plex on a slew of Debian- and Ubuntu-derivatives including Xubuntu, Lubuntu, and Ubuntu MATE.

Install Plex Snap App

Probably the easiest way to install Plex on Linux is using the Plex snap app if you’re on a distro that supports it. To accomplish this, in a command prompt run:

sudo snap install plexmediaserver --beta

Plex Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS, and More Installation

First up, head over to the Plex Media Server downloads page. In the drop-down, select Linux.

Now, you’ll see a Choose Distribution button. Click that, and select the correct Linux OS for your Plex media server. Since I’m running Ubuntu 19.04, I opted for Ubuntu (16.04+)/Debian (8+) – Intel/AMD 64-bit.

After you click the proper Linux Plex Media Server installer, your application will download. Depending on what OS you picked, your file will vary. For Ubuntu and Debian distros, it’s a DEB file whereas Fedora/CentOS/SUSE uses RPM.

With your Plex Linux media server DEB or RPM file downloaded, you’ll need to install it. For instance, if you’ve downloaded Plex Media Server into your downloads directory, you’ll probably enter:

cd /home/user/Downloads

Now, for a DEB package run (you may need to replace the filename with the name of the package you downloaded):

sudo dpkg -i plexmediaserver_0.9.8.18.290-11b7fdd_amd64.deb

Or, for an RPM package run (you may need to replace the filename with the name of the package you downloaded):

sudo yum install plexmediaserver_0.9.8.18.290-11b7fdd_x86_64.rpm

Once that’s complete, you’re ready to begin using Plex. Navigate to:

http://127.0.0.1:32400/web

Here, you should be able to access your Plex server and login.

Plex Headless Linux Install

If you’re like me, you might prefer running your server headless, so sans any peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse, and monitor hooked up. In this case, installation is a bit different. For Plex headless Linux installation, run:

wget https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-media-server-new/1.15.1.791-8bec0f76c/debian/plexmediaserver_1.15.1.791-8bec0f76c_amd64.deb

Then, you’ll need to install the package with:

dpkg -i plexmediaserver*.deb

Update Plex on Linux – Enable Version Upgrades for Plex on Linux

While a Plex Linux installation does indeed create an entry in sources.d, repository updates are not by default enabled. As such, for each new Plex upgrade, you’ll need to download a new DEB or RPM. Instead, you can simply enable version upgrades. On Ubuntu, run:

echo deb https://downloads.plex.tv/repo/deb public main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/plexmediaserver.list

You’ll need to add Plex’s key next. Run an update first:

sudo apt-get update

Then install the key:

curl https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-keys/PlexSign.key | sudo apt-key add -

For an RPM-based distro, you’ll need to add a repository configuration file for Plex Media Server. Edit the repo /etc/yum.repos.d/plex.repo such that line 4 reads enabled=1. You should see:

[PlexRepo]
name=PlexRepo
baseurl=https://downloads.plex.tv/repo/rpm/$basearch/
enabled=1
gpgkey=https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-keys/PlexSign.key
gpgcheck=1

Then, perform an update with:

yum update

On SUSE and OpenSUSE, you’ll need to open the Software Repositories app, locate PlexRepo, and set the entry to Enabled as well as Auto Refresh.

How to Install Plex on Linux – Next Steps

Once you’ve successfully installed Plex Media Server, you can log in with either an email address and password, Google account, or Facebook account. Then, name your server. You can check a box to allow for accessing media outside of your home network. For instance, this lets you stream from Plex on your phone, PC, or another Plex client device even outside of your home network.

After that, add libraries. I created three: Movies, TV Shows, and Music. You can also select Photos or Other Videos. After selecing your library type, hit Next and add your folders. You can add multiple folders and different media file types. I suggest keeping your media organized under a main folder by library type, for example movies under Movies, and TV shows under TV Shows. Then, it’s best to maintain a sub-folder for each movie or TV show, with television shows further organized by season. Plex has an excellent guide on how to organize your media. Learn how to install Plex on Firestick and start enjoying your media library streaming on your Amazon Fire TV OS device. Or, try running Plex on Roku.

Installing Plex on Linux – Final Thoughts

Plex is an awesome means of creating a DIY Netflix or Spotify. While I still love my physical media collection of far too many VHS, LaserDiscs, DVDs, and Blu-rays, nothing beats the convenience of having my entire movie, TV show, and music catalog accessible from anywhere thanks to Plex, with cover art and metadata no less. It’s a really easy-to-use Linux media server software option. After setting up your Plex Linux media server, you’ll need a Plex client device to stream to. You can download Plex mobile apps for iOS and Android, stream to smart TVs and set-top boxes, and even install the Plex for Kodi app. As an alternative, compare Plex vs. Emby to learn which media server software option is right for you!

Your turn: what media server software do you prefer?