Update Plex Server Ubuntu – A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Welcome to our guide on updating Plex Server on Ubuntu, a powerful and versatile media server that allows you to stream and share media with ease. Here, we will cover everything you need to know about updating Plex Server on Ubuntu, including its advantages and disadvantages, potential issues, and how to get started. Whether you are a seasoned Linux user or a beginner, this guide will help you keep your Plex Server up-to-date and running smoothly.

Plex Server is a popular media server software that lets you stream your movies, TV shows, music, and other media files across various devices, such as smart TVs, game consoles, mobile devices, and web browsers. It supports a wide range of media formats and codecs, and comes with powerful features like transcoding, metadata management, and remote access. Plex Server is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and other platforms, but in this guide, we will focus on updating Plex Server on Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions.

Before we dive into the technical details, let’s take a moment to define some key terms and concepts related to updating Plex Server on Ubuntu:

Key Terms and Concepts

Term
Definition
Plex Server
A media server software that lets you store, organize, and play your media files on various devices.
Ubuntu
A popular Linux distribution based on Debian, known for its user-friendliness and community support.
Package Manager
A software tool that helps you install, update, and remove software packages on your system.
Terminal
A command-line interface that lets you interact with your system using text-based commands.
Apt-Get
A command-line tool used to manage software packages on Debian-based distributions, including Ubuntu.
Sudo
A command that allows you to run commands with administrative privileges, also known as “superuser do”.
Repository
A collection of software packages and related metadata that can be accessed and installed on your system.

How to Update Plex Server on Ubuntu

Now that we have covered the basics, let’s move on to the main topic of this guide: how to update Plex Server on Ubuntu. There are several ways to update Plex Server on Ubuntu, but we will focus on two main methods: using the Plex Repository and using the Snap Package.

Method 1: Using the Plex Repository

The first method involves using the official Plex Repository, which provides the latest versions of Plex Server for various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Add the Plex Repository

The first step is to add the Plex Repository to your system’s package sources. This can be done by adding the repository key and sources.list file to your system:

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

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

This will add the Plex Repository to your system and allow you to install and update Plex Server using the package manager.

Step 2: Update and Install Plex Server

Once you have added the Plex Repository, you can update and install Plex Server using the following commands:

$ sudo apt-get update

$ sudo apt-get upgrade

$ sudo apt-get install plexmediaserver

This will update your system’s package list, upgrade any existing packages, and install the latest version of Plex Server from the Plex Repository. Note that you may be prompted to confirm the installation and agree to the Plex License Agreement.

Method 2: Using the Snap Package

The second method involves using the Snap Package, which is a self-contained and sandboxed package format that allows you to install and update software packages on Ubuntu without affecting other system components. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Install Snapd

The first step is to install Snapd, which is the package manager for Snap Packages. This can be done using the following command:

$ sudo apt-get install snapd

This will install Snapd on your system and allow you to install and update Snap Packages.

Step 2: Install Plex Server

Once you have installed Snapd, you can install Plex Server using the following command:

$ sudo snap install plexmediaserver

This will download and install the latest version of Plex Server in a self-contained environment.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Updating Plex Server on Ubuntu

While updating Plex Server on Ubuntu can bring many benefits, it also has its share of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the main ones:

Advantages

1. Improved Performance

Updating Plex Server on Ubuntu can improve its performance by fixing bugs, adding new features, and optimizing its code. This can result in faster transcoding, smoother playback, and reduced resource usage.

READ ALSO  ASP.NET on Ubuntu Server: A Comprehensive Guide

2. Better Security

Updating Plex Server on Ubuntu can enhance its security by patching vulnerabilities, improving authentication mechanisms, and preventing unauthorized access. This can protect your media files from being stolen, hacked, or corrupted.

3. New Features

Updating Plex Server on Ubuntu can bring new features and functionalities that can enhance your media streaming experience, such as improved metadata management, new UI themes, and better mobile apps support.

Disadvantages

1. Potential Compatibility Issues

Updating Plex Server on Ubuntu can cause compatibility issues with other software components, such as plugins, dependencies, or system libraries. This can result in errors, crashes, or unexpected behavior.

2. Time and Effort

Updating Plex Server on Ubuntu can be time-consuming and require some technical skills, such as using the command line interface, troubleshooting issues, or configuring settings. This can be daunting for beginners or casual users.

3. Data Loss

Updating Plex Server on Ubuntu can lead to data loss if you do not back up your media files or metadata correctly. This can result in losing your playlists, ratings, or watched statuses.

FAQs

1. How often should I update Plex Server on Ubuntu?

It is recommended to update Plex Server on Ubuntu whenever a new version is available, as this can provide bug fixes, security patches, and new features. You can check for updates using the package manager or the Plex website.

2. Can I update Plex Server on Ubuntu using the GUI?

Yes, you can update Plex Server on Ubuntu using the GUI package manager, such as Ubuntu Software Center or Synaptic. However, using the command line interface may be faster and more flexible.

3. Do I need to stop Plex Server before updating it?

It is recommended to stop Plex Server before updating it, as this can prevent any conflicts or data loss. You can stop Plex Server using the web interface or the command line interface.

4. Can I downgrade Plex Server on Ubuntu?

Yes, you can downgrade Plex Server on Ubuntu using the package manager or the Snap Package. However, downgrading may cause compatibility issues or data loss, so it is recommended to back up your data before downgrading.

5. What should I do if updating Plex Server on Ubuntu fails?

If updating Plex Server on Ubuntu fails, you can try troubleshooting the issue using the logs, forums, or support channels. Alternatively, you can roll back to the previous version or seek professional help.

6. How do I check the current version of Plex Server on Ubuntu?

You can check the current version of Plex Server on Ubuntu using the web interface or the command line interface. In the web interface, go to Settings – Server – General, and look for the “Server Version” field. In the command line interface, run the following command:

$ sudo dpkg -s plexmediaserver | grep Version

7. Can I update Plex Server on Ubuntu remotely?

Yes, you can update Plex Server on Ubuntu remotely using SSH or other remote access methods. However, make sure to follow best security practices, such as using strong passwords, disabling root login, and encrypting your traffic.

8. Do I need to restart Plex Server after updating it?

It is not necessary to restart Plex Server after updating it, as the package manager or Snap Package will handle the restart automatically. However, you can restart Plex Server manually if you experience any issues or if you want to apply the changes immediately.

9. Can I update Plex Server on Ubuntu using Docker?

Yes, you can update Plex Server on Ubuntu using Docker, a platform that allows you to run applications in isolated and portable containers. However, using Docker may require some additional setup and configuration, so it is recommended for advanced users or developers.

10. Can I update Plex Server on Ubuntu without internet access?

No, you need internet access to update Plex Server on Ubuntu, as you need to download the latest version from the Plex Repository or the Snap Store. However, you can download the package manually and install it offline using the package manager.

11. Can I update Plex Server on Ubuntu using the Web Updater?

No, the Web Updater is no longer supported by Plex Server, and you should use the package manager or the Snap Package to update Plex Server on Ubuntu.

12. How do I back up my data before updating Plex Server on Ubuntu?

You can back up your data before updating Plex Server on Ubuntu using the built-in Backup and Restore feature, which allows you to create a full or partial backup of your media files, metadata, settings, and plugins. You can also back up your data manually by copying the relevant files and directories to a safe location.

READ ALSO  Connect to Wifi Ubuntu Server: A Comprehensive Guide

13. What should I do if Plex Server stops working after updating it?

If Plex Server stops working after updating it, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Check the logs for any errors or warnings.
  • Restart Plex Server and check if the issue persists.
  • Reinstall Plex Server by removing the package and installing it again.
  • Contact Plex support or community forums for further assistance.

Conclusion

Updating Plex Server on Ubuntu is an essential task that can improve its performance, security, and features. Whether you choose to use the Plex Repository or the Snap Package, updating Plex Server on Ubuntu can be done easily and quickly, as long as you follow the steps and precautions outlined in this guide. We hope that this guide has been useful and informative, and that you can enjoy your media streaming experience on Ubuntu with ease and confidence.

If you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to us or leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!

Closing and Disclaimer

This guide is for informational and educational purposes only. We do not endorse or promote any specific software or product, and we are not responsible for any damages or losses that may arise from the use of this guide. The steps and commands outlined in this guide may vary depending on your Ubuntu version, system configuration, and other factors, and should be followed at your own risk. Always back up your data and consult with official documentation or expert advice before making any changes to your system.

Video:Update Plex Server Ubuntu – A Comprehensive Guide