Plex Media Server Requirements

Home Media Server

To use Plex and all of its capabilities, you will want a “home media server” that has the CPU and storage capacity to host all of your content.

Because Plex transcodes your files, it is important to have a Plex Media Server that is powerful enough to do so in an efficient manner.

One of the greatest features Plex offers is the ability to convert all files into playable content on each device. For example, a movie in 1080p will be played in a suitable format on whatever device you choose to use.

The best way to set up a Plex Server is by using a PC that many already have in their homes. Most PC’s will have enough power and memory to store all of your media in one centralized location.

This includes home movies, pictures, downloaded content, and more. These files will be stored within this server so it is essential to have a reliable device.

However, there are tons of other options one can use as their Plex Home Server.

Plex Media Server is compatible with the following Operating Systems:

• Linux
• Mac
• Windows
• NVIDIA SHIELD
• Netgear Nighthawk X10 Router
• NAS Devices such as Drobo, Netgear, Synology, etc.

If you already have a PC at home, you can easily use this as your Plex Server due to its high processing power.

Plex recommends at minimum, using an Intel Core i3 as CPU requirement. However, if you plan on having multiple people simultaneously accessing content, you may need something more powerful.

Without a Plex Pass subscription, some functionality will not be available. To stream media from your home server to your mobile device using Plex, a Plex Pass is required. But for other Plex Client apps like Firestick, Android TV Box, Roku, and more, full functionality is accessible with a free Plex membership.

For those who have an extensive collection of media files, including photos, music, movies, and shows, Plex serves as an ideal tool to store them all in one place while ensuring access from anywhere. The key is to organize your media into a central folder with distinct categories for different types of files. By structuring your content in individual folders, it becomes easier to access via the Plex Client app on your device.

Plex Pass

For individuals seeking a more comprehensive experience, exploring the option of acquiring a Plex Pass subscription could be beneficial. The Plex Pass offers three distinct packages: monthly, yearly, and lifetime subscriptions.

Subscribers to Plex Pass receive all the features of the free Plex package, along with additional functionalities.

These features include full mobile app utilization, streaming of trailers and extras, setting up Plex Home with the option to switch between accounts and control access, and early Preview access to new apps and features.

One of the key advantages of the Plex Pass is the ability to fully utilize the mobile app’s functionality.

Non-paying users are unable to stream content from their Plex Server to the mobile app. Therefore, having a Plex Pass is essential if you wish to access content from your home server on your mobile device.

This is particularly convenient for frequent travelers or individuals who want to enjoy their home media while on the move.

Plex Live TV & DVR

Individuals looking to enhance their Plex experience can benefit from the Live TV & DVR feature, which is excellent for recording OTA (Over the Air) shows.

To utilize this feature, you will need a Plex Pass, a DVR Tuner, and an OTA Antenna. For a comprehensive list of Plex-supported Tuners, you can refer to the following link:

Plex Supported DVR Tuners

Most OTA Antennas are compatible with Plex and work seamlessly with any of the listed tuners. Both Indoor and Outdoor antennas can be used with the Plex DVR system.

Best TV Antennas for Streaming Local Channels

While the Plex Pass brings additional value to your streaming experience, many users will find the free version of Plex sufficient for their requirements.

Screenshot Guide

After deciding whether to invest in a Plex Pass or stick with the free version, the next steps involve signing up for the service and installing the Plex Media Server. Refer to the requirements above if you are unsure about setting up a Home Server for Plex.

Prior to installing the Home Media Server, it is necessary to register for Plex Service. If you do not have a Plex account yet, you can create one or log in.

1. Visit plex.tv and select Sign In (or Sign Up if you are a new user)

2. Choose one of the following methods to sign in

3. Once signed in or signed up, click on My Account located in the upper right-hand corner

4. Click on Downloads

5.Select the Media Server for your device and then proceed by clicking Download. When prompted, click on Install. Proceed to wait for Plex Media Server to complete its installation. After the download finishes, your device will require a restart, so click Restart. Post-restart, you can launch Plex Media Server. Choose “Got it!”, name your Home Media Server, and click Next. Remember to tick the box next to “Allow me to access my media outside my home.” Click Next again and then finally click Done. Upon completion, you will land on the home-screen of Plex Media Server. To proceed, click on Settings (the tool icon) located in the upper right-hand corner.

15. Choose Remote Access from the menu side-bar and ensure that your Server is accessible outside your network.

16. Click Libraries under Manage and choose Add Library.

17. Here we can add files from our previously created Media Folder. Click Movies (or any other media you want to add).

18. Click Next.

19. Choose Browse for Media Folder.

20. Locate your saved folder with content and click Add.

21. Find your Movies folder and click Add again.

22. Your Movies should now populate into the proper Library.

23. You can now add other media employing the same process. Here, we enter an Album.

That’s it! You have the freedom to add as much media as you desire to your server, be it Movies, TV Shows, Music, Photos, or other content types.

Once your server is all set up, you can easily access it through applications on your preferred devices.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Plex Media Server operates within your Web Browser and is not a standalone application. Launching Plex on your home server will open Plex within your chosen Browser.

If you encounter any issues launching the Plex Server, you can visit https://app.plex.tv/desktop

Installing and Using Plex Client Apps

Once media content has been added to your Plex Home Media Server, the next step involves installing and configuring the Plex Client App on various streaming devices.

In the example below, we will be installing Plex on a Fire TV Stick 4K. Nonetheless, you can effortlessly install the Plex app from the App Store on any device you own.

1. Navigate to the search on the device’s home screen and enter “Plex.”

2. Select the Plex app.

3. Click on Download.

4. Allow time for the app to install.

5. Once done, select Open.

6. Proceed by selecting Sign In.

7. Make a note of the activation code.

8. Open any Browser and go to plet.tv/link and enter the provided activation code. Click Link

9. Wait for Plex to check Code

10. Account Linked message will appear when your device has been authorized

11. On your streaming device, choose your Plex Media Server

12. Click Continue

13. Customize your content and choose continue again

14. On the left side menu bar, hover over Movies and click Library

15. Movies from your Home Media Server will now appear

16. You can also view downloaded Music or other media

That’s done! Your Plex Client app is now ready for use. For Roku owners, learn how to set up Plex on Roku with the following guide.

How To Install Plex on Roku

Installing Plex on Roku follows the same steps as on Firestick or another device.

Roku doesn’t support side-loading of apps or APKs like Firestick does, making installing Plex on Roku a great way to access content not native to the device.

While some have attempted to “jailbreak” Roku, it’s not actually possible. Several online tutorials suggest jailbreaking Roku through screen-mirroring with another device.

However, TROYPOINT provides guidance on jailbreaking Roku by setting up Plex and streaming content from your Home Media Server.

Using Roku to enjoy your downloaded content is an excellent way to maximize the device’s capabilities. Follow the steps below to install Plex on your Roku device.

1. Press the home button on your Roku remote

2. Scroll down to hover over the search option

3. Type “Plex” in the search bar

4. Select “Plex – Stream Free Movies & TV”

5. Click “Add channel” to continue

6. Wait for the Plex channel installation process to complete

7. Click “Ok” to confirm the installation

8. Hover over the Plex channel and select options

9. Choose Move channel

10. Place Plex at the front of your apps list and click to launch

11. From the home screen of Plex, choose Sign In

12. Take note of activation code

13. Launch your Browser (on any device) and enter provided authorization code. Click Link

14. Account Linked message will appear

15. Return to your Plex app on Roku and choose your preferred Server

16. Click Continue

17. Customize navigation to your preferences and click Finish

18. Choose your Plex Media Server

19. Click Movies to find your available content

Note: For more information on using Plex with any Roku device, refer to our Jailbreak Roku Guide.

Plex Subtitles

For those who have trouble hearing or simply enjoy closed caption when streaming, Plex also has the ability to enable subtitles.

Prior to integrating subtitles with your content, you must have an OpenSubtitles account. OpenSubtitles works with Plex and tons of other apps as shown in our Subtitle guide.

Click on the link below to learn how to Use OpenSubtitles with Streaming APK’s.

The process for Plex is slightly different than other streaming apps. Follow the steps below to enable subtitles within Plex:

1. Launch Your Plex Server and click on Settings (tool icon) located in the upper right-hand corner.

2. Select Agents and then Plex Movie from the list.

3. Click on the Gear icon located next to OpenSubtitles.org.

4. Enter your OpenSubtitles login credentials, select your language preferences, and then save your settings.

5. Check the box next to OpenSubtitles.

6. Return to the homepage of your Server and click the options button next to the content you want subtitles added to and select.To refresh all metadata, simply select the option to refresh when prompted. Waiting for the metadata to update will complete the process. After this, you can enjoy subtitles on your synced content across different devices. To activate subtitles on your Plex Client app, play your chosen content and enable subtitles within the settings of the movie or TV show.

Plex’s latest feature is the integrated VOD content available for instant access on the Plex app. This includes popular movie titles and TV shows from Crackle alongside featured Plex content. All titles are free on the Plex app and require no downloading or transcoding; simply find a stream and play instantly from the Plex app home-screen.

The standout feature of the Plex system is the ability to share content across users with a Plex account. By following the guide provided, you can easily share your stored media files with friends and family. Launch Plex Media Server, navigate to settings, select Users & Sharing, choose Share Libraries, enter the username or email of the recipient, select the media to share, and complete the process by sending it.

7. Shared content will now be available within the recipient’s media server.

That’s it!

Sharing media between Plex users is a great way to enjoy tons of content and fill libraries with your favorite Movies, TV Shows, and more.

Using Plex is an easy way to transfer photos and home videos, eliminating the need for cumbersome emails with large attachments. Plex simplifies the storage and sharing of all your media.

Integrate Trakt within Plex

Trakt users can seamlessly integrate their account within Plex to sync their content effortlessly. Use the guide below to integrate Trakt within the Plex Media Server:

1. Type iptvproviders.info/traktplex in your Browser to download the Trakt plugin file.

2. After the download, locate the file in your Downloads folder, and right-click to select “Extract All”.

3. Click “Extract” when prompted.

4. Allow the extraction process to complete.

5. Once the process finishes, search for and open the Plex plug-ins folder by typing “%LOCALAPPDATA%Plex Media ServerPlug-ins” in your search bar.

6. Find your trakttv.bundle folder and move it into the Plex Plug-in folder as demonstrated below.

7. The trakt file will now appear within Plex Plugins folder

8. Launch Plex Media Server and click Settings

9. In the bottom left-hand corner, Select Plugins under Manage

10. The Trakt icon should appear within the Plex Plugins category. Click the gear icon within the Trakt icon

11. Copy the provided link and enter in your browser

12. If prompted, sign into your Trakt account

13. Click Yes

14. Copy or take note of the provided Pin Code

15. Return to your Plex Server and enter Pin. Scroll down and click Save

That’s it! Your Trakt account will now work in conjunction with Plex for an all-inclusive streaming experience.

Purchasing a streaming device will give you access to streaming apps that feature unlimited content for your viewing enjoyment.

TROYPOINT has created a list of the best Android applications (APKs) for streaming Movies and TV Shows that is updated daily.

Plex Media Server Alternatives

While Plex is a fabulous media streaming tool, it may not be for everyone. Due to the home media server needed for use, some may fall short of the requirements to get started using Plex.

Luckily, there are a few other options that require less hardware and aren’t as time-consuming. The most popular way to watch Movies and TV Shows is via a streaming device.

There are hundreds of devices to choose from for streaming VOD content. The most popular today is the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k. This is due to its “jailbreaking” abilities that will enable the side-loading of applications not available within the Amazon App Store.

FAQs

Is Plex Media Server Free?

Yes, Plex Media Server membership is 100% free. However, Plex also offers Plex Pass, which is a paid service that provides added features and benefits.

Is Plex Legal?

No. Plex Media Server is completely legal and available for use on nearly any device.

How Does Plex Media Server Work?

Plex stores and saves your media files, including Movies, TV Shows, Photos, and more. You can then access these files remotely from nearly any device you prefer with the Plex client app.

How do I Watch Movies on Plex?

The Plex Streaming App features free movies and TV shows available for streaming. However, users can also watch their own downloaded content, including Movies, TV Shows, and more.

What is the Best Server for Plex?

There are tons of options to use as a Plex Server, including PC, Linux, NVIDIA SHIELD, and others. However, most use their at-home desktop PC that will work perfectly as your Plex Home Server.

What do I Need for Plex?

Plex requirements to get started include a home media server, downloaded/saved media content, and a streaming device such as the Amazon Firestick or Android TV Box.