Your Attractive Heading
How to install and configure Plex to watch movies and TV from anywhere
CONSUME!
7
Grab the popcorn
Watch your movies and TV shows on any device
You did it! Get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labour.
You’ve automated your movie and TV show collection and added your favorite media. Just a few more steps until it’s time to Plex and Chill.
Table of Contents:
Step 1. Download and install Plex Media Server.
First, visit plex.tv and sign in or sign up for a free account. Plex has an excellent paid “Plex Pass” service, but it’s not required.
Visit https://www.plex.tv/media-server-downloads/, download the latest stable release, and run the installer. We prefer the direct download, on not installing from the Windows app store.
If you get a Windows Firewall prompt, select “Allow Access”. When installed, a browser tab will open.
First, give your server a friendly name. This will show up on your TV or media device, so name it something you won’t be embarrassed about if Mom stops by.
Next, set up your Library. Click “Add Library” and click “Movies”, then click Next. Then click “Add Folder” and navigate to your Movies folder. Finally, click “Add Library”.
Click “Add Library” again, and follow the same steps for the “TV Shows” library. Be sure to select your TV Shows folder.
Click “Done” and the Plex home screen will be displayed. Next, we’ll set up Plex to stream from anywhere and customize your user interface.
Step 2. Set up Plex Media Server.
Click the wrench on the top right to go to Settings.
On the left sidebar, scroll down and click “Remote Access”. Check the option to “Manually specify port”, and make sure it is set to 32400. Click “Apply”.
Note: Remote Access can be tricky, depending on your network setup. If you have trouble accessing Plex remotely, visit the Plex community forums.
Still under Settings, click “Languages”. Check “Automatically select audio and subtitle tracks”. Choose your preferred audio and subtitle language, and click Save Changes.
Next, click “Scheduled Tasks” and ensure the times are set to when you won’t be watching Plex. Click “Save Changes”, and then the home icon on the top left.
Step 3. Customize the Plex interface.
On the Plex home screen you’ll see a sidebar with your libraries and some built-in functions to the Plex app. Next to each entry, click the vertical “…” icon to Unpin (hide) or Reorder each library. The order in your sidebar will affect the order that each library appears on your home screen.
If you unpin something accidentally, click the “More >” link on bottom to re-pin it.
Step 4. Connect Radarr and Sonarr to Plex to add media to your Plex library instantly.
Finally, you’ll want to hook up Radarr and Sonarr to notify Plex when they have downloaded a new movie or TV episode.
Visit your Radarr tab (http://localhost:7878/) and go to Settings, then Connect. Click the big “+” plus sign and click “Plex Media Server”.
Ensure the following options are checked:
- On Import
- On Upgrade
- On Rename
- On Movie Delete
- On Movie File Delete
- On Movie File Delete For Upgrade
Click the blue “Authenticate with Plex.tv” button, sign in to Plex, and allow access. Be sure the “Update Library” option is checked, and click “Save”.
Now, visit your Sonarr tab (http://localhost:8989/) and follow the same steps. Settings, Connect, “+” plus sign, and click “Plex Media Server”.
Ensure the following options are checked:
- On Import
- On Upgrade
- On Rename
- On Series Delete
- On Episode File Delete
- On Episode File Delete For Upgrade
Click the blue “Authenticate with Plex.tv” button, sign in to Plex, and allow access. Be sure the “Update Library” option is checked, and click “Save”.