Backing up or moving your Plex media server is a fairly straightforward process. There are two main parts to it: backing up your Plex Media Server itself, and backing up your content.
For backing up the Media Server itself, the best and easiest way is to use Plex’s web-based administrative tool. Start by logging into your Plex account and under Settings, go to the Server tab. On the left side of the page, choose General and then Backup/Restore.
From there, you can create a backup of all your server settings, such as your library paths, authentication and user information, Plex Pass settings, and more. You’ll be given an option to download the backup zip file, which you can store on an external hard drive.
For backing up your content, you’ll need to manually copy all of the files in your library folders over to an external hard drive. Any media files stored in the default folder locations, such as “Movies” and “TV Shows,” should also be copied over.
If you have stored media in locations outside of the default folder, make sure to include those as well. Once that’s done, your content should be safely backed up.
If you’re looking to move your media server from one computer to another, all you need to do is install the Plex Media Server application on the new computer, restore the backup zip file from the old server, and then copy all the media files from the original drive to the new one.
That’s it! Your media server should now be transferred to the new computer.
Where are Plex backups?
Backups and Synced items created by Plex Media Server are stored in the “Plex Media Server” folder in your home directory (located in ~/Plex Media Server). This folder contains 3 sub-folders: Plug-ins, Metadata and Cache.
The Backup sub-folder is located in the Metadata sub-folder and contains the files necessary for restoring your server. However, if you are using the cloud sync or media streaming features within Plex, your media might be stored in other locations.
For cloud sync, some of your content may be stored in the cloud, depending on which type of cloud account you’re using. For streamed content, it may also be stored in the cloud or on your local hard drive.
If you’re not sure where your content is located, you can check the status of your media in the Plex web app on your server.
How do I reinstall Plex without losing data?
Reinstalling Plex without losing data can be done in a few steps.
First, you should back-up any data that you want to keep. For example, if you have any media files associated with the library, those should be backed up to a secondary storage device. Next, you can uninstall the existing Plex app.
This can be done through the Windows Settings app or by using a dedicated uninstaller.
Once the app is uninstalled, you can then reinstall it from the official site. Once the installation is complete, you can then transfer the older backed-up data to the newly reinstalled version of Plex.
Make sure that you move over all of the files and settings so that they are in the same location as they were before. This will ensure that all of your settings, data, and media are kept safe and that information is not lost in the process.
After the data has been transferred, you can open and start using the freshly installed version of Plex. Any files and settings that you transferred should still remain intact and so your old libraries and media should still be visible.
Following these steps should allow you to reinstall Plex without losing any data.
How do I move my Plex database?
Moving your Plex database can be done relatively easily and quickly.
First, make sure that Plex is completely closed on all of your devices. You may need to completely shut down the computer or device Plex is on.
Next, locate your Plex Media Server data directory. You can find this in Settings > Server > General, or use the Plex website to find it.
Once you have located the data directory, you should backup your existing database and create a new, empty database. To do this, look for a file stored in this folder that ends in ”. db”. This is the Plex database that contains all of your data.
You should backup this file by copying it to a separate folder or storage device.
After doing this, you can create a new, empty database in the same folder, with a new ”.db” file.
Once you have the empty database ready, you can move the data from your old one to the new one. You can do this manually or by using a tool known as a Plex Media Server Transfer Tool.
Finally, once the data has been successfully moved to the new database, you can start Plex again and begin using the new database. You may have to perform a few additional steps if you were using a Transfer Tool.
In conclusion, moving your Plex database is relatively straightforward and should take very little time. Just make sure that Plex is closed, locate your Plex media directory, backup your existing database, and create a new, empty one.
Even if you don’t want to use a Transfer Tool, you should be able to transfer the data manually. Then, you can start using the new database with Plex.
How do I change the storage location for Plex?
If you are wanting to change the storage location of your Plex server, it is a relatively easy process. The first step is to make sure you have moved all of your media content to the desired target location.
Once you have done this, you will need to access the server settings on your Plex media server. You can usually find this by logging into the web dashboard or navigating to the server settings in the desktop app.
Once you have the server settings open, you will need to locate the library tab. Here you will find an option entitled “library location” or “storage location”. This is where you will be able to change the default storage location of your Plex server.
After choosing the new desired location and saving your changes you will need to restart the server.
Once the server is restarted, your Plex should now be using the new storage location. It may take some time for the media library to be populated, depending on the size of the library and the speed of your server.
After the library has been scanned, all of your media should be properly accessible in the web dashboard or app.
Can you run Plex on external hard drive?
Yes, you can run Plex on an external hard drive. An external hard drive can provide extra storage space for all your media and makes it easy to take your content with you on the go. To run Plex on an external hard drive, you need to attach it to your computer and then install the Plex Media Server software on the external drive.
Once you have the software installed, you can begin adding content to the external drive, streaming it via Plex, or both. You can also use the external drive to store backups of your Plex Media Server library.
Does Plex store my data?
No, Plex does not store any of your data. Plex simply allows you to organize and stream your media content from wherever it is located. Plex does not have any access or control to your media content, so it does not store any of your data.
You are in complete control of your media, and you can store it wherever you choose. Plex does not copy, store, or transmit any of your media content over the internet.
What storage do I need for Plex server?
The amount of storage you need for a Plex server ultimately depends on your individual requirements and the type of content you plan on streaming. Generally, you will need at least 250GB of storage space to get started.
However, if you plan on having a large library of content with high-quality videos, such as 4K videos, the amount of storage required can increase dramatically. Ideally, you should select a storage option that will accommodate the amount of content you plan on streaming and allow you to expand as your library grows.
If you decide to use a traditional hard disk drive (HDD), look for one that offers a high data transfer rate, which is typically measured in rpm (rotations per minute) and is reflected in the capacity of the drive.
Most HDDs for Plex servers offer a drive capacity of 1-4TB and typically spin at 5400 or 7200 rpm, although some drives can spin at up to 15,000 rpm. Additionally, HDDs are the least expensive type of storage, making them a popular choice for storing large amounts of content.
For those who want faster streaming speeds and increased storage capacity, solid-state drives (SSDs) are a popular choice. Unlike HDDs, SSDs do not require spinning disks, so they can access data more quickly.
Additionally, SSDs come in larger capacities, up to 12TB, and have a much faster read speed than HDDs. However, due to their higher cost, SSDs tend to be used for storing more important or specific content, such as movies in 4K resolution.
When selecting a storage solution for your Plex server, make sure to consider your budget and streaming needs. If you simply plan on streaming standard definition videos, then a traditional HDD should suffice.
However, If you plan on streaming large libraries of content in high definition or 4K, you may need to invest in an SSD for faster streaming speeds and higher capacity storage.
How do I export Plex library?
Exporting your Plex library will allow you to back up or transfer your media library to another Plex server or media server. To do so, you will need to first log into your Plex account. Once logged in, go to the server settings, which are located in the left pane.
Next, select the Library tab. On the Library tab, there will be an option to Export the Library. Select this option and follow the prompts. You will need to provide an export path, where Plex will save the export file.
Once you have set your path, hit the Exporting button. A notification will appear confirming that the Export is complete.
You can now transfer the library back to your new Plex server, simply by selecting Import Library from the Library tab. This will prompt you to select the backup file, which should be easy to find if you remember where your path was set.
After selecting your backup, hit the Import button and wait for the notification that your library has been imported back into Plex.
What is the NAS for Plex?
The Network Attached Storage (NAS) for Plex is a storage device which is connected to a network, allowing users to access digital content located on the device over the internet. Plex Media Server is a software application that runs on a NAS.
It acts as a media server, allowing users to access their music, videos, photos, and other digital content from anywhere that has an internet connection and a compatible device. Plex also allows users to stream their media to compatible devices such as computers, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
With a NAS, users can create a personal media library that is accessible anywhere, making it a great solution for streaming content to multiple devices.
Can you have multiple Plex servers?
Yes, it is possible to have multiple Plex servers. When it comes to setting up multiple Plex servers in your home, there are a few things to consider. First, you need to determine which type of device you are going to be using as your Plex server.
Options may include a computer, NAS (Network Attached Storage), or a mobile device.
Once you’ve determined which device you’re going to use, you’ll need to install the Plex server application onto each device you plan to use. The Plex server application can be downloaded onto computers, NAS devices, or directly to your mobile device.
After installing the Plex server app on each device, the next step will be linking the servers together. Ideally, all of the servers should be connected to the same local network. To allow all of the servers to recognize each other, you can enable the ‘Shared Libraries’ feature within the Plex server app.
This will allow the servers to share media between each other.
Of course, there are many other things to consider when setting up multiple Plex servers. Security is something to consider and, depending on the type of device being used, you may need to run updates to ensure the server stays secure.
Additionally, you’ll want to test the connection between the servers to ensure that they are operating correctly.
Overall, if you follow the instructions above, you should be able to easily setup and link multiple Plex servers in your home.
Where is the Plex data directory?
The location of the Plex data directory will vary depending on the operating system, but in general it is in the following locations:
Windows:
The Plex data directory is located in C:\Users[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server.
macOS:
The Plex data directory is located in ~/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server.
Linux:
The Plex data directory is located in the /var/lib/plexmediaserver folder.
NAS devices like Synology, NETGEAR, QNAP, Drobo, LaCie and others will have their own Plex data directory locations. Refer to the NAS manufacturer’s support site for more information.
For Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and mobile devices, Plex data is stored in private, encrypted directories on the device itself.
Where are Plex metadata stored?
Plex metadata is stored in the metadata/ library folders in the Plex directory, which is generally located in either AppData on Windows, or in ~/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server on macOS.
These folders typically have names such as “Metadata”, “Media”, or “Plex Media Server”. Inside these folders are sub-folders that contain the metadata for individual shows, movies, and other content, such as “TV Shows” and “Movies”.
The files in these folders include data such as posters, synopses, credits, and summaries for each show and movie. Additionally, in the “Plex Media Server” folder there is a “Library” folder that contains information about all of the media stored in the Plex library.
These files are generally in the. db or. xml formats.
How do I manually edit Plex metadata?
Manually editing Plex metadata can be done in the web-based Plex app or the desktop app. To edit the Plex metadata with the web-based app, go to your library, click the three dots in the corner of the item you want to edit, then select “Edit Metadata”.
From there, you can adjust the name, description, or other metadata information for the item.
If you’re using the desktop app, you can right-click on the item you want to edit, select the Metadata option, and then select the edit button. From there, you can add or edit information such as rating, genre, cast members, tags, and much more.
Once you have finished editing, click save, and your edits will be applied to the item.
It’s important to note that manually editing Plex metadata isn’t necessary in most cases, as Plex will find and display the right metadata automatically. However, if there is something amiss, it’s great to have the ability to adjust the metadata yourself.
How much space does Plex metadata take up?
The amount of space taken up by Plex metadata will depend on the size and number of libraries in use. Generally, the more content you have, the more metadata will be needed. On average, a single media file with all its metadata can take up anywhere from 0.2 to 0.
3 megabytes. For an average movie or television show, that would mean an additional 1-2 megabytes of data. However, if you are running an extensive library of thousands or tens of thousands of files, then the amount of metadata needed could reach as high as several gigabytes.
That being said, the actual size of the metadata is usually insignificant compared to the actual size of the media files themselves.
Does Plex have access to my library?
Yes, Plex does have access to your library. You can create a library of media (such as movies, music, photos, etc. ) to organize and access your content using Plex. When you set up a Plex server, you can import content from any directory on your device or from other connected media servers.
You can also sync content from cloud-based sources like Google Drive and Dropbox. Additionally, you can use Plex’s built-in media library to access your favorite streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and more.
With powerful sorting options, you can quickly find what you’re looking for and start streaming right away. Whether you’re looking to access your own media library or want to take advantage of Plex’s powerful streaming options, Plex provides easy access to your favorite content.
Is Plex Media Server secure?
Yes, Plex Media Server is secure. The server technology is constantly being upgraded to ensure that it meets the highest standards of security. Data is encrypted when it travels between the server and the device that’s connected to the server, while access is restricted to those with valid credentials.
You also have the ability to customize security settings, allowing you to adjust the level of security that is right for your specific needs. For an added layer of protection, you can control which media is available to certain users, or restrict access to only certain IP addresses.
In addition, Plex Media Server uses secure connection protocols, like HTTPS and SSH, to further protect your media.
Is Plex server legal?
Yes, Plex Server is legal. Plex is a media server application that provides a way for users to watch and organize their digital media, such as music, photos, and videos, in an easy to use and organized fashion.
Plex is mostly free to use, and it comes with a library of free services and content, including movie trailers, podcasts, music videos, and web shows. The only service you may have to subscribe to is the premium Plex Pass, which provides a host of benefits, including cloud storage for photos and videos, and access to premium content like live TV.
As far as legality goes, Plex is a secure, legal platform, and there are no known issues regarding the legality of sharing content from the Plex library. However, it is illegal to share, download, or monetize copyrighted material without the permission of the copyright holder.
Does Plex work with cloud storage?
Yes, Plex does work with cloud storage. It can be used with a variety of cloud storage options such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon Drive, and more. It enables you to store your media library in the cloud for access across multiple devices, as well as stream to your devices from the cloud.
It also allows for automated backups and transferring content between different cloud storage providers. Additionally, Plex can transcode content so it is compatible with older or weaker devices that may not be able to stream media directly from the cloud.
How do I export metadata from Plex?
Exporting metadata from Plex is a simple process. Before you start, make sure you have the latest version of the Plex Media Server installed. You can do this by navigating to Settings > Server in the Plex UI and checking the version number.
Once you’ve confirmed the latest version is installed, you can start the metadata export process. First, navigate to the “Local Metadata” tab in the Plex UI. Then, select the type of metadata you want to export (movies, TV shows, music, etc) from the drop-down menu.
After selecting, click on the “Export Metadata” button.
The export process can take several minutes depending on how much metadata you are exporting, so please wait for it to complete. Once the export process is finished, you will find a. zip or. tgz file containing the exported metadata in the path you specified when exporting.
This file can now be imported into another server, or used in some other way.
We hope this guide has helped you understand the Plex metadata export process. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the Plex support team. They are always happy to help.
