Install Plex Media Server on CentOS 8 / CentOS 7

In this post we’ll talk about how you can Install Plex Media Server on CentOS 8 & CentOS 7 Linux System. Plex is an open-source client-server media server created to enable you stream your Videos, Audio and Photos from your Tablet, Mobile device or PC using public internet or local network connection. Plex runs on Windos, macOS, Linux and FreeBSD operating systems.

You can extend the features of Plex using readily available plugins. Some of the Premium features you can unlock with subscription are:

• Mobile Sync — Enjoy your media offline on Android and iOS devices.
• Live TV & DVR — Connect a tuner and antenna to record free OTA broadcasts
• Parental Controls — Set up managed user accounts to create custom access restrictions
• Webhooks — Connect your media server to your home automation system
• Server Dashboard — See the play history, bandwidth, and top users on your media server
• Premium Music Magic — Sweet Fades, Loudness Leveling, Lyrics, and more
• Premium Photos — Take advantage of auto-tagging and Places to easily sort and discover memories with friends and family.

The Plex software suite comprises of two main components. The Plex Media Server and the Client application installatable on Linux, Windows, macOS and Android devices.

Install Plex Media Server on CentOS 8 / CentOS 7

The Plex media server packages are not available on the CentOS 8 AppStream or official CentOS 7 repositories, We’ll add the repository manually.

sudo tee  /etc/yum.repos.d/plex.repo<[Plex]

name=Plex

baseurl=https://downloads.plex.tv/repo/rpm/\$basearch/

enabled=1

gpgkey=https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-keys/PlexSign.key

gpgcheck=1

EOF

You can confirm if repository is configured correctly by viewing the contents in the file.

$ cat /etc/yum.repos.d/plex.repo

After adding the repository, proceed to Install Plex Media Server on CentOS 8.

sudo yum -y install plexmediaserver

After installation, ensure the service is started and enabled.

sudo systemctl enable --now plexmediaserver

Confirm if the service is in running state:

systemctl status plexmediaserver.service

See Screenshot below.

Open required firewall ports.

sudo firewall-cmd --get-default-zone 

sudo firewall-cmd --add-service=plex --permanent --zone=public

sudo firewall-cmd --reload

sudo firewall-cmd --list-all --zone=public

Access Plex Media Server Web Console

Access Plex Media Server on your Server URL, port 32400, e.g 192.168.100.110:32400/web.

If Plex is installed on a remote server, setup SSH tunnel for initial configuration:

ssh user@remoteip -L 32400:localhost:32400

Then you can then access Plex web interface on localhost port 32400.

You need to sign in with gmail, facebook account or email to continue.

You can optionally choose a premium package that works for you.

Give your server a friendly name.

Add Media Library — Music, Videos, Tv Shows, Photos e.t.c.

Finish the setup and start enjoying Plex Media Server.

In the next guide, you’ll learn to configure Secure Proxy server for Plex using Apache:

Secure Plex Media Server with Let’s Encrypt SSL

In our guide in the following link you’ll learn to secure your Plex Media setup with SSL certificate.

• Secure Plex and Kodi Media Server using Let’s Encrypt SSL

Install Plex Media Server on CentOS 8 / CentOS 7