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Install Plex Media Server on Ubuntu 20.04 with sudo snap install plexmediaserver, then open http://localhost:32400/manage to finish setup. The Snap is listed on Snapcraft under Plex’s publisher, but Plex’s own Ubuntu installation documentation centers on its .deb package and APT repository; choose that route instead if Snap’s storage confinement or hardware access gets in your way.
Before you install
Ubuntu 20.04, also called Focal Fossa, is an older LTS release. If practical, install Plex on a newer supported Ubuntu LTS. Plex lists Ubuntu 16.04 or newer among its compatible Linux distributions, but Plex compatibility is separate from Ubuntu’s security-maintenance status. Canonical says LTS releases receive five years of standard support, with further security maintenance available through Ubuntu Pro and Expanded Security Maintenance options. Check Canonical’s Ubuntu support-period information for the applicable coverage. A 64-bit Ubuntu installation is preferable for a modern media server.
You will need administrator access, an internet connection, and a stable location for your media. Make sure any internal, external, or network storage is mounted before adding libraries. For a headless Ubuntu Server, have its LAN IP address available.
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Snap is normally installed on Ubuntu 20.04. Confirm that the command is available and check the system and storage before proceeding:
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cat /etc/os-release
snap version
df -hIf snap is missing, install Snapd:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y snapdIf the command still is not available, log out and back in or reboot, then check snap version again. Snapcraft’s Plex Media Server installation page lists Ubuntu 20.04 and the installation steps.
Install Plex Media Server with Snap
Run the install command:
sudo snap install plexmediaserverConfirm that the package is installed and inspect its service:
snap list plexmediaserver
snap services plexmediaserverIf the service is stopped, start it. To restart it later, use the second command:
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sudo snap start plexmediaserver
sudo snap restart plexmediaserverSnapcraft lists plexmediaserver as a Plex-published snap. That listing does not make Snap Plex’s documented primary Ubuntu installation route: Plex’s Linux installation instructions direct Ubuntu users to a downloaded .deb or the Plex APT repository.
Open the web setup page
On the Ubuntu machine, open a browser and go to:
http://localhost:32400/manageSign in to your Plex account, name the server, choose whether to enable remote access, and add libraries such as Movies, TV Shows, Music, or Photos. For each library, select the directory containing that media and let Plex scan it.
If you are setting up a headless server from another computer on the same network, use its LAN address instead:
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http://SERVER_IP:32400/manageReplace SERVER_IP with the Ubuntu machine’s address. Your browser must be able to reach the server, and any firewall between the machines must allow the connection. Installing Plex does not by itself configure safe public-internet access.
Make media directories visible
First check that the directory exists, is mounted where expected, and can be traversed through its parent directories:
findmnt
ls -ld /path/to/media
namei -l /path/to/mediaReplace /path/to/media with the actual directory. Plex needs permission to read the files and traverse every parent directory. Snap adds a second consideration: confinement and the interfaces connected to the Plex snap can limit which host paths it can access.
Inspect the available connections:
snap connections plexmediaserverIf the snap lists a removable-media plug and your drive is mounted under /media, /run/media, or /mnt, you can connect it with:
sudo snap connect plexmediaserver:removable-mediaThis works only if the plug exists for your installation, and it grants access to the supported removable-storage locations—not arbitrary paths. Snap’s interface documentation explains confinement, while its removable-media interface reference describes these paths and why the interface is not normally connected automatically.
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Check the service and diagnose a page that will not load
Use these commands to inspect the Snap service, read its logs, and check whether the local web endpoint responds:
snap services plexmediaserver
sudo snap logs plexmediaserver
ss -ltnp | grep 32400
curl -I http://127.0.0.1:32400/webAn HTTP response shows that something is answering on the local Plex web port; it does not confirm that Plex can read your libraries or that remote access works. If the service is not responding, restart it with sudo snap restart plexmediaserver and review the logs for the cause.
If local access works but another LAN computer cannot connect, check the firewall:
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sudo ufw allow 32400/tcpOnly add the rule if UFW is active and the connection needs it. Opening TCP port 32400 allows access on the network interfaces covered by the rule; limit access to the necessary network scope where possible. Public remote access also involves router and Plex settings, not just this firewall rule.
Update the Snap installation
Snapd normally refreshes installed snaps automatically. To request a refresh and inspect package information, run:
sudo snap refresh plexmediaserver
snap list plexmediaserver
snap info plexmediaserverThese commands apply to the Snap installation only. Updates through Snapd are a separate packaging channel from updates through Plex’s APT repository, with different package behavior and troubleshooting steps.
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Snap or Plex’s official APT repository?
| Consideration | Snap | Official APT repository |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | sudo snap install plexmediaserver |
Add Plex’s repository and signing key, then install with APT. |
| Filesystem access | Confinement may require checking interfaces, especially for removable storage. | Conventional package behavior can be simpler for complex mounts and permissions. |
| Documentation | Listed on Snapcraft under Plex’s publisher. | Plex’s Ubuntu installation documentation centers on the .deb package and APT repository. |
| A practical fit | A short setup for a straightforward home server. | A customized or closely managed Ubuntu server where conventional package behavior is preferred. |
For the documented APT route, Plex currently provides these repository instructions and install command:
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sudo apt install -y curl gnupg2
curl -L https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-keys/PlexSign.v2.key |
sudo gpg --yes --dearmor
-o /etc/apt/keyrings/plexmediaserver.v2.gpg
echo "deb [signed-by=/etc/apt/keyrings/plexmediaserver.v2.gpg]
https://repo.plex.tv/deb/ public main" |
sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/plex.list
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y plexmediaserverFollow Plex’s current repository setup instructions if you choose APT. Do not install both package types as though they were one Plex installation. Before switching, identify the installed package and back up the Plex database and configuration; package data locations and service commands can differ.
Know what to expect from transcoding
Direct Play sends a compatible media file to a client as-is. Direct Stream repackages the stream without fully converting the media. Transcoding converts media when the client, connection, quality setting, or subtitle format requires it. Hardware transcoding uses supported graphics hardware rather than relying only on the CPU.
Installing the Snap does not guarantee access to Intel Quick Sync, NVIDIA NVENC, VA-API, or another hardware-acceleration path. Results depend on the hardware, kernel and drivers, Plex support for that configuration, device access through the package, and Plex Pass eligibility for hardware transcoding. Plex says CPU needs vary with media, clients, simultaneous users, and transcoding workload; its server requirements describe Intel Core i3 or equivalent as a general minimum recommendation, not a promise of smooth performance for multiple simultaneous transcodes. APT or Docker may be more convenient for some configurations, but neither removes the need to verify device access and drivers.
When Ubuntu 20.04 must remain in service
Keep the operating system’s maintenance status separate from whether the Plex package installs. Ubuntu 20.04’s standard five-year LTS support period is distinct from post-standard-support coverage through Canonical’s Ubuntu Pro and ESM options. If you must keep this server on 20.04, confirm that its security updates are covered; otherwise, plan an operating-system upgrade when feasible.
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Before an Ubuntu upgrade, back up Plex’s database and metadata, note any preferences and transcoding-directory settings, and record mount and firewall configuration. Changes to Snapd, storage mounts, graphics drivers, or permissions can affect behavior after an OS upgrade.
Uninstalling or changing package methods
Before removing or replacing Plex, identify whether Snap, APT, or both are installed:
snap list | grep -i plex
dpkg -l | grep -i plex
systemctl status plexmediaserverBack up Plex data before changing methods. Do not assume uninstalling preserves or migrates every database, preference, or metadata file; verify the package-specific data location and migration procedure for the installation you have.
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