How do you install Plex on your Synology NAS?
What is Plex?
As said before, Plex is an application that helps you manage your media library in the easiest way possible. You control this app from your NAS, and use it on every device that's connected to your server. Think of a laptop or smartphone, but also your gaming console for example. All connected devices can access movies, series, music, and more. Plex is also very useful for fetching metadata, which is information about your media. For example, the genre of the movie or the producer of your favorite albums. With this data, you divide libraries even better and keep everything organized.
What do you need to install Plex?
You don't need much to install Plex, but we'll list everything for you to make it easier:
- A Synology NAS
- A stable internet connection
- A laptop or desktop
- A (modem) router connected to your NAS and computer
Step 1: Install Plex via a connected PC
Step 2: Register yourself and your NAS
Step 3: Set up the access
Step 4: Create your libraries
Step 5: Set up your devices
Because you need a stable internet connection during installation, we advice you to temporarily remove all other devices from the network. This way, the connection is more stable and faster while it installs and sets up Plex.
Step 1: install Plex via a connected PC
Open the configuration page of the Synology NAS in a web browser on your computer. This computer must be connected to the same network as the NAS. Do this via find.synology.com and wait until your NAS appears on screen. Click on the top left of the main menu and open the 'Package Center'. Select the search function on the top left of this new screen and search for 'Plex'. Choose install and wait about 5 minutes. Done? Look at the main menu of the Synology NAS and click on the Plex logo.
Step 2: register yourself and your NAS
After you've clicked on the logo, Plex opens a new window in your browser. You'll find an option to log in or register on the middle of the screen. Choose register and create a username and password with your email address. Write this information down, because you'll need it later for adjustments and updates. Select 'Log in' and choose a name for your server on the next screen.
Step 3: set up the access
Plex mostly works with devices that are connected to the same network, but also has options for streaming remotely. Like when you're on vacation and still want to watch your favorite movies and series, and want to watch or listen more. When you think of the name for your server, there's a selection box under the name that says 'Enable Remote Access'. Check this when you also want to access Plex outside of your network, like via your smartphone.
Step 4: create your libraries
When you've named the server and enabled Remote Access, it's time to create your libraries. Select what types of media you want to add. After that, a pop-up screen will open and ask you to choose the location of your media. Repeat this for all other libraries. Working with multiple drives? Remember which drive stores which media type. So you know which media you've lost in case one of the drives breaks, for example. Also make sure your movies and series aren't in 1 folder. And you want to create different libraries for all your series to keep it all clearly structured.
Step 5: set up your devices
After you've created your libraries, it's time to set up your devices. Download the Plex app onto your device, or go to plex.tv on your computer. Log in with your account, and you're done. You can check which devices are connected to Plex and your Synology NAS via the web browser. Click the settings icon on the home page and go to 'Authorized Devices'. Here, you'll find a list of all connected devices. You can also remove certain devices though this menu by selecting the red cross. If you try to log into Plex on this device later, you add it again automatically.
