How to Update Your Plex Media Server on a Raspberry Pi 4

As a proud owner of a QNAP TS-251+ 2-Bay for storing my media, I've recently decided to transition my homelab setup to a fleet of 10 Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (4GB) devices. One of the reasons behind this move is to set up Plex Media Server on each device, and I'm excited to share with you how I did it.

Before we dive into the process, make sure you have the right power supply for your Raspberry Pi 4. Unlike earlier models, which used Micro USB, the Raspberry Pi 4 requires a higher-power supply, specifically one that outputs up to 3A. The power supply I linked to in this article is compatible with the Raspberry Pi 4 and ensures it receives the necessary power to run smoothly.

Next, you'll need a suitable microSD card for your Raspberry Pi 4. I recommend using Samsung MicroSDHC EVO Select cards, which are reliable and provide fast performance. The Raspberry Pi 4 requires at least 2GB of RAM to run Plex Media Server, but I personally use the 4GB model to ensure smoother performance.

To get started with setting up your Plex Media Server on a Raspberry Pi 4, you'll need to purchase a Raspberry Pi 4 CanaKit or build one yourself using the required components. If you're purchasing from CanaKit, make sure it comes with a power supply, as I mentioned earlier. The Samsung 64GB MicroSD EVO Select MicroSD Card with Adapter is another essential component that will help your Raspberry Pi 4 run smoothly.

Now, let's get to the update process! To ensure your Plex Media Server remains up-to-date and running efficiently, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Raspberry Pi 4 using SSH or Remote Desktop.

2. Update the package list by running the following command: `sudo apt-get update`

3. Upgrade the system by running: `sudo apt-get dist-upgrade`

4. Once the upgrade is complete, restart your Raspberry Pi 4 to ensure the changes take effect.

After restarting your Raspberry Pi 4, you can verify that Plex Media Server has updated successfully by checking its version number in the Settings menu within the Plex web interface.

In conclusion, updating your Plex Media Server on a Raspberry Pi 4 is a straightforward process that requires some basic knowledge of Linux and command-line interfaces. By following these steps and using the right components for your setup, you'll be able to enjoy seamless media streaming and transcoding capabilities with your Plex Media Server.

How to update plex media server update