Instructions to setup the Plex Media Server
The purpose of these setup instructions is to connect the Media Server device to the Internet network (WiFi or Ethernet).
The Media Server does not come with a screen (or screen connecting cable) to display system information. Although it is possible to connect a HDMI monitor and keyboard/mouse, it is not required. The Plex Media Server is a Linux computer, it has a command line console with no graphic user interface (no "Windows"). If you know Linux, or want to learn it, feel free to hook up a HDMI monitor and keyboard/mouse and dig in! The operating system is a Debian 12 Linux variant built for the Media Server hardware.
The default username and password for all Media Server applications and root Linux login is;
Username: plex Password: plexpass
The password can be changed using the Plex Media Control Panel at http://plexmediaserver.local (once setup is completed)
The Media Server will automatically connect to Ethernet if connected to the router. If not connecting the Media Server to Ethernet, the Media Server will become a WiFi access point. Connect to the Media Server WiFi access point and use the Media Server Control Panel to configure the WiFi connection. Both the Ethernet and/or WiFi connections can be used simultaneously. Of the three options below, use the option for the Media Server connection type used. (options #1 & #2).
(1) Ethernet connection:
_ Connect the Media Server to the router with an Ethernet cable.
_ Plug in Media Server to power. Turn on/plug in power. (Red light on - about 1 minute startup)
_ Use a device (computer, tablet or phone) that is connected to the same router as the Media Server.
_ Use the devices web browser and go to http://plexmediaserver.local [Media Server Control Panel]
If no connection with this method try option #3.
Use the Network Control option (see below) to connect the WiFi router (optional when Ethernet is connected).
(2) WiFi connection:
_ Plug in Media Server to power. Turn on/plug in power. (Red light on - about 1 minute startup)
_ Use a device (computer, tablet or phone) that is connected to the same router as the Media Server.
_ Connect the devices WiFi to the PlexMediaServer access point.
_ Use the device web browser and go to http://plexmediaserver.local [Media Server Control Panel]
If no connection with this method try option #3.
Use the Network Control option (see below) to connect the WiFi router (optional when Ethernet is connected).
(3) Alternate Ethernet/WiFi connection: requires Bluetooth! Use if unsuccessful with option #1 or #2.
_ Optional; to use Ethernet connection; connect the Media Server to the router with an Ethernet cable.
_ Plug in Media Server to power. Turn on/plug in power. (Red light on - about 1 minute startup)
_ Use a computer, tablet or phone that has Bluetooth functionality and go to the device Bluetooth connection settings.
_ Select "Pair a new Bluetooth device" and look for PMS-xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx in the add device list. Do not try to connect to Bluetooth, there are no Bluetooth services.
_ xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is the Media Server IP number.
_ Use a device (computer, tablet or phone) that is connected to the same router as the Media Server.
If the IP number xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is 10.42.0.1 then;
_ Connect the devices WiFi to the PlexMediaServer access point.
_ Use the device web browser and go to http://10.42.0.1 [Media Server Control Panel]
If the IP number is xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx NOT 10.42.0.1 then;
_ Use the device web browser and go to http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx [Media Server Control Panel]
Use the Network Control option (see below) to connect to the WiFi router.
Trouble?
_ No PMS-x.x.x.x in the device Bluetooth settings?
_ No PlexMediaServer in the device WiFi settings?
_ The WiFi router SSID is not listed in the Media Server Control Panel interface?
The router needs rebooted, as these features turn off after a few minutes.
To reboot the Media Server; unplug/turn off, wait 10 seconds, then plug in/turn on.
Network Control
Setup the WiFi connection if needed (optional when Ethernet is connected).
_ Select -> Network Control -> WiFi Setup.
_ Select the WiFi SSID. (if the WiFi SSID is not in the list, the router needs rebooted to refresh the list)
To reboot the Media Server; unplug/turn off, wait 10 seconds, then plug in/turn on.
_ Enter WiFi Password.
_ Click the "Connect" button.
The server will reboot and connect to the WiFi network.
_ Use a device (computer, tablet or phone) that is connected to the same router as the Media Server.
_ Use the device web browser and go to http://plexmediaserver.local [Media Server Control Panel]
Congratulations! The Media Server should be up and running.
Use the [Media Server Control Panel] Severs Applications button to explore the applications on the Media Server.
More Information and Documentation are located online at http://zirocks.com/index.php/newsetup or on the Media Server at http://plexmediaserver.local .