Updating Plex Media Server on your Synology NAS is essential for security patches, new features, and bug fixes. Here's how to do it efficiently:
Before You Start
Important: Backup your Plex data.
- Navigate to Plex Web App > Settings > Manage > Server.
- Under General, scroll down to the Backups section.
- Choose Back Up Now and wait for completion.
Method 1: Update via Synology Package Center (Recommended)
- Open Synology DSM in your web browser.
- Go to Package Center.
- Locate the Plex Media Server package.
- If an update is available, an Update button will appear.
- Click Update and wait for the installation to complete.
- Confirm the update in the Plex Web App: Settings > Server > General > Server Information.
Note: Synology Package Center updates might have a slight delay compared to Plex's direct releases.
Method 2: Manual Update
Use this if you need the absolute latest version immediately.
- Download the latest Synology NAS specific SPK file from the official Plex website. Use the correct model architecture (e.g., Intel x64, ARMv8).
- In Synology DSM, go to Package Center.
- Click on Manual Install in the top-right corner.
- Click Browse, select the downloaded SPK file, and click Next.
- Follow the prompts to perform the installation over the existing one. Agree to any warnings.
- Wait for installation confirmation. The server will restart automatically.
- Verify the new version in the Plex Web App as described above.
Post-Update Checks
- Ensure your libraries update correctly.
- Confirm remote access is functioning (if used).
- Test playback from various clients.
Troubleshooting
- Permission Issues After Manual Update: Grant 'PlexMediaServer' user read/write permissions to your media folders again via Synology's Control Panel > Shared Folder.
- Update Fails in Package Center: Ensure the Synology Package Center is configured correctly (Settings > General > Trust Level). Try manual update.
- Server Doesn't Start: Check the Package Center > Installed list. Try stopping and starting the Plex service.
