Restarting Plex Media Server
Restarting the server application often resolves playback, scanning, or connection issues. Choose the method suitable for your operating system.
For Windows Systems
Method 1: Using the System Tray Icon
- Locate the Plex Media Server icon (
) in the Windows system tray (notification area).
- Right-click on the icon.
- Select Quit Plex Media Server or Exit.
- Open the Plex Media Server application again from your Start Menu or Desktop shortcut. It will restart automatically.
Method 2: Using Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Navigate to the Processes or Details tab.
- Find processes named Plex Media Server, Plex Tuner Service, or .
- Select each Plex-related process and click End Task.
- Launch Plex Media Server again.
Method 3: Using Command Prompt/PowerShell
- Open Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell as Administrator.
- Stop the service:
taskkill /IM "Plex Media *" /F - Restart the application via its shortcut or the Start Menu.
Method 4: Restarting the Windows Service
- Press Win + R, type , and press Enter.
- Locate the service named Plex Media Server.
- Right-click on it and select Restart.
For macOS Systems
Method 1: Using the Menu Bar Icon
- Locate the Plex Media Server icon in the macOS menu bar.
- Click on the icon.
- Select Quit Plex Media Server.
- Reopen the Plex Media Server application from your Applications folder.
Method 2: Using Activity Monitor
- Open Activity Monitor (found in Applications > Utilities).
- In the CPU or Memory tab, search for Plex.
- Select any processes named Plex Media Server or PlexScriptHost.
- Click the Stop (X) button in the toolbar and confirm Force Quit.
- Launch Plex Media Server again from the Applications folder.
Method 3: Using Terminal Commands
- Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities).
- Stop Plex:
sudo launchctl stop *(Enter admin password when prompted) - Wait a few seconds.
- Start Plex:
sudo launchctl start *
Method 4: Force Quit (If Unresponsive)
- Press Command + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit Applications window.
- Select Plex Media Server if listed.
- Click Force Quit.
- Relanuch the application.
After Restarting
- Open a web browser and navigate to your Plex Web App (e.g., ).
- Check the Status under Settings > Server > General to confirm it's running.
- Test playback or the functionality that was previously problematic.
Important Notes
- Restarting the server will briefly interrupt all active streams and ongoing tasks.
- Ensure you have the necessary permissions to stop/start services or force quit applications.
- If restarting frequently fails, investigate server logs for underlying errors.
- A full system reboot can also resolve deeper system issues affecting Plex.
