Last year, I demonstrated how straightforward it is to set up a Plex server on a Synology NAS using Docker. In my latest monthly sponsored Plex video, we explore moving that container off the Synology NAS and onto a Mini PC running Ubuntu Linux.
First, I had to install Docker on the Mini PC, which is running Ubuntu. Installing the Docker Engine was straightforward—just copying and pasting commands into the terminal, as detailed on Docker’s official website. With Docker set up, I moved the Plex container’s files from the Synology NAS, where it had been operating with a small library that included a movie and some TV episodes.
Before transferring, I changed some metadata on the NAS, such as updating a thumbnail for a TV show episode, as a test to ensure that all data will transfer correctly. I stopped the Plex container on the NAS, copied all necessary files—including the Docker compose file, the media files and the folders containing Plex Metadata over to the Mini PC. I then adjusted the Docker compose file to reflect the new file locations on the Mini PC.
With the files in place, I issued a command to spin up the container. Everything started up without a hitch, and all metadata and media were intact and accessible. The flexibility of Docker makes such transitions smooth and reliable. As far as my Plex clients were concerned nothing changed at all!
Next, I wanted to add an external hard drive to the Plex server. I stopped the Plex container, identified the drive’s location on the system, and edited the Docker compose file to include the new media directory from the external drive. After restarting the container, the new media was seamlessly integrated into Plex.
Upgrading the Plex server within Docker is also straightforward. A simple pull command is all that is needed to upgrade to the latest version of the Plex Media Server.
Docker’s portability and ease of use (once you understand how it works of course) make it an excellent choice for self-hosting applications like Plex. Whether starting on a NAS or a Mini PC, Docker allows for straightforward setup, backup, and migration.
You can see some other self hosted projects I’ve played with recently here.
Disclosure: This was a paid sponsorship from Plex however they did not review or approve this content before it was uploaded.