How to Load Plex Media Server on an External Hard Drive: A Step-by-Step Guide 'load plex media server on external hard drive'

Are you tired of using an outdated and power-hungry server for your Plex media needs? Look no further! With the rise of mini-PC technology, it's now possible to set up a powerful Plex Media Server using a Raspberry Pi 4 and an external hard drive. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of loading Plex on an external hard drive.

For those who are new to the world of media servers, Plex is a popular media player that allows you to stream your favorite movies, TV shows, and music to various devices throughout your home. While it's possible to run Plex internally on your home network, some users may need to access their content from outside their home network. In this case, an external hard drive connected to a Raspberry Pi 4 provides a more elegant solution.

Before we dive into the setup process, it's essential to understand that Plex doesn't require powerful hardware to run. This means you can opt for a budget-friendly solution like the Raspberry Pi 4, which is energy-efficient and affordable. In fact, a ten-year-old unRAID server may still be more powerful than what you'll need for a home media server.

So, why choose an external hard drive over an internal one? For starters, an external hard drive provides greater flexibility and portability. You can easily move your Plex Media Server to any location with an available USB port, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently travel or have multiple devices.

Now that we've covered the benefits of using an external hard drive, let's get started with the setup process!

Step 1: Prepare Your External Hard Drive

Before setting up your Plex Media Server, make sure you have a reliable external hard drive with sufficient storage space. You can use any external hard drive compatible with USB 3.0 or higher.

Step 2: Install Raspbian OS on Your Raspberry Pi 4

To run your Plex Media Server, you'll need to install the Raspbian operating system on your Raspberry Pi 4. You can download the latest version of Raspbian from the official Raspberry Pi website and follow the installation instructions provided.

Step 3: Set Up Your External Hard Drive as a Storage Device

Once you've installed Raspbian OS, connect your external hard drive to your Raspberry Pi 4 using a USB cable. You'll need to configure the drive as a storage device, which can be done by navigating to the 'Storage' section in the Raspbian settings.

Step 4: Install Plex Media Server

To install Plex Media Server on your Raspberry Pi 4, open the terminal and run the following command: `sudo apt-get install plex-media-server`. This will download and install the latest version of Plex Media Server.

Step 5: Configure Your Plex Media Server

After installing Plex Media Server, you'll need to configure it to use your external hard drive as a storage device. To do this, open the Plex Media Server settings by navigating to 'Settings' > 'Server' > 'Storage'. Select your external hard drive from the list of available storage devices and click 'Save'.

Step 6: Add Your Media Files

Now that you've set up your Plex Media Server, it's time to add your media files. You can do this by creating a new folder on your external hard drive and adding your movies, TV shows, and music files to it.

Step 7: Access Your Plex Media Server

To access your Plex Media Server from outside your home network, you'll need to set up port forwarding on your router. This will allow you to stream your content to any device with an internet connection. You can do this by navigating to 'Settings' > 'Network' > 'Port Forwarding' in the Plex Media Server settings.

Loading Plex Media Server on an external hard drive using a Raspberry Pi 4 is a straightforward process that requires minimal technical expertise. With these steps, you'll be able to set up a powerful and energy-efficient media server that can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Say goodbye to outdated and power-hungry servers and hello to a more elegant solution for your media needs!

Load plex media server on external hard drive