Move from Plex to Jellyfin

Take it out

1. 1

   Step 1

   Write down the folder layout

   Note the paths Plex uses for movies, shows, and music. Jellyfin's scanner expects the usual show and season folder names. Fix names before you scan, not after.

2. 2

   Step 2

   List the people who watch

   Write down each local user. A friend who only has a Plex account on your server does not become a Jellyfin user. They need a new login you create.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Export watch history only if you need it

   Jellyfin's docs say a third-party script can copy watched status from Plex through the API. One tool people use is JellyPlex-Watched. Read its own page before you run it. Do not copy Plex's database files into Jellyfin.

Put it in

1. 1

   Step 1

   Install Jellyfin next to the files

   Put the server on the computer that already holds the disks. A rented VPS is a poor place for a movie library. Add a library and point it at the same folders.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Create users and pick the TV apps

   Make one account per person. Install a Jellyfin client on each TV and phone you actually use. Not every TV app store has a first-party Jellyfin app, so check the device before you unplug Plex.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Open remote play on purpose

   Remote playback is free. You still have to reach the server, with a reverse proxy or a VPN, and you have to keep that door updated. Test one phone off your home network.

What you lose

• Plex Pass extras

  Skip intro, Plex's own metadata service, and the official app on every TV platform do not move. Jellyfin has its own clients and its own metadata.

• Friends on a shared server

  Someone who watched through their Plex account needs a Jellyfin account. Their Plex login does not carry over.

• Watch history, unless you run a script

  Jellyfin's docs say the databases are not a file you copy. A script that talks to both APIs can copy watched status. Run it after the library scan, and check one show.