How to set up Plex on a Synology NAS

Synology DS218+ Plex
Synology DS218+ Plex (Image credit: Windows Central)

Synology NAS models like the DS220+ already come packing Synology's packages (or apps) that can handle streaming to devices and whatnot. Still, to make things easier and more visually appealing, you can opt to use Plex. This service allows you to configure various content libraries that are automatically imported, checked over, and sorted with a bunch of information downloaded from elsewhere (album art, metadata, etc.). 

This guide will run you through installing and configuring Plex on a Synology NAS, which would make working from home easier to live with.

How to install Plex Media Server

You have the option to install Plex Media Server on Synology NAS using two methods.

This route is a little more complicated and requires you to download and install new Plex Media Server releases, but it's my preferred method.

  1. Download the Plex Server package. (Choose "Synology" under "NAS".)
  2. Connect to your Synology NAS.
  3. Open up the Package Center.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click on "Manual Install."
  2. Click "Browse" and locate the Plex Server download.
  3. Click "Next."

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click "Yes" on the pop-up.
  2. Click "Apply."

Automatic

If you'd rather install Plex through Synology's DSM and have the OS allow you to automatically update the package without having to fetch updates yourself, follow these steps instead.

  1. Connect to your Synology NAS.
  2. Go into Package Center.
  3. Click Settings in the top-right corner.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Change trust level to "Synology Inc. and trusted publishers."
  2. Click Certificate tab.
  3. Open a new browser tab/window and download the certificate key from Plex.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click Import on the Certificate window.
  2. Browse to the downloaded key.
  3. Click OK.
  4. Back in Package Center, install Plex Media Server

Configuring your new server

Plex

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

All you need to do now is click on the main menu in the top-left on the DSM interface and choose Plex Server. This will launch a new window with the Plex Server for you to hook up your Plex account, configure the network, search for media, and more. The wizard is straightforward, with only a few options. You will need to create a Plex account to take advantage of synchronization features and the like.

Ultimate Plex beginner's guide

Plex

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Plex is one of those services that has been around for some time. Many of us might have passed it over for some reason, be it a lack of understanding of what it does, thinking it couldn't possibly be useful to you, or something else entirely. The truth is, Plex could be just what you're looking for to help you manage your media collection.

When running Plex on your Synology NAS, you will want to select a folder where Plex can keep track of media files, be it photos, music, or video. The NAS itself comes with some default folders for such media, which can be selected. But you can create new folders in your "home" folder that can then be accessed through Windows Explorer and other file managers for a more effortless transfer.

Now you can enjoy access to all your content on your smart TV, Xbox One, tablet, smartphone, Windows 10 PC, laptop, and all other devices running the Plex app with adequate access. If you'd like to learn more about Plex, check out our guide on how to get started with Plex.

Best NAS for Plex

To install and configure your very own Plex Media Server on a Synology NAS, you'll need the following equipment.

Not only can you install and run your own Plex Media Server on the Synology NAS, but such enclosures are also capable of being used for file storage, managing connected CCTV, and much more. Synology bundles a bunch of software and tools for you to use, and the available smartphone apps make setting up the NAS an absolute breeze.

Additional equipment

While a NAS is mandatory, the Plex Pass and hard drives are optional but highly recommended additions.

CATEGORIES
Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.

Read more
Kung Fu Panda 4 in the latest version of the Plex app
Plex is about to raise its subscription price for the first time in 10 years — Act now before it happens
Windows 11 new PC install
How to set up a new PC with Windows 11: My step-by-step guide for new buyers
Ubuntu, Debian and Fedora running on WSL on a Snapdragon X Elite laptop
How to install the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL 2) on Windows 10 and Windows 11
Samsung T7 Shield SSD
How I saved the internet on an SSD — Documents, survival guides, and entire websites to prepare for the apocalypse
Samsung 990 Pro SSD with packaging box
Samsung's 990 Pro is the best SSD on the market, but it has plenty of competition
Image of the Dell XPS Desktop (8960).
The 6 best desktop PCs we've tested for working from home, gaming, and more
Latest in Storage
A Crucial P310 m.2 2230 SSD for Steam Deck and ROG Ally in its retail box.
The SSD I upgraded my own gaming handheld with is now heavily discounted, and you should definitely get one
Samsung 990 PRO solid-state drive held in front of Windows Central deals page with Black Friday deals logo
The world's favorite SSD is $100 off before Black Friday, giving me 2TB of space for the monstrous installations of AAA games
PNY memory card and flash drives.
Don't miss out on these great memory card and flash drive deals on the last day of Prime Day
SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE ArmorATD fits in your hand.
SanDisk's Professional G-DRIVE ArmorATD review: Damage resistant with FAST transfers
Western Digital My Passport Ultra in hand.
Western Digital My Passport Ultra review: A fantastic external drive, but one of its two variants is better than the other
Western Digital HHDs: My Passport Ultra, WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive, and SanDisk G-DRIVE ArmorATD.
Western Digital portable HDDs are now more appealing than ever thanks to new 6TB capacities in small form factors
Latest in How-to
Atomfall
Can I play Atomfall on Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and other gaming handhelds?
Windows 11 answer file
How to easily create an unattended answer file for Windows 11
The First Berserker: Khazan
Is The First Berserker: Khazan on Xbox Game Pass?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on Xbox Game Pass?
A close-up of Hazel in South of Midnight
Is South of Midnight on Xbox Game Pass?
Atomfall screenshot
Atomfall: How to grab the best melee weapon and melee perk right away