🏃 Deploy Plex Media Server Runbook¶

This runbook provides step-by-step instructions to deploy or update Plex Media Server in your Home Lab. It uses the deploy_plex.yml Ansible playbook. Follow the steps carefully to ensure the service is updated correctly and the intended version is installed.

1️⃣ Login to an Ansible Control Node¶

Start by logging into a control node with Ansible installed and prepare the environment:

cd ~/ansible
source /opt/python_3.12/bin/activate
INV=inventory/plex/inventory.ini

⚡ Important: Always start on the control node so all subsequent commands run in the correct environment.

2️⃣ Pull the Latest Code¶

Ensure your local repository is up to date:

git pull origin main

⚡ Important: Pulling the latest code first prevents conflicts and ensures you’re working with the most recent version.

3️⃣ Set Plex Version¶

Edit the file:

inventory/plex/group_vars/all/main.yml

Set the variable:

plex_setup_version

to the version you want to deploy.

Example:

plex_setup_version: "1.41.4.9463-630c9f557"

• Find the latest version from Plex Media Server Downloads.
• Copy the version string exactly as shown on the page, without the preceding "v".

4️⃣ Commit Version Change¶

After updating the version, commit your changes to the repository:

git add inventory/plex/group_vars/all/main.yml
git commit -m "Update Plex Media Server version to <version_number>"
git push origin main

⚡ Important: Replace <version_number> with the actual version you set.

5️⃣ Deploy Plex Media Server¶

Run the following command to deploy or update Plex:

ansible-playbook -i $INV -k playbooks/plex/deploy_plex.yml

⚡ Note: The -k option prompts for SSH password if needed.

6️⃣ Verify Installed Version¶

After deployment:

1. Open https://www.plex.tv/ in your browser.
2. Login using administrator credentials.
3. Click the Settings icon (top-right corner).
4. Navigate the left menu and select General from the Settings sub-menu.
5. Confirm that the installed version matches the version you set in the configuration.

✅ Notes¶

• Always double-check the version before deploying.
• Use this workflow for both updates and new deployments.
• Ensure the control node has network access to Plex.
• Pulling, committing, and deploying in this order keeps your repository consistent and prevents accidental overwrites.