Plex Onboarding Guide

Welcome to Plex

Plex lets people create their own streaming service. I host my collection of movies and TV shows on a computer at home and can play that content anywhere, like my own personal Netflix.

Getting Started

  1. Accept the Invitation:
    From the invitation email, click the link to create a free account on the official Plex website or sign into your existing account if you have one.
  2. Get the Plex App:
    Install the app on your streaming device of choice and sign in.
  3. Update the Quality Settings: (optional but important)
    In your app’s Settings menu, look for the “Quality” or “Video” section and set the quality to “Original” or “Maximum”, otherwise you’re not going to get the best experience.
  4. Pin My Server:
    This looks a little different on each device, but generally: open the navigation, select “More”, find whatever I’ve shared with you and pin that content for quick access, and unpin Plex’s default “Movies & Shows” and “Live TV” links.

That’s it! You’re in and can start looking for something to watch.


Quick Overview

My Plex server is running from a computer in my home and has content I’ve personally curated. As such:

  1. It’s not meant to be a full replacement for every possible streaming subscription.
    • I don’t have the resources to acquire every movie ever made, but let me know if there’s something you’d like to see and I’ll try to find it (within reason).
  2. You may not share your account with anyone else.

An analogy I like: my server is like a backyard pool shared with friends.

If you have any questions or need any help, just ask!

NOTE: I do not control how the app looks or works, I only control what media is available to watch.
The actual app itself is owned, maintained, and updated by the company Plex.
If a button changes color or something moves around, I can’t do anything about that.


Using Plex

It’s very similar to Netflix or other services you’ve used before.

The Home Screen shows whatever you’re currently watching, plus recent additions and new releases.

From the side navigation, pick Movies or TV Shows to browse for something to watch, or use Search. (Search may include results from both my content and Plex’s ad-supported streaming service. My content will show as being on Scylla.)

Just click Play to start watching. to start watching. You can change your settings at any time.

Remember, as with any streaming service, Plex uses your internet. If you have unlimited data like me, go nuts. If you have a monthly cap, just be mindful.

TIP: You can update your account settings online to enable subtitles without having to select them every time you start watching.

NOTE: If you ever see ads, you’re watching something from Plex’s own ad-supported service. You will never see ads while watching anything from my server.