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Key Points: How to Update Jellyfin?

Updating Jellyfin involves different steps depending on your operating system. On Windows, download and install the latest version over the existing one. On Mac, replace the old version in the Applications folder with the new DMG file. On Linux, use your package manager to update. Jellyfin is an open-source Plex alternative for local and remote media streaming. It lacks a self-updater, so updates are manual.

Introduction: How to Update Jellyfin?

Jellyfin is a free and open-source media server that serves as an alternative to Plex, allowing you to stream media both locally and remotely. Unlike some other media servers, Jellyfin doesn’t have an automatic updater, so updating it requires manual steps depending on your operating system.

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Checking Your Installed Version:

Before updating Jellyfin, it’s a good idea to verify your current version. You can do this by launching the server and accessing the web UI at localhost:8096/web/index.html. In the “Dashboard” under “Administration,” you’ll find the server name and the currently installed version.

Updating Jellyfin on Windows:

1. Stop the Server: Before updating, ensure your Jellyfin server is stopped. Find the Jellyfin icon in the system tray at the bottom-right corner of your Windows desktop, right-click it, and select “Exit” to close the server.
2. Download the Latest Version: Visit the Jellyfin Windows release page and download the latest stable server version if it’s newer than your current one.
3. Install the New Version: Install the new Jellyfin version on top of the old one. When you run the installer, it will detect the existing installation and preserve your server settings. Click “OK” to proceed and follow the update process by clicking “Next.”

Updating Jellyfin on Mac:

1. Stop the Server: Use the Jellyfin menubar icon in the top-right corner of your macOS desktop to stop the server. Click on the icon and choose “Quit Jellyfin Server.”
2. Download and Replace: Download the latest version of Jellyfin from the macOS release page. Make sure it’s newer than your current version. After downloading, mount the DMG file, double-click it, and drag the “Jellyfin” application to the “Applications” folder. When prompted, choose to replace the old application with the new one.
3. Launch Jellyfin: Start Jellyfin, and if prompted by the macOS security alert, click “Open.” Your existing settings and media information will remain intact.

Updating Jellyfin on Linux:

Updating Jellyfin on Linux depends on your distribution. If you followed the curl or wget installation instructions to add the Jellyfin repository to your package manager:

1. Update Packages: Open the Terminal and run sudo apt update to fetch the list of packages that can be updated.
2. Update Jellyfin: Use sudo apt upgrade to update all packages or sudo apt install jellyfin to update only Jellyfin.

Note: Other Linux distributions have their own package managers and installation methods.

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Updating the Docker Version of Jellyfin:

For Docker users, updating Jellyfin is simplified using Watchtower, which automatically pulls updates:

1. Install Watchtower: Run the following command in Terminal:
   arduinoCopy code

   docker run -d \
--name watchtower \
-v /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock \
containrrr/watchtower

2. Verify Watchtower: Ensure the Watchtower container is running and checking for updates in the Docker containers menu.

Conclusion:

Updating Jellyfin involves manual steps tailored to your operating system. It’s crucial to verify your current version and follow the specific instructions for your platform to ensure your media server is up to date. Jellyfin offers a compelling alternative to Plex, and it’s open-source, making it accessible to all users.