How to Update Jellyfin - Complete guide

 Discover the easiest way to update Jellyfin and enhance your media streaming experience.

Updating Jellyfin: A Comprehensive Guide for Linux, Windows, and macOS UsersJellyfin is a free, open-source media server that allows you to stream your personal media to any device with an internet connection. It is a great alternative to commercial streaming services because it provides you with complete control over your media server. Moreover, it is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. However, like any other software, Jellyfin requires regular updates to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently. In this blog post, we will guide you step-by-step on how to update your Jellyfin on Linux, Windows, and macOS.

Updating Jellyfin on Linux

The process of updating Jellyfin on Linux is straightforward and easy to follow. Here are the steps to do it:

Step 1: Launch the Terminal

You can launch the Terminal in several ways, depending on the Linux distribution you are using. Here are some of the most common ways:

- Press Ctrl+Alt+T

- Click on the Terminal icon in the Applications menu

- Search for Terminal in the Activities overview

Step 2: Check if Jellyfin is running

Before updating Jellyfin, you need to make sure that it is not running. To check if Jellyfin is running, type the following command in the Terminal:

systemctl status jellyfin

If Jellyfin is running, you should see an output that looks like this:

● jellyfin.service - Jellyfin Media Server

Loaded: loaded (/usr/lib/systemd/system/jellyfin.service; enabled; vendor preset: disabled)

Active: active (running) since Sun 2021-10-10 19:22:38 CDT; 6 days ago

Main PID: 1182 (jellyfin)

Tasks: 5 (limit: 18790)

Memory: 94.9M

CPU: 3.254s

CGroup: /system.slice/jellyfin.service

└─1182 /usr/bin/jellyfin --datadir=/var/lib/jellyfin --ffdetect /usr/lib/jellyfin-ffmpeg/ffdetect --ffprobe /usr/lib/jellyfin-ffmpeg/ffprobe --restartexitcode 23 --codecsubdir

If Jellyfin is running, you can stop it by typing the following command:

sudo systemctl stop jellyfin

Step 3: Update Jellyfin

To update Jellyfin, type the following command in the Terminal:

sudo apt install jellyfin

The Terminal will prompt you to confirm the installation by asking you to enter your password. Type your password and hit Enter. The update will be executed automatically, and you will be notified when it's done.

Updating Jellyfin on Windows

Updating Jellyfin on Windows is slightly different from updating it on Linux. Here are the steps to do it:

Step 1: Check if Jellyfin is running

Before updating Jellyfin, you need to make sure that it is not running. To check if Jellyfin is running, look for the Jellyfin icon in the system tray. If the icon is present, right-click on it and select Exit.

Step 2: Download the latest version of Jellyfin

To download the latest version of Jellyfin, go to the Jellyfin Stable Windows Archives. Look for the latest version and click on the Download button next to it. The file will be downloaded to your computer.

Step 3: Replace the current version

To replace the current version of Jellyfin with the latest one, double-click on the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure to select the option to replace the current version. Once the installation is complete, you can launch Jellyfin from the Start menu.

Updating Jellyfin on macOS

Updating Jellyfin on macOS is similar to updating it on Windows. Here are the steps to do it:

Step 1: Check your Jellyfin server

Before updating Jellyfin, you need to make sure that your Jellyfin server is compatible with the latest version. Visit the Jellyfin website to check the system requirements for the latest version.

Step 2: Download the latest version of Jellyfin

To download the latest version of Jellyfin, go to the Jellyfin Stable MacOS Archives. Look for the latest version and click on the Download button next to it. The file will be downloaded to your computer.

Step 3: Transfer current servers to the new version

Before installing the latest version of Jellyfin, you need to transfer all your current servers to the new version. To do this, follow these steps:

- Launch the current version of Jellyfin

- Go to Settings > Backup and restore

- Click on the Export button to export your settings and server data

- Once the export is complete, close the current version of Jellyfin

- Install the latest version of Jellyfin by double-clicking on the downloaded file and following the on-screen instructions

- Launch the latest version of Jellyfin

- Go to Settings > Backup and restore

- Click on the Import button and select the file you exported earlier

- Once the import is complete, restart Jellyfin

Updating Jellyfin on Linux, Windows, and macOS is a simple process that can be completed in a few steps. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your Jellyfin server is always up-to-date and running smoothly. Remember to check if Jellyfin is running before updating it and to transfer all your current servers to the new version if you're updating on macOS. With these simple steps, you can enjoy seamless streaming of your personal media on all your devices.