guide · #media · 10 min

Install Plex Natively on Synology, QNAP, or Other NAS

Cech Tech Reviews

Install Plex as a native package on your NAS without Docker. Available on Synology, QNAP, ASUSTOR, TerraMaster, and other NAS platforms.

1. 1

   Synology: Install from Package Center

   The easiest method. No Docker required.

   1. Open Package Center on your Synology
   2. Search for "Plex Media Server"
   3. Click Install
   4. DSM handles everything: downloads, installs, and auto-starts Plex

   Once installed, open http://your-synology-ip:32400/web to configure.

   Note: The Package Center version may lag behind the latest Plex release by a few weeks. If you want the absolute latest version, use the manual .spk method below or Docker.

2. 2

   Synology: Manual .spk install (latest version)

   For the newest Plex version:

   1. Go to plex.tv/media-server-downloads
   2. Select "Synology (DSM 7)" and download the .spk file for your NAS CPU type (Intel or ARM)
   3. In DSM, open Package Center > Manual Install (top right)
   4. Upload the .spk file and follow the prompts
   5. Accept permissions and click Apply

   This gives you the latest Plex release immediately instead of waiting for Synology to update their Package Center listing.

3. 3

   QNAP: Install from App Center

   1. Open the QNAP App Center
   2. Search for "Plex Media Server"
   3. Click Install
   4. QNAP downloads and configures everything automatically

   Access Plex at http://your-qnap-ip:32400/web

   QNAP models with Intel CPUs (TS-253D, TS-453D, TS-464, etc.) support hardware transcoding with Plex Pass. ARM-based models (TS-233, etc.) will need to direct-play most content.

4. 4

   ASUSTOR: Install from App Central

   1. Open App Central on your ASUSTOR NAS
   2. Search for "Plex Media Server"
   3. Click Install

   ASUSTOR makes this straightforward. Models like the AS5402T and AS6704T with Intel CPUs offer excellent Plex performance with hardware transcoding support.

5. 5

   TerraMaster and others

   TerraMaster: Install via the TOS App Center. Search for Plex and install.

   Western Digital (My Cloud): Plex is available as an app on select My Cloud devices. Check the WD app store.

   Netgear ReadyNAS: Plex is available in the ReadyNAS app store for supported models.

   For any NAS not listed: If your NAS runs Linux and supports Docker, use our "Set Up Plex on Docker" guide instead. Docker works on virtually any Linux-based NAS.

6. 6

   After installation: Setup for all NAS platforms

   Regardless of which NAS you use, the setup process is the same:

   1. Open http://your-nas-ip:32400/web
   2. Sign in with your Plex account
   3. Name your server
   4. Add media libraries and point them to your shared folders
   5. Let Plex scan and organize your media

   Tips that apply to all NAS installations:
   - Create separate shared folders for Movies, TV Shows, and Music
   - Use wired ethernet, not Wi-Fi
   - Plex Pass (/mo or  lifetime) unlocks hardware transcoding on Intel-based NAS devices
   - Enable remote access in Settings > Remote Access to stream from outside your home