If you’re looking to switch from Plex to Emby, you’re not alone. Many users are making the transition to Emby for its advanced customization options, better privacy controls, and flexibility. While moving your media library might seem daunting, this guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring a smooth migration without losing your watch history and you'll be up and running before you know it!

Why Switch from Plex to Emby?

Before we dive into the migration process, let’s highlight some key reasons why users prefer Emby over Plex:

• Greater Customization: Emby allows for more granular control over metadata, streaming quality, and transcoding.

• Privacy-Focused: Unlike Plex, Emby does not require an internet connection for local streaming.

• Better Integration with IPTV & Live TV: Emby offers superior support for IPTV playlists and tuners like HDHomeRun.

• Self-Hosting Benefits: You maintain full control over your server and user data.

Now that you know why Emby is a great alternative, let’s get started with the migration process.

Step 1: Install Emby Server

First, download and install Emby Server on your preferred device:

• Visit Emby’s official website and download the server software for your OS.

• Follow the installation instructions and set up your admin account.

• Once installed, access the Emby dashboard via your web browser. Typically at http://localhost:8096

Step 2: Prepping Your Media Files to move to Emby

Ensure your media files are well-organized before adding them to Emby. The ideal folder structure should be:

/Media
   /Movies
      /MovieName (Year)/MovieName (Year).ext
   /TV Shows
      /ShowName/Season X/ShowName - SXXEXX.ext

• If your Plex media is stored in a different location, move or copy it to your preferred location for Emby.

• Keeping the same structure ensures a smoother migration.

• Emby's media scanners will do a great job if not all of your movies or shows are organized in this fashion, but it definitely helps to have an organized and well structured media folder.

Step 3: Set Up Your Libraries in Emby

Now, it’s time to add your media to Emby:

• Open the Emby Server Dashboard.

• Navigate to Library > Add Media Library.

• Choose the appropriate content type (Movies, TV Shows, Music, etc.).

• Select the folder where your media is stored.

• Choose metadata providers (TheMovieDB, TheTVDB, etc.).

• Click Save and allow Emby to scan your library.

Step 4: Importing Watch History from Plex (Optional)

Emby doesn’t directly have a built-in tool for importing watch history from Plex, but you can use Trakt to sync your progress.

• Install and setup Trakt Scrobbler in Plex and sync your watch history.

• Link your Trakt account in Emby, allowing it to import your watch history.

• Run a scheduled task for importing playstates from Trakt. This should only have to be done once. 

Step 5: Configure Emby for Optimal Performance

To get the best experience, here are some begging tweaks to Emby’s settings that will help get the most out of your new media server:

• Sign up for Emby Premiere: While not required, Emby Premiere offers many benefits like hardware transcoding, offline downloads, Live TV DVR and more! 

• Enable Hardware Transcoding: Navigate to Dashboard > Transcoding and enable hardware acceleration for smoother playback.

• Set Up Remote Access: Under Network, configure remote access settings if you want to stream outside your home network.

• Fine-Tune Metadata Fetchers: Go to Library > Metadata and choose the best providers for accurate metadata.

Step 6: Install Emby Apps & Start Streaming

Emby is available on multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, and more. Download the Emby client app for your devices and start enjoying your media.

Final Thoughts

Migrating from Plex to Emby doesn’t have to be complicated. By following this step-by-step guide, you can transition smoothly while preserving your media organization and watch history. Emby offers a flexible and customizable media server experience, making it a fantastic choice for those who want more control over their media.

Are you ready to make the switch? Try Emby today and take your media streaming experience to the next level! As always, you will find unrivaled support from our users and staff over at the Emby Forums if you run into any issues or have any questions about this process.