How I Added Plex Media Server to the UNAS Pro with a $50 Raspberry Pi 5 Upgrade

Although many NAS systems now come with built-in multimedia support and Plex compatibility, some devices—such as the UniFi UNAS Pro—do not currently offer native Plex Media Server installation. This limitation can be frustrating for users who want to stream their personal movie libraries across their home network or while travelling. However, there is a simple and cost-effective workaround: using a $40–$50 Raspberry Pi 5 as a dedicated Plex server.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to transform a Raspberry Pi 5 into a portable Plex Media Server and seamlessly connect it to your UNAS Pro or any other NAS device that supports SMB network shares. This setup allows you to offload the media server task from your NAS—freeing up system resources—and offers greater flexibility when streaming to multiple devices including smart TVs, phones, tablets, or remote laptops.

The best part? This solution requires no expensive upgrades to your NAS hardware. Whether you’re looking to stream 1080p or light 4K content, this method provides a compact, power-efficient, and travel-ready media server that integrates directly with your existing network storage.

Why Use a Raspberry Pi 5 for Plex on the UNAS Pro?

The UniFi UNAS Pro, like many emerging value-focused NAS solutions, offers capable file storage and network access features but lacks multimedia functionality such as Plex Media Server or DLNA streaming. This is often due to limited software support or manufacturer restrictions. For users who want to turn their NAS into a full-featured media hub, this can be a significant limitation—particularly when streaming to TVs, mobile devices, or remote clients.

Rather than replacing the NAS or deploying a full-featured alternative like a QNAP or Synology system, a more efficient approach is to offload the Plex Media Server role to an external device. That’s where the Raspberry Pi 5 comes in.

The Raspberry Pi 5 offers a compelling balance of performance, affordability, and flexibility. With its quad-core CPU, USB 3.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and support for 4K output, it’s more than capable of running a lightweight Plex Media Server for most home users. Additionally, it consumes very little power, making it ideal for 24/7 uptime or remote deployment without requiring active cooling or heavy hardware.

By pairing the Raspberry Pi 5 with your UNAS Pro (or any NAS that supports SMB), you can access your entire movie and TV collection without modifying the NAS firmware or installing unsupported apps. The Pi acts as a front-end media server, while your NAS remains a secure and dedicated storage backend.

This approach also enables you to keep your Plex installation modular. For example, you could set up multiple SD cards for different server roles—Plex, Kodi, OpenMediaVault, or even Docker containers—and simply swap them depending on your use case. This flexibility makes the Pi 5 a valuable add-on for any NAS owner seeking multimedia capabilities without the cost or risk of a major system overhaul.

What You’ll Need – Hardware Checklist for the Plex Pi 5 Setup

To get started with this Raspberry Pi 5 Plex Media Server build for your UNAS Pro (or any SMB-compatible NAS), you’ll need a handful of affordable and accessible components. Here’s a complete breakdown of the hardware used in this project:

Core Components

Raspberry Pi 5 (4GB or 8GB model)
The central brain of your Plex server. Both memory versions work, though 8GB is recommended for future scalability.
🔗 Buy on Amazon
MicroSD Card (32GB or larger, U3 recommended)
Needed to install Raspberry Pi OS and Plex. Faster cards reduce installation and boot times.
🔗 Buy on Amazon
USB-C Power Supply (5V 5A / 25W official Pi supply recommended)
Required for stable performance, especially when using external drives or network adapters.
🔗 Buy on Amazon

Setup Accessories

Wireless Keyboard + Touchpad (for initial setup)
Essential for navigating the OS setup without needing a separate mouse.
🔗 Buy on Amazon
Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable
Raspberry Pi 5 uses micro HDMI—required for connecting to a monitor or TV during setup.
🔗 Buy on Amazon
Ethernet Cable (Cat5e or Cat6)
For stable network performance and faster library indexing via wired connection.
🔗 Buy on Amazon

Optional Upgrades

External USB SSD (for local media storage)
Ideal if you want to run Plex entirely from the Pi, without relying on NAS storage.
🔗 Buy on Amazon
Portable HDMI Monitor (for travel or off-grid use)
Not required, but useful if you’re setting up on the go or need a compact display.
🔗 Buy on Amazon

Storage Backend (Your NAS)

UniFi UNAS Pro (or any NAS with SMB support)
Used to host the actual media files while Plex runs on the Pi.
🔗 Buy on Amazon

Step-by-Step Guide – Installing and Configuring Plex Media Server on the Raspberry Pi 5

Once you have all the hardware ready, setting up your Raspberry Pi 5 to run Plex and connect it to your UNAS Pro (or another SMB NAS) is fairly straightforward. Below is a breakdown of each step, complete with terminal commands and configuration details.

📦 4.1 – Install Plex Media Server on the Pi 5

Start by installing the official Plex package repository and then the Plex Media Server:

This will download and install the latest Plex Media Server build directly from Plex’s maintained repository.

📁 4.2 – Mount Your NAS (UNAS Pro) as a Media Source

To allow Plex on your Pi to access your media stored on the NAS, you’ll need to mount the NAS’s shared folder using SMB.

Create a mount directory:

📝 Edit the fstab file for auto-mount at boot:

➕ Add the following line to the bottom (replace with your NAS IP, folder name, and credentials):

Replace 192.168.x.x with your NAS IP, PLEXVIDEOFOLDER with your shared folder name, and the credentials with the SMB username and password you created earlier.

📂 Mount the shared folder:

🔁 Reboot the Pi to confirm persistent mount:

After reboot, the NAS media folder should automatically mount under /mnt/media.

🌐 4.3 – Access the Plex Web Interface

Once the Pi reboots and the Plex service is running, you can access the web UI from any device on the same network.

Use one of the following in your browser:

Log into your Plex account or create a new one if you haven’t already. Once logged in, you’ll be prompted to name your server and add media libraries.

📁 4.4 – Add Your NAS Media to Plex

Navigate to “Libraries” > “Add Library”
Choose the type (Movies, TV Shows, etc.)
Browse to /mnt/media to link your NAS media folder
Plex will begin scanning and indexing your content

You can now install the Plex app on your smart TV, tablet, or mobile device and start streaming directly from your UNAS Pro through the Raspberry Pi 5.

What It Looks Like in Action

Once the Raspberry Pi 5 is running Plex Media Server and properly connected to your UNAS Pro via the mounted SMB share, the experience becomes nearly indistinguishable from that of a traditional NAS with native Plex support. The server behaves exactly like any official Plex instance, but with the added benefit of being lightweight, portable, and modular.

After logging into the Plex Web UI, you’ll be prompted to set up your media libraries. At this point, the mounted folder (/mnt/media)—which points directly to the UNAS Pro shared folder—will be visible when browsing for media sources. This is where you define your categories (e.g., Movies, TV Shows, Documentaries) and allow Plex to scan and index the content.

The library population process will begin shortly after you add your folders. Depending on the number of files and your network speed (especially if using a 1GbE connection), this may take a few minutes to complete. Metadata including posters, descriptions, cast info, and subtitles will be fetched automatically from Plex’s metadata agents—just as with any full Plex install.

Playback Experience

Once indexed, you can:

Stream from the Pi via Plex apps on smart TVs, phones, and tablets.
Access media remotely via Plex’s web app or mobile apps (if remote access is enabled).
Benefit from fast playback with minimal buffering, especially when streaming within the LAN.
Use subtitle and language settings just like you would on a full Plex server.

Even with basic settings, the Raspberry Pi 5 handles 1080p files with ease and can direct-play most formats. Transcoding support is minimal, so it’s best to store media in formats supported natively by your playback devices. Most users running the Plex client on smart TVs or modern phones will be able to stream smoothly without any conversion needed.

Control & Monitoring

Through the Plex dashboard, you can:

Monitor active streams and device usage.
Change server settings such as library update frequency, remote access, DLNA availability, and more.
Install optional Plex plugins or enable third-party agent support.

Despite the low power footprint, the system behaves like any dedicated Plex server—reliable, clean, and efficient, without taxing your NAS.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the Raspberry Pi 5 + UNAS Pro Plex setup is fairly straightforward, a few issues can arise during installation, particularly around network mounts and Plex configuration. Below is a list of common problems and how to resolve them.

❌ Plex Server Not Starting

Cause: Plex installation may not have completed correctly or the service didn’t start on boot.
Fix:

Make sure the service is enabled:

❌ Mounted NAS Folder Not Showing in Plex

Cause: The folder isn’t mounted correctly or permissions aren’t set properly.
Fix:

Ensure /mnt/media is populated after boot:

Check that the NAS is reachable and credentials are correct.
Re-run:

If it fails, review /etc/fstab and ensure vers=3.0 is compatible with your NAS.

❌ “Unable to Access Media” in Plex

Cause: Plex does not have permission to read from the mounted NAS share.
Fix:

Add the Plex user to the correct group:

Or set correct folder permissions:

❌ Commands Not Working or Returning Errors

Cause: Typos in commands (especially in fstab lines or curl strings).
Fix:

Check for common mistakes like:
- Misspelling iocharset=utf8
- Missing double slashes // in the SMB path
- Using smart quotes or trailing spaces in fstab

Always copy-paste commands directly from verified sources and re-check any changes using:

❌ Raspberry Pi Doesn’t Mount Drive at Boot

Cause: The network interface may not be ready when fstab runs.
Fix: Add x-systemd.automount to your fstab entry:

❌ Can’t Access Plex at `raspberrypi.local:32400`

Cause: mDNS may not be working on your router or OS.
Fix:

Use the direct IP address of the Pi instead (e.g., http://192.168.0.22:32400/web)
You can find the Pi’s IP with:

Having Plex run on a Raspberry Pi 5 requires attention to small configuration details, but nearly all errors are recoverable with a bit of checking. In most cases, these issues occur during the initial setup and are unlikely to persist once properly configured.

Is This Setup Right for You?

While this Raspberry Pi 5-based Plex server upgrade is a clever and cost-effective solution, it won’t be ideal for every user. That said, it’s an excellent choice for a wide range of NAS owners—especially those using mid-range systems like the UniFi UNAS Pro that don’t include native multimedia features.

This setup is best suited for users who:

Own a NAS that supports SMB but lacks Plex/DLNA services
Devices like the UNAS Pro offer good storage capacity and network access but fall short when it comes to media server functionality. The Pi 5 bridges this gap cleanly.
Primarily stream media locally or over direct play
The Pi 5 does not support hardware transcoding, so it’s ideal if your content is already in formats supported by your playback devices (MP4, MKV, etc.) and you don’t need real-time conversion.
Want to separate media hosting from storage
Running Plex on a Pi and using the NAS purely for storage allows for better role separation, less resource contention, and potentially better system stability on both ends.
Need portability or modularity
With this build, you can take your Plex server with you—simply plug the Pi into power and Ethernet, and it’s operational. You can also prepare multiple SD cards for different roles (Plex, Kodi, OMV, etc.), making it highly flexible.
Are comfortable with light command-line use
The setup requires basic Linux commands and manual fstab edits. If you’re okay following terminal instructions, this should be straightforward.

When This Setup Might Not Be Ideal

If you need 4K transcoding, multiple simultaneous streams, or remote streaming with real-time conversion, this setup will likely fall short. In those cases, a more powerful x86-based server or NAS with hardware transcoding support is recommended.
If you require Plex integration within your NAS UI, or prefer a fully consolidated system with one dashboard for everything, this dual-device approach may feel disjointed.

For most home users looking to upgrade their NAS with Plex without spending hundreds on a new system, this Raspberry Pi 5 configuration provides an impressive blend of cost, simplicity, and functionality.

Video Walkthrough + Chapters

For those who prefer a more visual guide or want to see the setup process in real-time, we’ve created a full video tutorial demonstrating every step of this Raspberry Pi 5 + Plex + UNAS Pro configuration.

The video includes everything from hardware setup and operating system installation, to mounting your NAS media and accessing Plex across your network.

🎬 Watch the Full Video Here:
🔗 https://youtu.be/iBGi125i8GQ

Timestamps – Jump to What You Need

00:00 – Intro: Plex on a Raspberry Pi 5  

00:41 – Why Upgrade Your NAS for Plex?  

01:13 – Required Accessories for Setup  

01:53 – Connecting Raspberry Pi to Network and Power  

02:32 – NAS User and Shared Folder Setup  

03:40 – Assign Permissions and Add Media  

04:11 – Install Raspberry Pi OS  

05:11 – Optional Multi-OS SD Cards and SSH Setup  

05:40 – Raspberry Pi OS Login and IP Address Note  

06:09 – Install Plex Media Server on Raspberry Pi  

06:41 – Initial Access and USB Drive Support  

07:12 – Link NAS Shared Folder to Plex via Mount  

07:45 – Finalizing and Testing the Setup  

08:14 – Access Plex Admin Panel and Add Libraries  

08:53 – Streaming on TV via Plex Client App  

09:29 – Troubleshooting and Tips  

10:03 – Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

These chapters allow you to skip directly to the parts most relevant to your setup, whether you’re troubleshooting your mount config, connecting your NAS, or simply checking your Plex library indexing.

Conclusion – A Simple, Powerful Plex Upgrade for the UNAS Pro

Adding Plex Media Server to the UniFi UNAS Pro—or any SMB-capable NAS that lacks native media apps—doesn’t have to involve costly upgrades or complicated software workarounds. With a modest $40–$50 investment in a Raspberry Pi 5 and a few minutes of configuration, you can deploy a lightweight, reliable, and portable Plex server that connects directly to your NAS-stored media.

This solution is particularly effective for users who want:

A separate, low-power device to manage Plex
LAN or local streaming of pre-formatted 1080p/4K files
A modular, travel-ready media server they can set up anywhere with network access

While it won’t replace a fully hardware-transcoding NAS or high-performance media server, it’s more than enough for typical home use. And because it keeps the roles of media indexing (Pi 5) and storage (UNAS Pro) separate, it avoids overloading either system—making your home network more stable and responsive overall.

If you already own a Raspberry Pi 5 or are looking for a smart way to modernize your NAS without replacing it, this is one of the easiest and most effective upgrades you can make.