Stop Plex From Updating Posters: Simple Steps To Fix It
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To stop Plex from automatically updating posters and cover art can be essential for users who prefer their own custom media organization or simply want a specific look for their media library. If you find yourself frustrated with Plex's tendency to change the posters of your movies and shows without your consent, you're in the right place! In this guide, we'll walk you through the simple steps to prevent Plex from updating posters and covers, ensuring your media library remains just how you like it.
Understanding Plex Media Server
Plex is a popular media server platform that allows users to stream their personal collection of movies, TV shows, music, and photos to various devices. Its vast capabilities include metadata management, which means it automatically fetches posters, descriptions, and other information from online databases to enrich your media library. However, this can sometimes lead to unwanted changes that disrupt your personal aesthetic.
Why Stop Plex from Updating Posters? 🤔
There are several reasons why you might want to prevent Plex from updating posters:
- Personal Preference: You might have specific posters that you prefer over the default ones pulled from online databases.
- Consistency: Maintaining a consistent visual style for your library can enhance the overall look and feel.
- Organizational Purposes: Sometimes, custom artwork can help you better organize or categorize your media.
- Preventing Errors: Occasionally, Plex may mistakenly pull incorrect images that can disrupt the look of your library.
Simple Steps to Fix It 🔧
Follow these straightforward steps to stop Plex from updating your posters and ensure your media library looks exactly how you want it.
Step 1: Access Your Plex Media Server
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Open Plex: Launch the Plex Media Server on your device. You can do this via your web browser by navigating to your server's IP address or by using the Plex app on your media player.
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Sign In: Ensure you are logged into your Plex account. You’ll need access to the server settings.
Step 2: Go to Library Settings
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Navigate to Settings: Click on the wrench icon or the settings option located at the top right corner of the Plex interface.
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Choose Libraries: Under the settings menu, look for the “Libraries” section in the sidebar. Click on it to view your media libraries.
Step 3: Adjust Library Settings
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Select the Library: Choose the specific library (Movies, TV Shows, Music, etc.) for which you want to stop the poster updates.
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Edit Library Settings: Click on the pencil/edit icon to access the library's settings.
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Disable Automatic Updates:
- Look for the "Advanced" section in the library settings.
- Find the option labeled “Refresh Metadata” and uncheck it. This will prevent Plex from automatically fetching new metadata, including posters.
Step 4: Manually Manage Your Posters
Now that you’ve disabled automatic updates, you can manage posters manually:
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Upload Custom Posters: If you have custom posters you want to use, you can upload them directly.
- Click on a movie or show in your library.
- Choose the “Edit” option, then select “Poster”. You can then upload a custom image from your device.
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Save Your Changes: Once you’ve uploaded your desired poster, ensure you save all changes to keep the new image.
Step 5: Prevent Library Scans
To further ensure that your library maintains your custom settings, you can also prevent Plex from scanning your library at regular intervals:
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Go to “Library” Settings: Similar to before, navigate back to your library settings.
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Disable Scheduled Scans: Look for options regarding “Scheduled Library Updates” or “Scan for new items”. Disable these to prevent Plex from making any automatic changes.
Important Notes
Note: Keep in mind that while disabling automatic updates is helpful, it also means you will need to manage all updates manually, including any new media you add to your library.
Tip: It's a good idea to maintain backups of your custom posters and metadata in case you ever need to restore them after making changes.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can effectively stop Plex from updating your posters and covers, allowing you to maintain your desired visual style within your media library. Take control of your media experience, and don’t let automatic updates disrupt your organizational methods. Enjoy your customized Plex library, and happy streaming! 🎉