What is Jellyfin?
Jellyfin is a free and open-source media server, allowing you to manage and stream your digital media files on various devices. As a volunteer-built solution, Jellyfin offers a level of control and privacy often missing in proprietary media servers like Plex or Emby.
Debian 12: The Ideal OS for Jellyfin
Debian 12, also known asBookworm, is a Linux-based operating system well-suited for hosting the Jellyfin Media Server. Its stability, security, and flexibility make it a popular choice among Linux enthusiasts.
Prerequisites for Installation
Before installing Jellyfin, ensure that you meet the following prerequisites:
- A server running Debian 12 (Bookworm ).
- A fresh OS install to prevent potential issues.
- SSH access to the server (or Terminal access for desktop users).
- An active internet connection for downloading necessary packages and dependencies.
- A
non-root sudo user
orroot user
access. However, we recommend acting as anon-root sudo user
for system safety.
Step-by-Step Guide to Jellyfin Installation
Let’s dive into the process of installing Jellyfin on Debian 12.
Step 1: Updating System Packages
First, ensure your system packages are up-to-date. Open your terminal and run the following commands:
sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade
These commands fetch the latest package lists from the repositories and upgrade your system to the latest package versions.
Step 2: Installing Dependencies
Jellyfin requires some dependencies to function correctly. Install them using the following command:
sudo apt install curl gnupg2 apt-transport-https
Step 3: Installing Jellyfin Media Server
Add the Jellyfin GPG Key and Repository to ensure the authenticity of the Jellyfin package:
wget -O - https://repo.jellyfin.org/jellyfin_team.gpg.key | sudo apt-key add-
Next, add the Jellyfin repository to your system:
echo "deb [arch=$( dpkg --print-architecture )] https://repo.jellyfin.org/$( awk -F'=' '/^ID=/{ print $NF }' /etc/os-release ) $( awk -F'=' '/^VERSION_CODENAME=/{ print $NF }' /etc/os-release ) main" | sudo tee / etc/apt/sources.list.d/jellyfin.list
Now, install Jellyfin using the apt command:
sudo apt update sudo apt install jellyfin
To verify that Jellyfin has been installed correctly, check its status:
sudo systemctl status jellyfin
Then start it for the current session:
sudo systemctl enable jellyfin sudo systemctl start jellyfin
Step 4: Configuring UFW for Jellyfin
If you have UFW enabled, you need to allow Jellyfin through the firewall:
sudo ufw allow 8096
Next, run the command below to start and enable UFW:
sudo ufw enable
Finally, verify the list of ports and services on UFW using the command below:
sudo ufw status
Step 5: Accessing the Jellyfin Web User Interface
You can access the Jellyfin Web UI by opening a web browser and navigating to http://your-server-ip:8096
.
If you’re short on time or prefer professional assistance,Shape.host offers Cloud VPS services, starting from $3. They provide a “VPS Manage Service Offer,” ensuring the smooth running of your Jellyfin Media Server on Debian 12.