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:

  1. A server running Debian 12 (Bookworm ).
  2. A fresh OS install to prevent potential issues.
  3. SSH access to the server (or Terminal access for desktop users).
  4. An active internet connection for downloading necessary packages and dependencies.
  5. A non-root sudo user or root user access. However, we recommend acting as a non-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.