how to update jellyfin

3 min read 28-02-2025

Jellyfin is a fantastic open-source media server, but keeping it up-to-date is crucial for security and accessing the latest features. This guide walks you through updating Jellyfin on various platforms, ensuring your server remains smooth and secure. We'll cover updates on Windows, macOS, Linux (using Docker and a package manager), and other methods.

Understanding Jellyfin Updates

Before diving into the specifics, it's important to understand why updating is important. Jellyfin updates often include:

New Features: Enjoy the latest improvements and additions to the Jellyfin experience.
Bug Fixes: Patches resolve issues and enhance stability.
Security Patches: Crucially, updates often address security vulnerabilities, protecting your system and data.

Regular updates ensure your Jellyfin server runs optimally and remains protected.

Updating Jellyfin on Different Platforms

The method for updating Jellyfin varies depending on your operating system and installation method. Let's examine the most common scenarios:

1. Updating Jellyfin on Windows

Updating Jellyfin on Windows is generally straightforward. This usually involves:

Checking for Updates: Open the Jellyfin Server application. The application itself will typically notify you of available updates.
Downloading the Update: Click the update notification or check for updates within the application's settings. Jellyfin will download the necessary files.
Restarting the Server: Once the download completes, you'll be prompted to restart the Jellyfin server. This activates the new version.

If your Jellyfin Server doesn't automatically check for updates, consult the official Jellyfin documentation for manual update instructions.

2. Updating Jellyfin on macOS

Updating Jellyfin on macOS follows a similar process to Windows:

Check for Updates: Launch the Jellyfin Server application. Look for an update notification or check within the application's settings.
Download and Install: The application will guide you through downloading and installing the update.
Restart: Restart the Jellyfin server after the update is complete.

Again, refer to the official documentation if automatic updates are unavailable. Alternatively, you might consider installing via a package manager like Homebrew for a more streamlined update process.

3. Updating Jellyfin on Linux (Using Docker)

Docker provides a containerized approach to running Jellyfin, simplifying updates:

Stop the Container: Use the docker stop <container_name> command (replace <container_name> with your container's name).
Pull the Latest Image: Execute docker pull jellyfin/jellyfin. This downloads the most recent Jellyfin image.
Remove the Old Container (Optional): You can remove the old container using docker rm <container_name>. This is optional, but good practice.
Start the New Container: Use your existing docker run command to launch the updated container, ensuring to use the newly pulled image.

Consult your Docker configuration to adapt this procedure to your specific setup. Remember to back up your configuration files before performing any significant Docker operations.

4. Updating Jellyfin on Linux (Using a Package Manager)

Many Linux distributions offer Jellyfin packages through their package managers (apt, yum, pacman, etc.). The update process differs slightly based on your distribution:

Update the Package Cache: Use the appropriate command for your distribution (e.g., sudo apt update on Debian/Ubuntu).
Upgrade Jellyfin: Run the upgrade command (e.g., sudo apt upgrade jellyfin on Debian/Ubuntu).
Restart the Service: Restart the Jellyfin service after the upgrade (e.g., sudo systemctl restart jellyfin).

5. Updating from Other Installation Methods

If you've installed Jellyfin through alternative methods (e.g., from source code), refer to the official Jellyfin documentation for detailed instructions specific to your installation method. This often involves downloading the latest source code and following the build instructions.

Troubleshooting Update Issues

Occasionally, updates can encounter problems. Common issues include:

Insufficient Permissions: Ensure you have the necessary administrative privileges to update the software.
Network Connectivity: A stable internet connection is required to download updates.
Corrupted Files: If an update fails, try reinstalling Jellyfin.
Database Issues: Back up your database before attempting any significant updates.

If problems persist, consult the Jellyfin forums or community for assistance.

Conclusion

Keeping Jellyfin updated is essential for security, performance, and enjoying the newest features. By following these steps, you can easily maintain an up-to-date and secure media server. Remember to always back up your data before performing any significant updates or modifications to your Jellyfin server. Happy streaming!