Plex Media Server

Control Plex Media Server using the Plex API.

Setup

Set environment variables:

• PLEX_SERVER: Your Plex server URL (e.g., http://192.168.1.100:32400)
• PLEX_TOKEN: Your Plex auth token (find it at plex.tv/claim or in Plex app XML)

Common Commands

Get Server Info

bash
curl -s "$PLEX_SERVER/?X-Plex-Token=$PLEX_TOKEN" -H "Accept: application/json"

Browse Libraries

bash
curl -s "$PLEX_SERVER/library/sections?X-Plex-Token=$PLEX_TOKEN" -H "Accept: application/json"

List Library Contents

bash
# Replace 1 with your library section key (from browse above)
curl -s "$PLEX_SERVER/library/sections/1/all?X-Plex-Token=$PLEX_TOKEN" -H "Accept: application/json"

Search

bash
curl -s "$PLEX_SERVER/search?query=SEARCH_TERM&X-Plex-Token=$PLEX_TOKEN" -H "Accept: application/json"

Get Recently Added

bash
curl -s "$PLEX_SERVER/library/recentlyAdded?X-Plex-Token=$PLEX_TOKEN" -H "Accept: application/json"

Get On Deck (Continue Watching)

bash
curl -s "$PLEX_SERVER/library/onDeck?X-Plex-Token=$PLEX_TOKEN" -H "Accept: application/json"

Get Active Sessions (What's Playing Now)

bash
curl -s "$PLEX_SERVER/status/sessions?X-Plex-Token=$PLEX_TOKEN" -H "Accept: application/json"

List Available Clients/Players

bash
curl -s "$PLEX_SERVER/clients?X-Plex-Token=$PLEX_TOKEN" -H "Accept: application/json"

Library Section Types

• Movies (usually section 1)
• TV Shows (usually section 2)
• Music
• Photos

Notes

• Add -H "Accept: application/json" for JSON output (default is XML)
• Library section keys (1, 2, 3...) vary by server setup — list sections first
• Media keys look like /library/metadata/12345
• Always confirm before starting playback on a device
• Get your token: plex.tv → Account → Authorized Devices → XML link