How does it work with external SSD?

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
1

Hi,

I’ve set up Plex on my Mac and it scans folders for changes etc. automatically. But all my vids/pics are on external SSD.

What will happen if I for example will need to disconnect the SSD for some time, will it mess up my whole library, previews etc?

Thanks

2

If you keep your media icon an external or remote drive that could get disconnected, it’s good practice to disable Settings > [Server Name] > Library > Automatically empty trash after every scan. This will help avoid Plex from accidentally deleting items from your library because the files are temporarily unavailable (incl. any manual changes, fixed matches, ratings…).

3

Or maybe best if I set Plex to not update/change anything at all unless I do it manually then, too afraid of losing files.

Do you know which options should I disable in this case so I won’t skip something?

Thanks!

4

Also I’m confused if I have Plex set to run at boot on my Mac. I don’t see it in any options anywhere in Plex, I don’t see it in “login items” in Mac OS settings either…

5

Select or unselect “Open at Login.”

mac2

1 Like
6

“Emptying trash” in Plex does not physically delete any files. They will no longer be displayed in the library. You would have to rescan, re-download metadata, etc. for them to appear in Plex.

7

I was still recommended to disable auto emptying of trash, so don’t know who is right but here is my second thread on Reddit

https://old.reddit.com/r/PleX/comments/1cs3sj9/how_does_it_work_with_external_ssd/

8

I agree you need to disable auto-emptying of trash. Just wanted to let you know that emptying trash in Plex is not the same as emptying trash in MacOS, and it will not delete your media files.

9

The concept of trash in this case seems very confusing to me. :wink:

10

Plex‘s trash refers to the (logical) library records, not the (physical/digital) media/files.
Comparing it to an actual library… scanning your library in Plex compares to a librarian inventorying their books. Automatically emptying the (Plex) trash compares to them throwing away a book’s record / index card if it’s no longer found (the book is gone, so why keep the reference).
Now… with media being stored on an external/remote drive, it’s like your library (facility) is storing books in a separate, lockable room. You know the books are still there, even if the librarian with the key to the room has a day off while you’re doing an inventory. So there’s no reason to throw away the index cards / book records, just because you temporarily cannot verify the files/books are still around.

By the way… how should Plex mess up the actual files if the drive isn’t connected?

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