Plex Server App Fails to Launch after Ubuntu Update

Plex Media Server
1

Server Version#: v.1.40.1.8227-c0dd5a73e (just reinstalled)
Player Version#:
OS Version#: Ubuntu 23.10 (64-bit)
Gnome: 45.2
Kernel: 6.5.0-27-generic

From the best that I can tell, it appears that the Plex server app is not launching, that is I am seeing “Library currently unavailable” in the app and “Unable to connect” when trying to access via localhost, after updating to most recent version of Ubuntu.
The other night I cycled power as part of a regular system update. After restarting and making sure all necessary drives are mounted, I got the error message from the Plex app that library content is not available.
I cycled power again, remounted drives, double checked file permissions, and reinstalled the Plex server app to try to troubleshoot. I would check to see if the update changed drive directories; however, I can’t access library settings to check because neither the app nor localhost is working.
I’ve tried sudo service plexmediaserver stop, start and restart, but it doesn’t seem to have an effect. Moreover, nothing Plex related seems to be present in the System Monitor (GUI)–I don’t know if it should be, but seems like it should.

I’m still learning Linux and Plex, so if you would like more system information, please tell me how to get it for you.

2

You should use the LTS Desktop build. It’s what the Plex team uses for all their work. Neither of my systems show any issue on 22.04LTS.

Common learner mistake, taking the latest copy of Ubuntu. Should always take the latest LTS release. The middle non LTS have experimental things they try. New GUI, experimental display driver wayland vs x, etc etc etc.

Support for your 23.10 ends this July, it’s super short. Ubuntu release cycle | Ubuntu
Whereas support for the “old” LTS 22.04 goes through 2027 :wink:

And don’t grab the new 24.04LTS until it reaches 24.04.1LTS this fall.

It might be a little brash, but I would consider reverting, rebuilding back to 22.04.4LTS.

3

Did you install via SNAP? or Via APT?
I think don’t think plex team supports SNAP (though there is or used to be some version of pms floating in it), and ubuntu pushes people towards it. You’ll want to install via apt repository or even docker. I use the official docker these days.

My biggest pain point with Ubuntu… routine off of a fresh installation, is right way purging SNAP. This guide still works for 22.04LTS: Disabling Snaps in Ubuntu 20.10 (and 20.04 LTS) - Kevin Custer