While streaming from a service like Spotify can be convenient, it’s not the best solution for music that you already own. I personally like to use Plexamp since it doesn’t require Plex Pass, the setup is super easy, and I tend to buy all my music, anyway. It’s a match made in heaven!
1 How to Get Started With Plexamp
Arguably, the hardest part is installing all the software you need, but luckily, that’s only in relative terms. To get started, you’ll need two pieces of software: Plex Media Server and Plexamp itself. You technically also need the Plex app, but it can be opened from a browser. However, if your browser is a resource hog, I recommend using the app.
To get everything started:
- Create a Plex account.
- Optional: Download and install Plex to the device you’re hosting your music library. Whether you’re using Linux, Windows, or Mac, the setup is located in your Downloads folder.
- Download and install Plex Media Server to your host device. I’m using my PC as the host since it houses all my music, but you could also turn a Raspberry Pi into a Plex Media Server just as easily.
- Next, download the Plexamp app to the device you’d like to stream your music library to, such as a tablet, laptop, or phone.
Essentially, while your Plex Media Server is running, Plexamp will connect to said server, letting you enjoy your music library without taking up precious storage. But before any of that can happen, you have to first add your music library to Plex. That’s up next!
Download: Plex for Linux | Windows | Mac (Free)
Download: Plex Media Server for Linux | Windows | Mac (Free)
Note: Plex Media Server is also available for various NAS systems.
Download: Plexamp for Android | iOS | Windows | Mac | Linux | Raspberry Pi (Free)
You’d think adding music would be done through Plexamp, but it’s actually done through Plex, whether by a browser or the app itself. Using the device you’re housing your music library on:
- Run Plex Media Server. Note that nothing will appear; it’ll just ensure the server is running.
- Open Plex, either by visiting the site or running the app.
- Open Settings. It’s the wrench icon in the top-right corner, next to your profile icon. Afterwards, select Libraries under the Manage tab, on the left-hand side.
- Select Add Library. Choose Music. You can give the library a name, too!
- Finally, select Browse For Media Folder.
From there, you’ll see a breakdown of all the folders on your computer. You want the one that houses all your music. When you’ve located it, finish up by selecting Add Library. If your music is all over the place, then it’s best to use tools to organize your music collection first before moving on. It should all be housed in one folder, rather than adding each individual library at a time.
3 How to Stream Your Music Library to Plexamp
We aren’t quite done with the settings just yet. However, at this point you can stream music within your network with no problem. Just boot up the Plexamp app on your device, choose the music library you just added and there it is! But to stream outside your home? You need to first enable remote access.
- Go back into Settings.
- Under the Settings tab on the left, choose Remote Access.
- Click the Enable Remote Access button.
It should run without a hitch, but if you run into problems, you’ll have to port-forward your host device, using your modem’s network settings. It takes less than a minute!
As you can see, streaming your music library with Plexamp is surprisingly simple, even if you’re one of the unlucky few who have to port-forward first. Once remote access is enabled, sign into Plexamp and enjoy your music.
