emby.wiki · DOCUMENTATION

Emby Setup Guide

Guides to Emby features, configuration, and usage.

Updated 1 Oct 2026English

📚 Contents#

How to Install Emby on Linux, Windows, and Docker
Getting Started with Emby
Creating and Accessing Media Libraries
Configuring Local and Remote Access for Streaming Devices
Creating a Personalized Entertainment Experience with Emby
Advanced Emby Configuration
Frequently Asked Questions About Emby
Conclusion

1.🛠️How to Install Emby on Linux, Windows, and Docker#

a. Install Emby on Linux (Ubuntu 22.04 Example)#

# Step 1: Update the system
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

# Step 2: Install dependencies (optional but recommended)
sudo apt install curl wget apt-transport-https gnupg2 ca-certificates software-properties-common -y

# Step 3: Download the .deb package
wget https://github.com/MediaBrowser/Emby.Releases/releases/download/4.8.0.58/emby-server-deb_4.8.0.58_amd64.deb

# Step 4: Install Emby Server
sudo dpkg -i emby-server-deb_4.8.0.58_amd64.deb
sudo apt --fix-broken install -y

# Step 5: Start Emby and enable startup at boot
sudo systemctl enable emby-server
sudo systemctl start emby-server
sudo systemctl status emby-server

# Step 6: Allow firewall ports if UFW is enabled
sudo ufw allow 8096/tcp
sudo ufw allow 8920/tcp

🔗 Open Emby at:

http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:8096

b. Install Emby on Windows#

Download the Emby installer from the official website
👉 https://emby.media/windows-server.html
Double-click the .exe file and follow the prompts to complete installation
After starting Emby, open http://localhost:8096 to enter the setup wizard
Configure the media library, language, and users as needed
Make sure the firewall allows communication

c. Install Emby with Docker#

# Step 1: Install Docker and Docker Compose
sudo apt update
sudo apt install docker.io docker-compose -y
sudo systemctl enable docker
sudo systemctl start docker

# Step 2: Create configuration and media directories
mkdir -p ~/emby/config ~/emby/media

# Step 3: Run the container
docker run -d \
  --name=emby \
  --restart=unless-stopped \
  -e TZ=Asia/Shanghai \
  -p 8096:8096 -p 8920:8920 \
  -v ~/emby/config:/config \
  -v ~/emby/media:/mnt/share1 \
  --device /dev/dri:/dev/dri \
  emby/embyserver:latest

🧩 Optional docker-compose.yml example:

version: "3.3"
services:
  emby:
    image: emby/embyserver:latest
    container_name: emby
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - 8096:8096
      - 8920:8920
    environment:
      - TZ=Asia/Shanghai
    volumes:
      - ./config:/config
      - ./media:/mnt/share1
    devices:
      - /dev/dri:/dev/dri

2.▶️Getting Started with Emby#

The first time you open Emby, it automatically starts the setup wizard:

Choose a language
Create an administrator account
Set up media libraries
Configure remote access
Read and accept the terms of service

⚠️ The initial setup wizard is strongly recommended to ensure the best experience and secure configuration.

3.🆕Creating and Accessing Media Libraries#

In the main Emby interface:

Open the upper-left menu → Library
If no library is configured, open Settings > Library and add a media directory
Configure the content type—movies, music, TV series, and so on—the display name, and the folder path
Prepare the folder structure in advance and use standard naming conventions

4.📡Configuring Local and Remote Access for Streaming Devices#

Emby supports remote access through Emby Connect or an IP address:

Local access: use a LAN IP address such as http://192.168.1.x:8096
Remote access: use a public IP address, port forwarding, and HTTPS configuration
Find the addresses under Settings > Server > Dashboard

🔧 Troubleshooting:

Restart the service
Check whether ports 8096 and 8920 are open
Configure a dynamic domain name (DDNS) or use a static IP address

5.🎨Creating a Personalized Entertainment Experience with Emby#

a. Create User Profiles#

Settings > Users > + New User
Customize each user's media libraries, playback history, parental controls, and other settings

b. Playback and Subtitle Settings#

Settings > Playback/Subtitles > choose the default audio track and subtitle language
Enable automatic subtitle downloads through OpenSubtitles and enter the API credentials

6.🧠Advanced Emby Configuration#

a. Plugin Management#

Settings > Plugins:

Browse the catalog and choose the plugins you need, such as a subtitle downloader or Live TV
Install them and restart the server when prompted

b. Configure Transcoding#

Settings > Transcoding:

Enable hardware acceleration; Emby Premiere is required
Configure transcoding threads, the temporary path, HDR mapping, throttling options, and other settings

7.❓Frequently Asked Questions About Emby (FAQ)#

a. How Do I Set Up Emby Connect?#

b. What Is the Difference Between Jellyfin and Emby?#

Emby: Closed source; some features require payment
Jellyfin: Free and open source; developed from Emby's former open-source branch

c. How Do Emby and Plex Compare?#

Plex has a more modern UI and a friendly user experience
Emby offers more freedom, a broad plugin ecosystem, and extensive customization

d. What Is Emby Theater?#

A Windows-only client that provides a theater-style playback experience for HTPC users.

e. How Can I Manage Media More Easily?#

Use Ombi to integrate automated downloads and media-request management.

f. How Can I Integrate IPTV?#

Use middleware such as xTeVe to bridge an IPTV M3U playlist into Emby Live TV.

8.🔚Conclusion#

Emby is a powerful and flexible home media-server solution. It supports many configurations, from local to remote access, from web browsers to mobile apps, and from basic to advanced use.

📌 If you have more questions, refer to this guide or join a community discussion at any time. Unlock Emby's potential and enjoy your own home-theater experience!