Plex Library Permissions

Learn how to correct Plex permissions on your seedbox using CLI

Updated over a week ago

Using CLI to change Plex library permissions

Sometimes when using transfer methods between devices, we run into permissions issues. This can include permissions issues after seedbox migration—incorrect Sonarr & Radarr permissions. For us to allow Plex to read our media files we must first log in using SSH and run a few short commands.

Lets Begin! 🚀

This guide is intended for advanced users with a history of using SSH. If you are uncomfortable using SSH, please reach out to a member of Rapid Seedbox Support using the Chat Feature on the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.

Here is a step-by-step guide for using the chmod command to give Plex permissions to access a library directory:

Open a terminal window.

  1. Use the cd command to navigate to the directory where your Plex library is located. For example, if your library is located in the directory /home/user/plex/, you would run the command cd /home/user/plex/.

  2. Use the ls -l command to view the current permissions for the directory. The output will show the permissions for the owner, group, and others.

  3. To change the permissions for the directory, use the chmod command followed by the desired permissions and the directory name. For example, to give read, write, and execute permissions to the owner, read and execute permissions to the group, and no permissions to others, you would run the command chmod 775 /home/user/plex/.

The first 7 (rwx) belongs to owner, second 7(rwx) belongs to group, third 7 (rwx) belongs to others. The permissions are given in octal format.


  1. To check if the permissions have been applied correctly, you can use the ls -l command again to view the updated permissions for the directory.

It is important to note that Plex user will also need to be part of the group to access the directory. You can use chown command to change the directory ownership and add Plex user as part of the group.

I don't know what to do next...

If you need any assistance, let us know by opening a chat in the lower right hand corner of your screen. We're here to help 😄

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