How to Install Plex on Apple TV 1st Gen

Learn how to install Plex on Apple TV 1st Gen with this step-by-step guide. Stream your favorite media content seamlessly on your device today.

Are you an Apple TV 1st Gen user wondering how to install Plex on your device? Well, you’re in luck! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of installing Plex on your Apple TV 1st Gen. Plex is a powerful media server that allows you to stream your favorite movies, TV shows, and music to your Apple TV. So, let’s dive in and get started!

How to Install Plex on Apple TV 1st Gen.

Installing Plex on a 1st generation Apple TV involves a multi-step process that requires some technical knowledge. Here’s a simplified version of the steps in tabular form:

Step Action Description
1 Jailbreak the Apple TV Use a suitable jailbreaking tool for 1st generation Apple TV to gain full access to its system.
2 Install SSH After jailbreaking, install SSH to enable remote access to the device.
3 Connect to Apple TV via SSH Use an SSH client from a computer to connect to the Apple TV’s IP address.
4 Install Plex Client Download and install the Plex client suitable for the 1st generation Apple TV.
5 Configure Plex Client Configure the Plex client to connect to your Plex Media Server.
6 Test the Installation Open Plex on the Apple TV and try streaming a video to ensure everything is set up correctly.

Important Notes:

  • Jailbreaking: Jailbreaking your device can void the warranty and potentially brick the device if not done correctly. Make sure you understand the risks and follow a reliable guide.
  • Compatibility: The 1st generation Apple TV is quite old, and modern versions of Plex might not be compatible with it.
  • Technical Skill: This process requires a moderate level of technical skill, including using SSH and potentially command-line interfaces.
  • Plex Version: Ensure that the Plex client version you install is compatible with the older hardware and software of the 1st gen Apple TV.
  • Legal Considerations: Be aware of the legal implications of jailbreaking in your country or region.

This table provides a general overview, but for detailed instructions, you should consult specific guides or forums that specialize in Apple TV modifications and Plex installations.

Step 1: Enable Developer Mode on Apple TV

To begin, you’ll need to enable Developer Mode on your Apple TV. Follow these steps:

  1. On your Apple TV, go to the “Settings” menu.
  2. Select “System” and then “About”.
  3. Locate the “Model” field and take note of the four-letter model identifier (e.g., “MM43”).
  4. Visit the Apple Developer website and sign in with your Apple ID.
  5. Find the “Downloads” tab, search for your model identifier, and download the corresponding Apple TV OS Restore file.
  6. Connect your Apple TV to your computer using a USB-C cable.
  7. Open iTunes on your computer and select your Apple TV.
  8. In the “Summary” pane, click on the “Restore Apple TV” button while holding down the “Option” key (Mac) or the “Shift” key (Windows).
  9. Select the Apple TV OS Restore file you downloaded earlier and let the restoration process complete.

Step 2: Install PlexConnect

PlexConnect is a clever workaround that allows you to install Plex on your Apple TV 1st Gen using the Trailers app. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. On your computer, open a web browser and go to the PlexConnect GitHub repository.
  2. Click on the green “Code” button and select “Download ZIP”.
  3. Once downloaded, extract the ZIP file to a location of your choice.
  4. Open the extracted folder and locate the “Settings.cfg” file.
  5. Open the file with a text editor and input the IP address of your Plex media server, as well as any desired options (e.g., enable SSL).
  6. Save the file and close the text editor.
  7. Connect your Apple TV to your computer using a micro-USB cable.
  8. Open a terminal or command prompt on your computer and navigate to the extracted PlexConnect folder.
  9. Run the following command: sudo ./PlexConnect.py.
  10. PlexConnect will now start running and redirect the Trailers app to Plex.

Step 3: Configure Apple TV Network Settings

To ensure smooth streaming, you need to configure your Apple TV’s network settings. Follow these steps:

  1. On your Apple TV, go to the “Settings” menu.
  2. Select “General” and then “Network”.
  3. Locate your network connection and click on it.
  4. Check if the “Configure DNS” option is set to “Automatic”. If not, change it to “Automatic”.
  5. Restart your Apple TV to apply the new network settings.

Step 4: Enjoy Plex on Apple TV 1st Gen

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Plex on your Apple TV 1st Gen. Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite media content. Launch the Trailers app on your Apple TV, and you will find the Plex app there. Simply select it and start browsing and streaming your media library.

Conclusion

Installing Plex on your Apple TV 1st Gen doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy seamless streaming of your media content in no time. Remember, enabling Developer Mode, installing PlexConnect, configuring network settings, and voilà! So go ahead and elevate your media experience on your Apple TV 1st Gen with Plex!