cant see sub folder in plex for synology nas

Lussy04

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23-01-2025

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Meta Description: Frustrated because Plex isn't showing your Synology NAS subfolders? This comprehensive guide tackles common causes – incorrect permissions, library settings, Plex indexing issues, and more – offering clear solutions to get your media organized and visible again. Learn how to fix Plex subfolder visibility problems on your Synology NAS and enjoy seamless media streaming.

Understanding the Problem: Plex and Synology NAS Subfolders

Many users encounter the frustrating issue where Plex, when connected to a Synology NAS, fails to display subfolders within their designated media libraries. This means your carefully organized movie folders (e.g., Movies/Action/2023) might only show the "Movies" folder, hiding all your subfolders and their contents. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting this common problem.

Common Causes and Solutions

1. Incorrect File Permissions on Your Synology NAS

• The Problem: Plex needs sufficient read permissions to access your media files. If the permissions are too restrictive, Plex can't "see" the subfolders.

• The Solution:

  • Access your Synology NAS's file manager (File Station).
  • Navigate to the media folder you've added to Plex.
  • Check the permissions for both the main folder and its subfolders. Ensure that the user account Plex is running under (often plex or admin) has at least read access (r). You might need to adjust permissions recursively to apply them to all subfolders and files.
  • Important Note: Overly permissive permissions pose security risks. Grant only the necessary access levels.

2. Incorrect Plex Library Settings

• The Problem: The way your Plex library is configured might prevent it from recognizing or including subfolders.

• The Solution:

  • Open your Plex server settings.
  • Go to the library settings for the affected library (Movies, TV Shows, etc.).
  • Check the "Include subfolders" option. Make sure this box is checked. If it's unchecked, Plex will only scan the top-level folder.
  • Advanced Settings: Some users have found success by specifying the exact path to their media within the library settings, rather than simply selecting the top-level folder. This might resolve ambiguity.

3. Plex Indexing Issues

• The Problem: Plex's indexing process might have failed, preventing it from properly detecting your subfolders.

• The Solution:

  • In your Plex server settings, find the library settings for the problematic library.
  • Initiate a "Refresh" or "Scan" (the terminology varies slightly across Plex versions). This forces Plex to re-index the contents of the library, including subfolders.
  • Troubleshooting Tip: If this doesn't solve it, try a "full scan" to ensure a thorough re-index. It takes longer but may be necessary.

4. Synology NAS Indexing Issues

• The Problem: Your Synology NAS itself might have indexing problems that affect Plex's ability to access files.

• The Solution:

  • Check your Synology NAS's indexing service settings. Make sure it's enabled and running correctly.
  • Consider re-indexing the shared folder you use for Plex media. This often solves issues caused by incomplete or corrupted indexing data on the NAS.
  • DSM Versions: The specific steps for this vary slightly depending on your DSM (DiskStation Manager) version. Consult Synology's documentation for precise instructions relevant to your NAS model and DSM version.

5. File System Compatibility

• The Problem: In rare cases, Plex might have trouble accessing files on certain file systems.

• The Solution: The most compatible file systems are generally EXT4 and Btrfs. If you're using a less common file system (like NTFS, particularly with Windows-based Plex clients), reformatting your shared folder to EXT4 or Btrfs might resolve the problem. Warning: This involves data loss if not done correctly. Back up your data before attempting a file system conversion.

6. Network Issues

• The Problem: Problems with your network connection can interrupt Plex's ability to access the NAS.

• The Solution:

  • Check your network connection. Restart your router and NAS.
  • Ensure your Synology NAS is correctly connected to your network.
  • Verify that Plex server and clients are on the same network.

7. Plex Server Issues

• The Problem: Sometimes, the Plex server itself might malfunction and fail to properly index the media library.

• The Solution: Try restarting your Plex server. If the problem persists, consider reinstalling Plex Media Server on your Synology NAS. Make sure to back up your Plex database first.

Preventing Future Problems

• Regular Library Scans: Perform regular scans (weekly or monthly) to ensure Plex keeps its library up-to-date.
• Consistent File Organization: Maintain a consistent folder structure for your media. Avoid unusual characters or spaces in file names or folder names.
• Monitor NAS Logs: Review your Synology NAS and Plex server logs for error messages that might indicate other issues.

By systematically addressing these points, you should be able to resolve the "can't see subfolders in Plex for Synology NAS" issue. Remember to always back up your data before making significant changes to your file system or server settings. If you continue to face difficulties, consult the official Plex and Synology support forums for more specific assistance.