How to Install and Set Up Tunarr for the First Time

Tunarr can be installed either with Docker or as a standalone binary, then configured through its web UI by connecting a media source such as Plex, Jellyfin, Emby, or local media. After that first connection, you create channels and schedule programming. The steps below follow the structure documented on tunarr.com; exact menu labels may vary slightly by version, so treat the flow as the guide and the UI as the source of truth.

Before you start

• A running media server (Plex, Jellyfin, or Emby) or media files stored locally if you plan to use the Local source.
• A machine to host Tunarr — Docker is the documented path, with standalone binaries as the alternative.
• Network access between Tunarr and your media server, plus the credentials/URL your media server uses.
• A client to watch on later: Plex, Jellyfin, or Emby can use the spoofed Tunarr HDHomeRun tuner, or any third-party IPTV player can use the generated M3U files.

Step 1: Install Tunarr

Choose one of the two documented installation methods:

The documentation's Getting Started → Install section is the authoritative place for the current commands and image/binary details — use it rather than copying commands from elsewhere, since they change between releases.

Step 2: Run and open the web UI

Start Tunarr using your chosen method, then open the Tunarr web UI in a browser. All configuration — channels, programs, commercials, and settings — happens there, so you should not need to edit config files by hand for the initial setup.

Expected result: the Tunarr UI loads and you can reach the setup/configuration area.

Common snag: if the UI doesn't load, confirm the process/container is actually running and that you're using the correct host and port for your deployment.

Step 3: Complete initial setup and connect your first media source

The Setup page covers initial configuration and connecting your first media source. Tunarr supports these source types:

• Plex
• Jellyfin
• Emby
• Local — for media stored on disk, organized into Movies, Shows, Other Video, Music, and Music Videos

For a network media server, enter the server's address and credentials when prompted, then save. For Local, point Tunarr at your media directories and let it scan.

Expected result: your media source appears as connected and Tunarr can see your libraries.

Common snags:

• Wrong URL or credentials for the media server — re-check the address and account you use to log in to Plex/Jellyfin/Emby directly.
• Local paths that the Tunarr process/container can't read — make sure the directories are mounted or accessible to Tunarr.

Step 4: Create your first channel

With a source connected, go to Channels to create and configure a virtual TV channel. From there you can set channel properties and move into Programming and Scheduling to decide what airs and when. Scheduling tools include concepts like time slots, cyclic and block shuffle, mid-roll breaks, and more — start simple with one channel and a small set of programming, then expand.

Step 5: Watch your channel

Once a channel exists, connect a client:

• Plex, Jellyfin, or Emby: add the spoofed Tunarr HDHomeRun tuner as a tuner in that app.
• Any third-party IPTV player: use the M3U files Tunarr generates.

Expected result: the channel shows up in your player's live TV guide and plays.

Common snag: if playback fails, the docs include a Stream Troubleshooter and a Common Issues FAQ under Misc. — check those before changing your setup.

Where to go next

• Configure → Media Sources to add more libraries or sources.
• Channels → Properties / Flex / EPG / Transcoding / Watermarks to refine how channels look and behave.
• Programming → Library / Filler / Custom Shows / Smart Collections to control content, including how filler is chosen.
• System → Backup / Logging to protect your configuration and diagnose problems.

If you get stuck, the FAQ → Common Issues and Stream Troubleshooter pages are the documented first stops.