Purpose: Overseerr is a user-facing media request system that complements your automation ecosystem. Running on its own Request Server VM, it allows users to submit content requests, track request statuses, and communicate directly with your media server environment without needing admin access. This ensures a self-service, low-touch system that keeps your library growing efficiently and your automation stack flowing smoothly.

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• Plex Integration – Overseerr connects to Plex to check your existing library, validate requests, and update media availability once content is processed. This prevents duplicate requests and ensures accurate request fulfillment.
• Email Notifications – Overseerr can send emails to users when requests are approved, denied, or completed, keeping them informed without admin intervention.
• End-User Self-Service – By providing a web interface for content requests, Overseerr reduces the number of ad-hoc requests sent directly to admins and improves overall system usability.

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• Install Overseerr on the dedicated Request Server VM.
• Ensure network access to your Plex Media Server VM for library queries.
• Assign a static port or hostname (default: <vm-ip>:5055) so users can reliably access the interface.
• Enable authentication; you can integrate with Plex accounts for seamless user management.

• Connect Overseerr to your Plex server using a Plex Token.
• Verify that Overseerr can read your libraries and identify which content is already available.
• Configure library access permissions per user or group as needed.
• Once integrated, Overseerr will automatically prevent duplicate requests for content already in your library.

• Configure the SMTP server details (host, port, encryption, credentials).
• Set default “From” address for outgoing emails.
• Enable notifications for request creation, approval, denial, and fulfillment.
• Optionally, allow users to manage their own notification preferences to reduce email clutter.
• Test notifications to confirm email deliverability.

• Search and Request – Users can search your library and supported media databases (TMDb, TVDb, etc.) to request movies or TV shows.
• Request Status Tracking – Users can see the current status of their requests: pending, approved, denied, or completed.
• Notifications & Alerts – Email or in-app notifications keep users informed without requiring admin intervention.
• Audit & Logs – Admins can review all requests, approve/deny them, and track fulfillment to ensure smooth operation.

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In short, Overseerr acts as the front door for content requests, while Prowlarr, Jackett, and Unmanic handle backend processing and delivery. The system ensures efficient, self-managed operation, improving library growth, user satisfaction, and workflow reliability.

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• Use Plex authentication to manage user access and reduce account proliferation.
• Configure email notifications for transparency, but avoid spamming by allowing users to set preferences.
• Regularly monitor requests to ensure the automation stack is fulfilling them correctly.
• Keep Overseerr updated to maintain compatibility with Plex and media databases.

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This guide introduces Overseerr in the context of your automated media environment. Detailed per-user configuration, advanced permission management, and troubleshooting should be referenced in Overseerr’s official documentation as needed.