plex meta data is crossed.

When Plex metadata gets "crossed up," it typically means the metadata (titles, posters, descriptions, etc.) associated with your media files is incorrect, mismatched, or not properly loaded. This can happen for various reasons, such as improper file naming, incorrect library settings, or corrupted database entries. Let's troubleshoot this step by step:

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1. Causes of Metadata Issues​

Common reasons for metadata getting crossed up include:

• Incorrect or inconsistent file naming conventions.
• Plex's match scanning selecting the wrong titles due to ambiguous names.
• Incorrect library types (e.g., adding movies to a TV library or vice versa).
• Corruption in the Plex metadata database.
• Duplicated, outdated, or incomplete metadata agents configured for the library.

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2. Steps to Fix Metadata Issues​

Here's how to resolve "crossed up" metadata in Plex:

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Step 1: Double-Check File Naming and Organization​

Plex relies heavily on proper file naming to accurately fetch metadata. Ensure your files follow Plex's recommended conventions:

• Movies:
  
  Code:

   Movies/
  MovieName (Year)/
  MovieName (Year).ext
  Example:
  Inception (2010)/
  Inception (2010).mkv

• TV Shows:
  
  Code:

   TV Shows/
  ShowName/
  Season 01/
  ShowName - s01e01.ext
  Example:
  Friends/
  Season 01/
  Friends - s01e01.mkv

If your files don't follow these conventions, rename them (manually or with tools like FileBot). After renaming, refresh the library in Plex.

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Step 2: Fix Metadata with the "Fix Match" Feature​

If Plex mismatched your metadata, follow these steps to correct it:

1. Open the Plex Web App.
2. Locate the problematic media in your library.
3. Click on the three-dot menu (⋯) next to the media and select Fix Match.
4. Plex will let you search for the correct title manually. Select the correct metadata entry for the content.

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Step 3: Refresh Metadata for the Library​

Sometimes a library-wide refresh is necessary:

1. Open Plex, go to Settings > Libraries.
2. Click the library in question and choose Scan Library Files.
3. After scanning, right-click on the library again and choose Refresh All Metadata.
   • This will redownload metadata from the source for every item in the library.

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Step 4: Confirm and Update Metadata Agents​

Metadata agents are responsible for pulling in media information. If your metadata is messy:

1. Go to Settings > Agents.
2. Select the type of library (Movies, TV Shows, etc.).
3. Ensure the correct agent is enabled. For example:
   • Movies: Plex Movie or The Movie Database (TMDb).
   • TV Shows: TheTVDB or The Movie Database (TMDb).
4. Remove or deactivate any unused/conflicting agents.

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Step 5: Clear Mismatched/Incorrect Metadata​

If incorrect data is still showing despite fixing matches:

1. Edit the metadata:
   • In the Web App, locate the media, click the pencil () icon, and manually edit titles, descriptions, or artwork.
2. Delete mismatched metadata:
   • Click "Pencil → Advanced → Delete Metadata" to force Plex to reset metadata for that item.

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Step 6: Rebuild Plex's Metadata Database (Last Resort)​

If metadata remains corrupted or incorrect across multiple items, rebuilding the Plex database may fix the issue. Beware, this will reset metadata for all your files, requiring you to refresh/redownload metadata for everything.
Steps:

1. Stop Plex Media Server.
2. Navigate to the Plex data folder:
   • Windows: C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server\Plug-in Support\Databases
   • Linux: /var/lib/plexmediaserver/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server/Plug-in Support/Databases
3. Backup and delete the file com.plexapp.plugins.library.db.
4. Restart Plex Media Server; a fresh database will be created.
5. Rescan and refresh your libraries to redownload metadata.

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3. Prevent Metadata Issues in the Future​

• Maintain Proper File Naming: Use recognized naming conventions for all media files.
• Standardize Library Structures: Keep movies, TV shows, and other types in separate libraries.
• Audit Metadata Agents Periodically: Review and optimize agent priorities in Plex settings.
• Backup Metadata Regularly: Go to Settings > Library > Backup Metadata so you can restore it in case of corruption.

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Let me know if you're encountering specific errors, or if you'd like help with any step in more detail!