We already shown how to install Sonarr on Docker commandline, which works on all platforms: Windows, Linux, and Mac. For people who don't prefer commandline, we presented Kitematic Docker GUI for Windows. In this post, I will show you how simple it is to install Sonarr on Docker using Kitematic GUI for Docker engine. Unfortunately, at this point, there is no Kitematic like tool for non-Windows environment. Therefore, you can only install Sonarr using Kitematic on Windows systems. Must Read:Docker Media Server Ubuntu: Compose for 23 Awesome Apps
If you still do not know about Docker, I strongly recommend our guides on what is Docker and its installation on Windows and Ubuntu. In short, Docker allows installing home server apps such as Sonarr as self-contained containers, making it easy to install and manage them. No complicated Sonarr setup procedures. So, without further ado let's see how to install Sonnar using Kitematic Docker GUI.
Once Kitematic is open and connected to your Docker engine. Search for "Linuxserver Sonarr" in the search box as shown in the picture below.
Search For Sonarr Container On Docker Hub Using Kitematic
There are several Sonarr container images available on Docker hub. We are going to install LinuxServer's container. If you want to see all available Sonarr containers, search for just "Sonarr". I typically get the containers with high like and download numbers. LinuxServer's containers are widely used (Needo is another good one). You may certainly try other containers. Remember, one of the advantages of Docker is that it isolates containers from the base OS and therefore you cannot damage your OS. [Read:AtoMiC ToolKit – Automate your Media Center]
2. Create New Sonarr Container
Once your figure out which Sonarr container image you want to use (in this case LinuxServer's), hit the "Create" button as shown in the picture above to install Sonarr on Docker. The Sonarr container image will start to download as shown below.
Download Sonarr Container From Docker Hub
3. Setup Sonarr using Kitematic
Once Sonarr Docker Hub container image is downloaded, Kitematic will use the image to create a new container with Sonarr. Wait for the container setup to complete.
Sonarr Install On Docker Complete
When done, you will see the "RUNNING" status and the Sonarr access URL and port, as shown in the picture above.
4. Setup Docker Volumes for Sonarr
You want Sonarr to be able to download TV show episodes and move them to correct folder. By default, Docker containers will save any data in the containers folder in C Drive and Sonarr won't have access to folders outside that. This may or may not be the right place or have enough space, depending on your situation. But the chances are you have a specific download folder and a TV shows folder. Hit the "CHANGE" button and setup the path for "downloads" (where Sonarr downloads content) folder and "tv" (where the episode is finally moved to and organized) folder, as shown below.
Configure Docker Volumes For Sonarr
Do not setup a folder for "config" as this often leads to Sonarr database corruption. Once done, hit "RESTART" for the new settings to take effect.
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5. Change Sonarr Port Number
Before accessing Sonarr, I recommend changing MAC IP:PORT. Under Settings -> Ports for the Sonarr container, you can change the access port to the default port number or anything of your liking. If I let Docker decide the port number, I noticed that sometimes the container does not start, possibly due to port conflicts. While manually changing, if you choose a port number that is already being used by another service, Kitematic will notify you. You will then have to choose a different port number. In this case, I set the MAC IP:PORT to the same as DOCKER PORT for Sonarr (ie. 8989). This allows you to set port forwarding on your router and access Sonarr from outside your home network. Make sure to restart your container after making the port change.
Access Sonarr Container on Docker
You may then access Sonarr on your web browser using the URL or Link displayed in the "Home" tab or under "Ports".
Access Sonarr On Browser
If Sonarr opens up in your browser as shown above, you are all set. Notice how much more simple it is to setup Sonarr using Kitematic than commandline? Now you can go ahead and TV shows and start enjoying them on your media center. You may use the Sonarrlink app to remotely manage sonarr. Sounds exciting? Go ahead install Sonarr on Docker using Kitematic GUI and make your home server better.
Anand is a self-learned computer enthusiast, hopeless tinkerer (if it ain't broke, fix it), a part-time blogger, and a Scientist during the day. He has been blogging since 2010 on Linux, Ubuntu, Home/Media/File Servers, Smart Home Automation, and related HOW-TOs.
