How to Install OpenMediaVault on Raspberry Pi

Ben
Ben
@benjislab

OpenMediaVault (OMV) is a popular, open-source NAS (Network Attached Storage) solution that transforms your Raspberry Pi into a powerful, flexible home server. Whether you're looking to manage digital media, automate backups, or access files from anywhere, OpenMediaVault offers a comprehensive platform to meet your needs. This guide will take you through the process of installing OpenMediaVault on your Raspberry Pi, turning it into a central hub for your digital storage.

Preparing for Installation

Before installing OpenMediaVault on your Raspberry Pi, ensure you have the following:

  • A Raspberry Pi model 2B or newer.
  • A high-quality microSD card with at least 8GB of storage.
  • A reliable power source for your Raspberry Pi.
  • An Ethernet connection for your Raspberry Pi for network stability.
  • A computer to access the Raspberry Pi remotely.

Step 1: Download Raspberry Pi OS Lite

  1. Download Raspberry Pi OS Lite: Visit the official Raspberry Pi downloads page and download the Raspberry Pi OS Lite image. This lightweight version is ideal for OpenMediaVault as it omits the graphical user interface, freeing up resources.

  2. Flash the OS to the microSD Card: Use imaging software like balenaEtcher to flash the Raspberry Pi OS Lite image onto your microSD card.

Step 2: Initial Raspberry Pi Setup

  1. Insert the microSD Card and Boot: Insert the flashed microSD card into your Raspberry Pi, connect it to your Ethernet network, and power it on.

  2. Access Your Raspberry Pi: Initially, you'll need to access your Raspberry Pi via SSH. Discover your Raspberry Pi's IP address from your router's interface, or use a network scanner app. Then, SSH into your device using its IP address (default username: pi, password: raspberry).

Step 3: Install OpenMediaVault

With your Raspberry Pi up and running, proceed to install OpenMediaVault.

  1. Update and Upgrade Your System: Ensure your system is up to date with the latest packages:
sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get upgrade -y
  1. Download and Run the OMV Installation Script: OpenMediaVault provides a convenient installation script for Debian-based systems, including Raspberry Pi OS. Download and execute this script with the following commands:
wget -O - https://github.com/OpenMediaVault-Plugin-Developers/installScript/raw/master/install | sudo bash
  1. Wait for the Installation: The installation process can take some time, depending on your Raspberry Pi model and internet speed. Once the script completes, OpenMediaVault will be installed on your Raspberry Pi.

Step 4: Accessing OpenMediaVault

After installing OpenMediaVault, you can access its web interface to configure and manage your NAS.

  1. Find Your Raspberry Pi's IP Address: If you don't already know your Raspberry Pi's IP address, find it using your router's interface or a network scanner app.

  2. Access the Web Interface: Open a web browser and navigate to http://<your-raspberry-pi-ip>. You'll be greeted by the OpenMediaVault login screen.

  3. Log in to OpenMediaVault: The default username is admin, and the default password is openmediavault.

Step 5: Configuring OpenMediaVault

With access to the OpenMediaVault web interface, you can start configuring your NAS. Key steps include setting up storage devices, creating users and shared folders, and enabling services like SMB/CIFS, FTP, or NFS for file sharing.

Conclusion

Installing OpenMediaVault on your Raspberry Pi is a straightforward process that unlocks powerful NAS functionality for your home network. By following this guide, you've laid the foundation for a versatile, centralized storage solution. From here, explore OpenMediaVault's extensive features to tailor your Raspberry Pi NAS to your specific needs, from media streaming to file sharing and data backup.