Jellyfin Metadata Wrong? How to Fix It 

Jellyfin is a growing favorite among media server enthusiasts as a fully open-source solution for managing and streaming personal media libraries. However, like any media server, it relies heavily on accurate metadata to properly identify and categorize movies, TV shows, and music. Incorrect metadata can make your library look chaotic and lead to frustrating browsing experiences.

TL;DR: Metadata issues in Jellyfin are often caused by incorrect file naming, metadata provider errors, or outdated database entries. To fix them, ensure proper naming conventions, refresh metadata, adjust metadata providers, or manually edit entries. With the right steps, users can restore order and consistency to their media libraries quickly and effectively.

Understanding Jellyfin Metadata

Metadata in Jellyfin includes the information related to your media files like title, synopsis, cast, posters, episode information, and more. This data can be acquired manually or automatically through metadata providers that pull details from online databases like TheMovieDB (TMDb), TVDB, MusicBrainz, and others.

When metadata is incorrect—like seeing the wrong movie poster, a mismatched synopsis, or missing episode names—it’s often due to one of a few correctable problems.

Common Reasons Why Metadata Is Wrong

• Incorrect file or folder naming – Jellyfin uses file and folder names to identify content. Names that don’t follow expected formats can lead to mismatches.
• Wrong metadata provider configuration – If a misconfigured provider is selected, the wrong information might be scraped.
• Old or outdated cache – Sometimes, Jellyfin’s library cache displays outdated info instead of updated metadata.
• Metadata conflicts between local and online info – If local .nfo files or metadata are inconsistent with online providers, conflicts can occur.
• File organization issues – Media stored in incorrect folder hierarchies can confuse Jellyfin’s identification system.

How to Fix Metadata in Jellyfin

Step 1: Use Proper Naming Conventions

Jellyfin follows a closely defined naming scheme to identify content. Ensuring correct naming is the most important step:

• Movies: MovieName (Year).ext (e.g., Inception (2010).mp4)
• TV Shows:
• Folder: Show Name
• File: Show Name – S01E01.ext (e.g., Breaking Bad - S01E01.mp4)

Consistent organization across all files helps Jellyfin better match metadata during scanning. If you’re unsure about formatting, consult Jellyfin’s official naming guideline documentation.

Step 2: Rescan Metadata

After adjusting filenames, rescan the library to update the metadata:

1. Open the Jellyfin web interface.
2. Navigate to Dashboard > Libraries.
3. Select the affected library and click “Scan Library Files”.
4. Optionally, choose “Refresh Metadata” to force new data fetching.

This process will re-index media and update metadata according to the current file layout and provider settings.

Step 3: Configure Metadata Providers

Sometimes the default metadata source may not provide accurate information, particularly for obscure or region-specific content. To manage metadata providers:

1. Go to Dashboard > Metadata.
2. Choose the content type (Movies, TV Shows, Music).
3. Select or reorder metadata providers like TMDb, TVDB, or MusicBrainz.
4. If needed, enter your API key for enhanced accuracy.

Step 4: Manually Edit Metadata

If automatic scraping fails, you can manually fix entries directly:

1. Go to the media item in the library.
2. Click the three-dots menu (context menu) and choose Edit Metadata.
3. Change the title, plot, cover art, genre, and more as needed.
4. Click Save to apply changes.

This method is especially useful for home videos, rare content, or personalized tags.

Step 5: Use Local Metadata (Optional)

Some users prefer managing their metadata using local files, bypassing online scrapers. This can be accomplished by adding:

• movie.nfo files for movies
• tvshow.nfo and episode-level .nfo files for TV shows
• Folder images like poster.jpg, fanart.jpg

Enable reading metadata from local files under Dashboard > Libraries > Advanced Settings by checking “Prefer local metadata”.

Advanced Tips

• Use a metadata manager: Tools like FileBot or MediaElch can automatically rename files and create .nfo metadata files for Jellyfin.
• Disable real-time monitoring: Turn this off temporarily while editing multiple media files to prevent incorrect indexing during changes.
• Backup your database: Always backup your Jellyfin database before making significant changes to the library.

Once everything is fixed, Jellyfin should present your media clearly with accurate titles, descriptions, images, and more. Keeping your files organized and metadata settings reviewed from time to time will ensure your media library remains harmonious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is Jellyfin showing the wrong movie cover?

This is likely due to an incorrect match from the metadata provider. Check naming conventions and refresh metadata. You can also edit cover art manually.

Can I use my own metadata instead of downloading it?

Yes, by turning on the “Prefer local metadata” option and placing properly named .nfo and image files in your media folders.

How do I reset metadata for a single TV episode?

Navigate to the episode detail page, click the three-dot menu, and choose “Refresh Metadata.” For deeper changes, select “Edit Metadata.”

What metadata providers are recommended for Jellyfin?

For movies, TMDb works well. For TV shows, both TMDb and TVDB are options. Jellyfin also supports MusicBrainz for music metadata.

Is there a way to prevent metadata from updating automatically?

Yes. Go to Library Settings and disable automatic metadata refresh to lock items in their current state.

How often should I refresh my metadata?

There’s no fixed schedule, but refreshing periodically or after adding a large number of files helps keep your library accurate.

Fixing metadata in Jellyfin doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With intention and the right steps, even large libraries can be set right, giving users the flawless browsing experience they deserve.