The Ultimate Guide To Sonarr. - RapidSeedbox

Sonarr is an advanced software-based Personal Video Recorder (PVR) for TV shows. It uses a sophisticated RSS downloader for Torrents and Usenet. Just tell Sonarr that you like a particular TV show, and it will grab it for you as soon as it is available.

In this ultimate step-by-step guide to Sonarr, we will go through a few concepts on how to start with Sonarr. You’ll learn the basics of what it is, how it works, and how to set it up and use it with other apps.

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Table of Contents.

1. What is Sonarr?
2. How does Sonarr work?
3. Downloading, installing, and opening Sonarr.
4. How to set up Sonarr.
5. How to set up Sonarr with different Torrent Clients?
   • Deluge
   • qBittorrent
   • Torrent
   • uTorrent
6. Sonarr’s FAQ.

1. What is Sonarr?

Sonarr is a smart TV show manager for BitTorrent and Usenet. It watches RSS feeds and grabs new episodes as they drop.

It doesn’t stop there. Sonarr renames, sorts, and organizes files based on your settings. It can check your library and upgrade shows with better versions, then remove the old ones.

What Sonarr isn’t: It’s not a download client. Instead, it finds TV files online and hands off the magnet link to your torrent or Usenet client to download.

Sonarr Features:

• Tracks and organizes your shows. It renames files, pulls metadata, and keeps your library tidy.
• Built-in calendar shows upcoming episodes at a glance.
• You can auto-download or manually send releases to your client. Sonarr works with SABnzbd, NZBGet, Deluge, qBittorrent, and more.
• Cleans up download history automatically.
• Handles failed downloads on its own. It retries, skips broken files, and blocks shady sources.
• Lets you set quality filters. Sonarr upgrades show when better versions appear.
• Sends alerts when downloads finish—email, mobile, or your preferred method.

2. How does Sonarr work?

So, how does Sonarr fit into your media automation workflow?

Refer to the image below. It shows how Sonarr works as part of a fully automated media setup:

1. Sonarr tracks your favorite TV shows and detects new episodes as they become available.
2. Jackett bridges Sonarr with torrent indexers, translating searches into results Sonarr can use. Guide to Jackett
3. Your torrent client (like qBittorrent) automatically downloads the content.
4. The media library organizes everything into folders, ready for playback in apps like Plex or Emby.

This end-to-end flow ensures that once a show is added to Sonarr, new episodes are fetched, downloaded, and sorted without manual input.

How does Sonarr work by itself?

Sonarr uses a “watchlist” that you initially created with your favorite TV show and episode information. It keeps track of everything it has at the store and whatever it still hasn’t downloaded.

Sonarr uses RSS feeds to track new TV episodes. It pulls data from TV databases and searches specific indexers for matches. You can boost its reach with tools like Jackett. Jackett acts like a translator. It takes Sonarr’s search and turns it into a readable format for tracker sites, then sends results back to Sonarr.

Sonarr works with Jackett as a team. Sonarr sends the search; Jackett returns the goods via RSS. Once it finds what you need, Sonarr hands the download link to your torrent or Usenet client, like uTorrent.

It also sets up a folder on your drive to:

1. Store the downloaded media.
2. Scan and manage existing files.

During scans, Sonarr can clean up your library. It renames files, moves them to the right folders, or swaps in better versions—if you allow it.

3. Downloading, installing, and opening Sonarr.

Sonarr is a multi-platform, natively supported on Windows (as a Windows service or system tray app) but also supported on Linux, macOS, NAS appliances, and Docker containers.

• Sonarr download. The latest version of Sonarr is v4. Sonarr v4 doesn’t auto-update — manual install required. The best place to download Sonarr is from its official site.
• Sonarr installation. The installation process is pretty straightforward (detailed below). For Windows, download the installer and run the .exe file. NAS and Sonarr Docker installations are different (we’ll cover this in an upcoming blog post).

Major Changes in Sonarr from V3 to V4

• Moved to .NET 6 – Faster, no more Mono.
• Custom Formats replace Preferred Words – More control, but requires manual migration.
• ffprobe replaces MediaInfo – Fewer scan crashes.
• Authentication required by default – Better security.
• v2 API removed – Update integrations.
• Manual upgrade needed – No auto-update from v3.

Installing Sonarr.

In the following section, we’ll discuss how to set up Sonarr. We’ll set up Sonarr on a Windows 10 machine.

• After downloading Sonarr from the official site, run the .exe file with admin privileges. > Click on “Next.”
• First, decide how you want Sonarr to run. If you’re using a download client like uTorrent and saving files to your home directory, choose the system tray option during installation.
• Here’s why? By default, Sonarr v4 runs under a Local Service Account. That account doesn’t have permission to access your home folder. Running Sonarr as a tray app solves this issue.

• Select whether you want to allow access to Sonarr from other devices and start Sonarr right away.

• Click on “Finish.”

Opening Sonarr.

You’ve installed Sonarr—now it’s time to open it. Use your web browser and go to:

• http://localhost:8989
• Or type: 127.0.0.1:8989

This address opens the Sonarr dashboard on your computer.

Sonar Port? By default, Sonarr runs on port 8989. If you’re accessing it from the same machine, that’s all you need.

But if you want to open Sonarr from another device on your network, there’s more to do. First, make sure port 8989 is open on your firewall and router. Otherwise, Sonarr stays locked to your local machine.

Having Trouble Opening Sonarr?

If Sonarr won’t open or shows a “can’t be opened” error, don’t panic.

On Windows:

• Quit Sonarr from the system tray.
• Right-click the Sonarr .exe file and choose Run as Administrator.
• Then try visiting localhost:8989 again.

On Linux or macOS:

• Open your terminal.
• Run: chmod +x /path/to/Sonarr to make it executable.
• Try opening it again.

Still stuck? If you’re using a VPN or proxy, turn it off—these can block local network access. And if you’re connecting from another computer, double-check that port 8989 is open on both your router and firewall.

Now refresh your browser. You should see Sonarr ready to go.

🐧 Note for Linux Users: Mono is no longer used in V4 — So, if you are upgrading from V3 to V4, you must update the sonarr.service file to remove Mono (ExecStart must reference .NET 6 binary). Install v4 manually; it overwrites the v3 systemd config. Also, bear in mind that x86 builds are no longer supported.

4. How to set up Sonarr?

When you open Sonarr for the first time, you’ll notice that it has a simple menu that includes the following options: “Series,” “Calendar,” “Activity,” “Wanted,” “Settings,” “System,” and “Donate.”

Start with Sonarr by first configuring how you want your media to be saved.

• Go to Settings > Media Management. At the bottom of this window, choose the “Root Folders” along with their path to show Sonarr where to download and crawl the content.

• In addition, you can also personalize your Episode Naming. To do this, click on the blue “?” question mark on the “Season Folder Format” and choose your favorite format.

• Next, you’ll need to define the quality of the TV shows that you want Sonarr to grab. Here you’ll be able to limit your downloads’ file size or quality by format, container, or resolution.

• Next, you’ll need to define the indexers (websites to download content from). To add a new indexer with RSS, go to Settings > Indexers > click on the “+” to add a new indexer. Enter the URL, its RSS, and give it a priority.

• Once you define the indexers, let’s tell Sonarr which download clients you would want to use.
• To setup up a download client (i.e., Deluge or uTorrent), go to “Settings,” “Download Clients,” and click on the “+” symbol.

• Enter the name of your download client, the host, and the port number. Put the hostname or IP address here if the client’s computer, server, or NAS is on another network. Or use localhost for the same computer. You’ll also need to define the credentials, so Sonarr can access the download client.
• Click on “Test” to verify the connection with the torrent client and click on Save.

Check the configuration on your download client.

• Verify that the credentials and hostname configured on the download client are the same as the one you just put on the Sonarr configuration. For instance, go to uTorrent’s Settings > click on Web UI > and check on “authentication.”

• The second option you need to check on your download client is “Directories.” You’ll need to confirm that your download client is dumping content in the same place Sonarr has access to organize and update the content.

🔧 Skip the Setup Headaches

Let us handle the configuration—get Sonarr, Jackett, and a torrent client ready out of the box.

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5. How to set up Sonarr with your favorite Torrent Client?

The following step-by-step guide will show you how to set up Sonarr with your favorite torrent clients; these include Deluge, qBittorrent, rTorrent, and uTorrent.

a. Deluge.

To link Sonarr with Deluge, you’ll first need to check Deluge’s settings and then configure Sonarr to connect to it.

• In Deluge, go to “Edit” > “Preferences” > “Plugins.” Ensure that the WebUi plugin is enabled.
• Once WebUi is enabled, go ahead and find “WebUi” in the left pane of the Preferences menu.
• On the WebUi menu (as shown below): check the “Enable Web Interface” box. Record or write down the listening port. By default, the Deluge WebUi uses 8112 for listening to connections.

• Open the Deluge WebUi with its IP-address:8122 or localhost:8112. The client will ask you for credentials. Deluge uses a default password (deluge), which you’ll be able to change on the initial login.
• The Connection Manager window will open. You can also open it on the upper bar menu. For instance, if your Deluge is local, select > localhost:port or (127.0.0.1:58846). Click on “Connect” to start the Deamon.

Open Sonarr

Now that you set up Deluge independently, you’ll need to go to Sonarr’s web interface http://localhost:8989 or (127.0.0.1:8989) and configure your “Download Client.” For more information on setting up Deluge on Sonarr, check the previous section, “How to set up Sonarr?”.

• In Sonarr, go to “Settings,” “Download Clients,” and click on the “+” symbol. Scroll down to “Torrents and find “Deluge.”

• Sonarr comes with a pre-built Deluge settings “template,” so you can link Sonarr with Deluge easier. You’ll notice that the template already contains the Deluge WebUi default port (8112) and the password. Of course, if you have different settings, you’ll need to change them here.

• Give your download client a name and enter its information.
  • Name: Deluge (or whichever name identifies Deluge for you)
  • Host: Whether it is localhost or on the same network (IP address.)
  • Port: The default Deluge port for WebUI is 8112
  • Username: Credentials for Deluge.
  • Password: Credentials for Deluge. Enter the default (deluge) password or the one you created.
  • Category: Leave as default.
  • Leave the rest with its default options.

• Before clicking on Save, go ahead and “Test” the connection. If you got a “Connection completed,” go ahead and click on “Save” and “Add.” But if you can’t connect, you may have a Deluge configuration or network issue that you’ll need to address. To help you find a solution, check this unofficial guide to Deluge.

c. qBittorrent.

To set up Sonarr to qBittorrent, let’s first check qBittorrent’s settings. Then we’ll go ahead and configure Sonarr to link to the qBitorrent download client.

• In qBittorrent, go to “Preferences” > “WebUI.” Ensure that “Web User Interface (Remote Control)” is enabled.
  • IP Address: Enter the IP or host that the qBittorrent WebUI will bind to. For instance, enter 127.0.0.1 or localhost if Sonarr is deployed on the same computer.
  • qBittorrent port: By default, the qBittorrent process listens to port 8080. The 8080 is a common alternative port to HTTP used for web traffic. Many web servers use port 8080 for remote management. If there is another application or service using port 8080, you’ll need to change the port for qBittorrent.
  • Do you want to access qBittorrent WebUI from outside the network? Enable the UPnP/NAT-PMP so that your local router (if it supports those protocols) can forward the port from external connections into your internal qBittorrent server. Refer to the best settings for qBittorrent, to learn how to optimize your connectivity.
  • Authentication: Take note of the username (or change it), and give a new password.
  • Leave the rest by default.

• Test qBittorrent Web UI connection by going into your web browser, entering the IP address (or host) followed by the port, and then entering your credentials. For instance, 192.168.0.100:8080, if qBittorrent WebUI is on the same network, or localhost:8080 if qBittorrent WebUI is on the same machine.

Open Sonarr

Now that you set up qBittorrent WebUI and have tested it, you’ll need to configure it in Sonarr. Go to Sonarr’s web interface http://localhost:8989 (127.0.0.1:8989) or its IP address and configure your “Download Client.”

• In Sonarr, go to “Settings,” “Download Clients,” and click on the “+” symbol. Scroll down to “Torrents and find “qBittorrent.”

• Sonarr comes with a pre-built qBittorrent settings “template,” so you can easily connect Sonarr with qBittorrent. You’ll notice that this template contains the qBitorrent’s WebUI default port (8080). You’ll need to update information such as host, username, and password.

• Leave the rest with its default options and test your connection.

b. rTorrent and ruTorrent

To set up Sonarr to ruTorrent, the easiest path is first to check the ruTorrent’s current settings and then configure Sonarr to connect with the ruTorrent client. For more information on configuring ruTorrent and rTorrent, check our beginner’s guide to ruTorrent.

• Check your IP address or hostname.
• rTorrent’s port for web communication by default is 8080 (which is the same as qBittorrent and other services). Make sure no other service or app is using it, or else change it.
• Check the path to the XMLRPC endpoint. XMLRPC is a Remote Procedure Call (RPC) protocol based on XML. It is used for encoding calls and HTTP for transport. XMLRPC is necessary because ruTorrent uses rTorrent’s built-in XML-RPC server for communication. rTorrent 0.8.2 (or later) is compiled with xmlrpc-c, and is a dependency of ruTorrent.
  • To find the XMLRPC path, check the ruTorrent’s config file. The URL path for the RPC is where the config is, usually: “/plugins/rpc/rpc.php”

• Check rtorrent’s credentials (username and password.)

Open Sonarr

After checking the rTorrent’s configuration and testing it, go to Sonarr’s web interface http://localhost:8989 (127.0.0.1:8989) or its IP address and configure your “Download Client.”

• In Sonarr, go to “Settings,” “Download Clients,” and click on the “+” symbol. Scroll down to “Torrents and find “rTorrent.”

• As you will notice, Sonarr comes with a pre-built rTorrent settings “template,” so you can easily connect Sonarr with rTorrent. You’ll notice that this template contains the rTorrent’s default port (8080) and fields to fill out, including host, username, password, and URL path.
  • Name: Give the download client a name (i.e., rTorrent)
  • Click on Enable.
  • Host: Enter the IP address of where the rTorrent server is. You can leave it as default (localhost) if it is on the same machine. For instance, 127.0.01:8080, or IP_address, 443, TLS=on, if the torrent client is on another host (the connection is remote.)
  • Port: Leave as default 8080 unless it has been changed on the rTorrent client.
  • URL Path. The format for the XMLRPC endpoint should be where RPC is, for instance: /plugins/rpc/rpc.php
  • Username and Password. Enter your rTorrent credentials.

Leave the rest with its default options and test your connection.

Note: If your rTorrent host is on a remote network, possibly in a seedbox, and your Sonarr is local, you will need to follow a very similar configuration, such as the one above (with some exceptions). Check our guide to learn how to connect local Sonarr to a seedbox Torrent.

d. uTorrent.

To set up Sonarr to uTorrent, you’ll need to check uTorrent’s settings and then configure Sonarr to connect to it.

• In uTorrent, go to “Options” > “Preferences” > “Advanced” “WebUI”
• Ensure that the “Enable Web UI” is checked.
• Change the default “Username” and “Password” and record them.
• uTorrent uses the default port 8080 for active listening.

• Test the configuration by connecting to the WebUI from the same computer (localhost:8080 or 127.0.01:8080) or another computer on the same network (uTorrent-ip-address:8080). If you can’t connect, you may need to optimize uTorrent to connect without issues.

Open Sonarr

After checking the uTorrent’s configuration and testing it, go to Sonarr’s web interface http://localhost:8989 (127.0.0.1:8989) or its IP address and configure your “Download Client.”

• In Sonarr, go to “Settings,” “Download Clients,” and click on the “+” symbol. Scroll down to “Torrents and find “uTorrent.”

• As you will notice, Sonarr comes with a pre-built uTorrent settings “template,” so you can easily connect Sonarr with uTorrent. Enter the information as suggested.
  • Name: Give the download client a name (i.e., rTorrent)
  • Click on Enable.
  • Host: Enter the IP address of where the uTorrent server is. If it is on the same computer, you can leave it as the default (localhost).
  • Port: Leave as default 8080 unless it has been changed on the uTorrent client.
  • Username and Password. Enter your uTorrent credentials.

• Leave the rest with its default options and test your connection.

6. Sonarr’s FAQ.

a. How to use a Seedbox with Sonarr? 

Many modern seedbox providers include Sonarr by default. For example, RapidSeedbox offers a one-click installer that lets you toggle Sonarr on or off. If your provider doesn’t include Sonarr, you’ll need to install it manually based on the seedbox’s operating system.

b. How do you connect Sonarr with uTorrent or BitTorrent?

In Sonarr, go to and click the “+” button. Enter your client’s credentials and connection details, then test the link and save. Next, double-check your download client. Make sure the directory and login info match on both sides.

c. How do you set up Sonarr with Plex?

Let Plex handle your media library, while Sonarr automates downloads. To connect the two, go to . Enter your Plex server’s host, port, username, and password. Then test the connection. If it fails, make sure your router or firewall isn’t blocking communication. Need help with Plex? Start with this complete guide to Plex.

d. How do you install Sonarr with Docker?

Docker makes it easy to run Sonarr on any platform. You can build your own container or use a prebuilt one from Docker Hub. Just grab the official Sonarr image and install it on Linux, macOS, Windows, NAS, or cloud platforms like AWS or Azure. Even small devices like Raspberry Pi can run it.

e. How do you install Sonarr on NAS using Docker?

Docker is one of the simplest ways to run Sonarr on a NAS. It keeps apps secure and easy to manage. For example, if you use Synology, open the Package Center and install Docker. Download the Sonarr image and click “Start.” Further setup steps for NAS are outside the scope of this guide.

f. Sonarr vs. Radarr — What’s the difference?

Radarr works like Sonarr but for movies instead of TV shows. Both use RSS feeds and automate downloads through torrent or Usenet clients.

g. What are the best alternatives to Sonarr?

You could use a torrent client with manual RSS feeds, but it won’t match Sonarr’s automation or file organization. A better alternative is SickBeard. Others include SickChill, SickRage, and Medusa.

h. Why isn’t Sonarr downloading episodes?

Sonarr might not download episodes if something’s misconfigured. First, your indexers may not return results—test each one under Settings > Indexers. Also, your quality or size filters might be too strict. Check those in Settings > Profiles. Failed downloads may blacklist an episode. Look under Activity > Queue for stuck files. Finally, make sure your download client is connected and working.

i. How do you add custom indexers with Jackett?

Jackett connects Sonarr to trackers it can’t reach by default. Install Jackett on the same machine or seedbox. Open it at , add a tracker, and copy the Torznab URL. In Sonarr, go to , click “+,” choose , and paste the URL and API key. Test it, then save. Now Sonarr can pull results from more trackers.

j. Can you run Sonarr on a Raspberry Pi?

Yes, Sonarr runs well on a Raspberry Pi 4 or newer. You can install it using Docker or directly with Mono or .NET on Raspberry Pi OS. Just know that performance depends on your Pi’s hardware and how big your media library is.

Final Words.

In this ultimate step-by-step guide to Sonarr, we went through what you need to know about how to start with Sonarr; how to install, set it up, solve a few common problems, and integrate it with a few other apps. Bear in mind that Sonarr is quite an outstanding application, and although we cover lots of topics in this guide, in reality, this is only the tip of the iceberg. If you have comments, feedback, or suggestions, please comment below.

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