Remote-access Guide

plex server remote access problems

by Alessandro Heaney Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If enabling Remote Access isn’t successful for you automatically:

  1. Find your router’s user manual or on-line documentation
  2. Check whether your router supports UPnP or NAT-PMP
  3. If they do, you may need to switch the feature on in the router’s software
  4. If the services are enabled, try toggling them off and then back on again and try to connect the server once more

To do so:
  • Open Plex Web App and make sure you're signed in to your Plex account on the server under Settings > Server > General.
  • Go to Settings > Server > Remote Access.
  • If needed, toggle the Show Advanced button to ensure the appropriate options are visible.
  • Enable the Manually specify public port checkbox.
Jan 12, 2022

Full Answer

How to enable remote access on Plex Media Server?

Remote Access

  • Quick Guide. If Remote Access is currently disabled, then use the Enable Remote Access button to trigger your server to try to configure a connection.
  • Normal Settings. The information displayed by default will depend on the current state of the Plex Media Server. ...
  • Advanced Settings. ...

Do I need a VPN for Plex remote access?

· 4y You shouldn't need a VPN to share via Plex, assuming you are sending the content over SSL which is the vast majority of use cases. Just to speak generally, if you were to send data to someone over the VPN it would be the people on the other end receiving the data in an unencrypted format.

How do I start Plex Media Server?

To setup Plex to run as a service, use the following steps:

  • Download the latest release of PmsService, which is the MSI file.
  • Double-click the downloaded MSI file to begin the installation.
  • Click the Next button on the first window to continue the installation. ...
  • The next window requires you to enter the user account and password for the user that will be running the service. ...
  • The next window is the final one. ...

More items...

How to setup Plex Media Server?

Manual (recommended)

  • Download the Plex Server package. (Choose "Synology" under "NAS".)
  • Connect to your Synology NAS.
  • Open up the Package Center. Source: Windows Central
  • Click on " Manual Install ."
  • Click " Browse " and locate the Plex Server download.
  • Click " Next ." Source: Windows Central
  • Click " Yes " on the pop-up.
  • Click " Apply ."

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Can you access your Plex server remotely?

Enable access to your Plex Media Server from outside your local network so that you can reach it when away from home or for sharing content with family or close, personal friends. You can do this under Settings > Server > Remote Access in Plex Web App.

Does Plex require UPnP?

Plex Media Server generally works, by the magic of UPnP, right out of the box.

How do I access Plex server from another computer?

To open the Plex Web App from a different device than the server computer while still on the same network: Open a browser window. Type http://server.local.ip.address:32400/web into the address bar (e.g “http://192.168.1.5:32400/web”) The browser will connect to the server and load Plex Web App.

Does Plex use TCP or UDP?

The most important port to make sure your firewall allows is the main TCP port the Plex Media Server uses for communication: TCP: 32400 (access to the Plex Media Server) [required]

Should I enable DLNA on Plex?

DLNA server timeline reporting Allow playback via DLNA to report timeline activity. This means that the Plex Media Server will track the current progress through the item. This should typically be enabled.

Do you need Plex Pass for remote access?

It's not true. All users can stream remotely providing you've configured your Plex Server correctly. Head to Settings > Remote Access > Enable Remote Access to set it up. In this regard, the Plex Pass is only useful if you're going to be in a place with no internet—it lets you save content directly onto your device.

How do I access someone else's Plex server?

Granting AccessUsername or Email. Enter the username or email address for the Plex account you wish to grant access and click continue. ... Select the Server. Plex Media Servers associated with your Plex account will be available. ... Set Restrictions and Inviting to Home (Plex Pass required) ... Pending Access.

Does Plex require port forwarding?

To make the most of Plex and get direct access to Plex's servers, you will need to set up port forwarding on your router.

Does Plex need a static IP?

A Public Static IP is not needed, largely because the AT&T "dynamic" address changes so infrequently that Plex will have no trouble tracking you down.

Does UPnP work with port forwarding?

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is a network protocol that allows compliant devices to automatically set port forwarding rules for themselves. These devices can be personal computers, printers, security cameras, game consoles or mobile devices that communicate with each other and share data over your network.

Is UPnP safe?

UPnP, therefore, is not inherently dangerous if your router is up to date and has all the latest firmware updates, and your connected devices are free of malware. UPnP becomes an issue if a connected device is infected with malware, as it can spread to your local devices.

How do I add UPnP to my router?

To enable or disable Universal Plug and Play:Launch a web browser from a computer or mobile device that is connected to your router's network.Enter the router user name and password. The user name is admin. ... Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > UPnP. The UPnP page displays.Select or clear the Turn UPnP On check box.

What is UPnP service?

UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) is a networking protocol that enables devices to discover each other and connect without the need for manual configuration or user intervention. The protocol automates all the steps necessary for recognition and communication between devices on the same network.

Why is Plex server error?

This usually occurs because Plex is a heavy application with numerous parameters going on simultaneously. If any one of these gets into an error state or load a bad configuration, it might be unusable.

Why is Plex not working?

There are many instances where several bugs are induced into the Plex application which causes it not to work as expected. Software all around us get updates every once in a while and sometimes these updates are not compatible with Plex. Hence its engineers roll out an update targeting this issue solely.

Why does Plex Media Server buffer?

This scenario usually occurs when your internet connection is not sound which forces the server to use less bandwidth in order to provide access to the media.

What is plex media?

Plex is a client-server media stream and software suite. It has a Plex Media Server desktop application which is available on Windows, Ubuntu, and macOS. This applications allows you to organize different media files in your computer and allows players over the internet to access them if given the correct credentials.

How to find my router's IPv4 address?

Find and note down your router’s External IPv4 address/WAN. You can easily find this in the status page present in your router settings.

What happens if you don't have a stable internet connection?

The same scenario also applies to the requesting computer; if you do not have a stable internet connection, you will not be able to request and stream media efficiently. First, you should check the number of devices running on your network (both the server and requesting computer).

Does a plex router need NAT?

If these are not enabled or have different configurations set than required, Plex Remote Access will not work.

How to check if Plex is disabled?

While logged into your Plex Media Server’s web control panel, select the Settings icon from the upper right toolbar. Within the Settings menu select, the “Server” tab.

How to set up static IP address on Plex?

You’ll need to identify your Plex Media Server computer on the network and then look for an option in your router to create a “static IP”, “static lease”, or “DHCP reservation” to permanently associate the Plex Media Center with a given IP address. Below you can see an example of what adding a static IP address looks like, via our DD-WRT router.

How to port forward on Plex?

First, let’s turn on the manual port mode in Plex. To do so navigate to Settings > Server > Remote Access (as we did in the previous section of the tutorial).

What does it mean when a server says "Not available outside network"?

If your server is currently not configured for remote access, it will say “Not available outside your network” as seen above. Click the large orange button that reads “Enable Remote Access”.

What does the control panel indicate on Plex?

In addition to telling you that the server is accessible, the control panel will also indicate the internal IP address and port number of the Plex Media Server on your local network as well as external, or public, IP address and port number.

Can you use Plex Media Server on a TV?

If you primarily use Plex Media Server for watching content on your local network (like streaming your favorite shows to your HDTV or smartphone), you may not have given much though to the benefits of remote access. RELATED: How to Set Up Plex (and Watch Your Movies on Any Device)

Can you watch Plex on your phone?

One of the greatest things about the Plex Media Server platform, however, is the ease with which you can access your media from anywhere. With remote access enabled and properly configured, you can watch your favorite TV shows anywhere you have internet access: on your phone while you’re sitting in a waiting room, on your laptop while you’re vacationing, or even on a smart TV at a friend’s house.

Can't access Plex server on LAN?

Cannot access server on LAN. Should you be unable to access the Plex server on the network as well as outside the home or office, you may have a misconfiguration of your NAS, which may include discrepancies between the router or access point and the unit.

What is Plex Media Server?

Installing the server software on a PC or NAS can turn your home or office into a connected hub that can stream all kinds of media. Unfortunately, things can go wrong, so I rounded up some common issues and solutions that can help you get back on track.

What is a Plex plug and play?

Universal Plug and Play (uPnP) can be enabled to allow Plex to "talk" with the router and have ports and routes opened up for access from the outside world. Or you can go down the manual route by opening up a port yourself.

Can you ignore Plex updates?

One thing many people seem to sometimes ignore is updates, be it on the smartphone, PC or on a server. The Plex server is something you're likely to set up and forget, but you really do need to remain on top of things, especially if you encounter a problem that has already been fixed in a newer release. The first step to carry out is a version check. Follow this process:

Is it hard to put together a Plex server?

Putting together a Plex server isn't difficult, especially with some killer NAS units that can do all the hard work for you. When it comes to storage, you should always look at picking up one of these hard drives.

Squid

Do you have a modem with a built in router in front of your main router? If you do then you have disable its built in router function on it for plex to be able to communicate to the outside world

Helmonder

I have plex installed. seems like there is a connection to the internet (I can sign in under 'server' - 'general', I can download subtitles , art, etc no problem) but i can't get remote access to work. under 'server' - 'remote access' it says "not available outside your network".

CHBMB

Unraid-->AppleAirPortExtreme (Bridge Mode)--> D-Link DSR-500 (router, UPnP enabled) --> Netgear (Modem - Bridge mode) (don't remember exact model - its what the provider supplied me with).

CHBMB

It seems that router firmware update fixed the issue! (though the previous FW was from 2014 so not that old...)

It would be really nice if when looking up an actor you could see both Film and TV rolls on one page

When selecting a Film actor, it invariably turns out to be a roll in a TV series that we recognize them from. But since we were in a Film cast looking them up, we only get to see other Films that they were in.

Plex Meta Manager is a GameChanger

Just wanted to share this with anyone out there that would like to have always up-to-date Categories / Collections. Came across Plex Meta Manager and it has been a game-changer for my collection. Highly recommend it vs doing your own collections. Just check it out!

Can we please have a search that shows movies and shows for an actor?!?

Plex is mature enough that this should be possible at this point. I am not a programmer or DBA but it seems that if both are using 'The Movie Database' then this should work. Oh, and skip intros for Chromecast would be nice : )

the new plex movie & tv agent is awesome!

i was hesitant to upgrade all of my libraries from themoviedb & thetvdb to the new plex agents, but have slowly been migrating ~2000 tv shows & ~20,000 movies over. the metadata updates finally finished today and i just added a batch of movies.

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