Tip!: The Downloads feature requires an active Plex Pass subscription on the user account performing the Downloads action. Managed Users in a Plex Home of a user with a Plex Pass will also be able to use Downloads.

Downloads is a feature for transferring Plex Media Server content to supported player apps for offline use.

Downloads is a new revamped version of Mobile Sync.  Previously, Mobile Sync only allowed you to have offline videos saved with specific codecs, resulting in many videos needing to be transcoded before it was saved.  With Downloads, if your device can Direct Play the file, it can “Download” it without needing to be transcoded.  Yes, that means no more transcoding HEVC if your device supports it.  There is still a global setting to change the quality for Downloads should you choose to transcode to a lower bitrate.

Supported player apps

Downloads is available on the following Plex apps:

• Android Mobile
• iOS
• Plex for Windows
• Plex for Mac

How it Works

You will need to be signed into your Plex account with an active Plex Pass subscription or be part of a Plex Home of a user with a Plex Pass.  Unlike Mobile Sync, which allowed setting up Sync jobs from the Plex Web client, all Downloads must be initiated from the target app itself.

Specific details per app are available.

Related Page: Download for Android Mobile
Related Page: Downloads for iOS
Related Page: Download for Offline Access – Windows & MacOS