Note: This article is only relevant for users who have purchased a one-time mobile app activation (Android or iOS) in the past, do not have an active Plex Pass subscription, and have never had a Remote Watch Pass subscription in the past.

As announced on our blog, there are changes starting April 29, 2025, to the requirements for allowing video remote playback from a Plex Media Server (that is, streaming when not on the same local network as the server). These requirements apply to apps that have been updated to our new experience, such as our mobile app, and could also apply to other platforms in the future.

When using an affected platform to stream video personal content remotely from a Plex Media Server, then one of the following needs to be true:

1. The admin account for the Plex Media Server has an active Plex Pass
2. Your account has an active Plex Pass
3. Your account has an active Remote Watch Pass

An Offer for Existing Mobile App Activation Purchasers

For users who have already paid a one-time, in-app activation in the past for either our mobile Android or iOS app, we’re offering an extended trial for the new Remote Watch Pass subscription. This will be a 3-month trial instead of the normal 14-day trial.

To make use of the extended trial, you need to:

1. Start your Remote Watch Pass subscription through our Android or iOS mobile app. It is not available when starting a subscription through our website.
2. Make sure that you’re using the same mobile platform where the original purchase was made. (For example: You’re using Plex on iOS/iPadOS if your activation purchase was originally through the App Store.)
3. Ensure you’re using the same app store account that made the original purchase. (For example: You need to use the same Apple ID that made the original activation purchase.)

The trial can only be redeemed a single time, of course.

Example

If you originally did a one-time activation purchase of our iOS app, then you need to use our new mobile app on an iOS/iPadOS (not Android) device to start a Remote Watch Pass billed through the App Store. When doing so, you need to be signed in to the same Apple ID that made the original purchase.