Since 2025-04-29, there are new requirements for allowing remote playback of video personal media 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 will also apply to other platforms as we progress.

When using an affected app/platform to stream personal video 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 (which also allows remote playback for any other user streaming from that server)
2. Your account has an active Plex Pass
3. Your account has an active Remote Watch Pass

The remote playback restrictions do not apply to streaming music content to Plexamp or photos to our Plex Photos app.

Tip!: To be able to access a Plex Media Server when on a different network, you do need to successfully enable “Remote Access” on the server.

Related Page: Remote Streaming (Setting Up Remote Access)
Related Page: Remote Watch Pass Overview

Apps Currently Affected

The following Plex apps/platforms are currently affected by the new requirements:

• Android (mobile)
• iOS (mobile)
• PlayStation
• Plex for Windows/Mac/Linux
• Roku
• Smart TV supported models
• Web app (https://app.plex.tv/ as well as the bundled web app that’s included with Plex Media Server)
• Xbox

Keep in mind that you can expect additional apps to enforce the requirements as we move forward and that eventually all apps and platforms will be affected.

How Are You Affected?

There are several scenarios a user might fall in to, which could impact whether or not you are affected.

I already have a Plex Pass subscription

You can enjoy all of your Plex Pass functionality and you can stream personal media video remotely from any Plex Media Server to which you have access.

If you have granted access to libraries on a Plex Media Server you run to other Plex accounts, they will be able to stream video remotely from that server without needing their own subscription.

I do not have a Plex Pass, but I stream remotely from a Plex Media Server

To stream video remotely from a Plex Media Server, you will need either a Remote Watch Pass or Plex Pass subscription on your account or the admin of the Plex Media Server from which you stream will need a Plex Pass subscription on their account.

If you are the owner/admin of the Plex Media Server, then if you get a Plex Pass subscription on your account, you and any other user of the server can stream remotely without restriction. If you’re the only one who streams remotely from the server, then a Remote Watch Pass would also allow you do do so (but would not provide other Plex Pass features and benefits and the ability to stream remotely applies only to your specific account).

I do not have a Plex Pass and I do not stream remotely from any Plex Media Server

Since you do not stream personal content remotely, you do not need to worry about these requirements.

I only stream music and/or photos remotely from a Plex Media Server

Steaming of music or photos (such as to the Plexamp or Plex Photos apps) is not impacted by these remote playback restrictions. Music and photos content can be streamed for free.

What is “Remote” Playback in this Context?

In this context, “remote” playback would be any time that the player app cannot make a connection to the Plex Media Server on the same subnet of the same local network. Generally speaking, it means being on the same WiFi or wired local network.

However, it’s possible that configurations for particular devices (player app or Plex Media Server) as well as users with advanced network setups could run into issues, such that even though a player app and server might be on the same local network (and subnet), the player app still cannot make a connection to the server that is detected as being a local connection. If it can’t be detected as local, then the connection will be treated as if it’s “remote”. Some semi-common things that could affect the connection:

• An advanced network configuration (multiple subnets, restrictions on devices being able to see each other, etc.)
• Devices or networks not allowing “DNS rebinding” to be used
• Privacy/security settings (e.g. in a browser or mobile device) that do not allow making local network connections
• Running apps or servers inside a container/virtualization and not using “host networking”
• VPNs

The above are some common things that can interfere, but it is by no means an exhaustive list. You can find some additional, more specific tips in our forums (such as this topic). And if you run into issues, creating your own topic in the forums with specific information about what you’re experiencing is useful, to allow investigation.

Related Page: Forums: Client says it won’t play from “remote server”, although the server is local