Starting April 29, 2025, there are changes to the 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 in the future.
When using an affected platform to stream personal video content remotely from a Plex Media Server, then one of the following needs to be true:
- 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)
- Your account has an active Plex Pass
- 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.
Related Page: Remote Streaming (Setting Up Remote Access)
Related Page: Remote Watch Pass Overview
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.
Other users to which you have granted access to libraries on a Plex Media Server you run can stream video remotely from that server.
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.
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 to Plexamp or photos to Plex Photos is not impacted by these remote playback restrictions. Music and photos content can be streamed for free.