Plex has confirmed that it will require a Remote Watch Pass or Plex Pass for remote streaming on its TV apps. The change is going into effect for the Roku app first, followed by all other TV apps and third-party clients in 2026.

Earlier this year, Plex increased its pricing for Plex Pass and stopped supporting all options for free remote streaming in the Plex apps, such as adding a custom server connection in the app settings. The company said at the time, "The reality is that we need more resources to continue putting forth the best personal media experience, and as a result, we will no longer offer remote playback as a free feature." That's also when Plex introduced the Remote Watch Pass as a less expensive way to enable remote streaming again.

Plex is now rolling out the remote watch changes to its Roku TV app. If you have Plex Pass, or the owner of the server you're streaming from has Plex Pass, you don't need to do anything. Otherwise, if you are streaming on a different network from the server's home network, you need Plex Pass or Remote Watch Pass.

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[–] LodeMike@lemmy.today 0 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

If Plex was 100% paid there a would be zero complaints.

[–] SnoringEarthworm@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I don't think that's it.

There were complaints when Netflix started enforcing password sharing rules.

I think the main driver of complaints is "you promised the thing I'm paying for would be X, and now you're changing the deal."

[–] LodeMike@lemmy.today 0 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

There was never an explicit deal on providing free shit. Although they seem to be honoring paid stuff. If your account is old enough, content shared with friends can be downloaded even if they don't have a Plex pass.

[–] SnoringEarthworm@sh.itjust.works 0 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

Not for users who paid the mobile unlock fee.

What if I’ve already paid the one-time mobile app activation fee?
For users who have already paid a one-time, in-app activation for either our mobile Android or iOS app, an extended trial for the new Remote Watch Pass subscription is available.
(Source: Plex)

They soften the landing with the "extended trial", but anyone who paid the "one-time fee" is finding out what that really meant.

I wouldn't be surprised if a year from now there's an announcement for Plex 2.0 and my lifetime account only applies to legacy Plex.

[–] Auli@lemmy.ca 1 points 2 weeks ago

Thought it would have happened by now. Life time doesn't make sense as there are recurring costs.

[–] fin@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

In that case, I think no one would've used Plex in the first place. But yeah, I think it should be that way ideally.

[–] Croquette@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 weeks ago

The issue, as always, is that Plex started to put free existing features behind a paywall to squeeze more money out of their client base instead of adding something and charging for it.

VC money came in and now the VC wants to cash in on the investment.