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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[–] laurelraven@lemmy.zip 0 points 3 weeks ago (2 children)

This makes me glad I went with Jellyfin for my home server

[–] W98BSoD@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Why not Emby?

[–] laurelraven@lemmy.zip 1 points 1 week ago

Because I went with Jellyfin and it worked well... I don't know if I even checked out Emby, I'm not familiar with it, but I've had no reason yet to look for something else

[–] FlembleFabber@sh.itjust.works -1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Me too buddy, me too. Not gonna lie it took quite a lot of effort to get everything setup and stuff but reading news like this now gives me a cozy warm feeling

[–] LadyMeow@lemmy.blahaj.zone -1 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

I’m curious on what more setup you’ve done? Mine has been pretty easy, but I haven’t done too much other than just watch stuff

[–] rami@ani.social -1 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

I have the sevre side stuff all set up as far as I know but I've not been able to get the Roku app to connect. I should note the tv is literally on the other side of the wall from my computer, they're on the same network.

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

I didn't get remote control to work how I wanted, I can do it only using a VPN on my home network which is fine. Other than that I had some issues getting it to recognise all my shows and download the metadata. But I like the customization and potential to add extra add ons and stuff