How to fix common Plex Media Server issues

Plex

The Plex Media Server is an awesome package enjoyed by millions. Installing the server software on a PC or NAS can plough your abode or office into a connected hub that can stream all kinds of media. Unfortunately, things can go wrong, and then I rounded up some common issues and solutions that tin can assistance you get back on track.

Cheque for updates
Admission the logs
Suffering with buffering
Connection problem

Check for updates

Plex

One thing many people seem to sometimes ignore is updates, be information technology on the smartphone, PC or on a server. The Plex server is something y'all're likely to set up and forget, but you really do need to remain on top of things, especially if y'all run across a problem that has already been fixed in a newer release. The kickoff step to carry out is a version bank check. Follow this process:

Log into the server web interface (http://SERVER-IP-ADDRESS:32400).
Click the settings icon in the peak-correct corner.
Choose the server tab. (The server should automatically check for updates and alert you if one is bachelor.)
Install a later on version.
Restart Plex Media Server.

Access the logs

Plex

To get an thought of what'due south going wrong (and to supply cloth to meliorate assist yous) be sure to download and read through the server logs. Here's how:

Log into the server web interface (http://SERVER-IP-Address:32400).
Click the settings icon in the top-right corner.
Choose the server tab.
Select help.
Click Download logs.

Suffering with Buffering

Plex

There's nothing worse than having to wait forever for a video to start playing, simply this can be caused past a diversity of potential issues. Should you lot exist connecting to the network over Wi-Fi, you might desire to try a wired connection to see if that remedies the problem. It's also worth checking the devices you're attempting to stream content to and make sure they are upwards to the job (some TVs may struggle with high-definition content, for example).

Also, check to see what powers the network attached storage (NAS) or device yous take the server running on, as this handles all the transcoding (you demand a beefy CPU for 1080p and 4K media). Finally, if you're attempting to connect remotely, run a speed test — is the connexion the server is running capable of stable upload speeds?

Connection trouble

Plex

No remote admission

If you're able to access the Plex server using a client on the aforementioned network only are unable to connect outside, the almost likely crusade of the problem is the router. Universal Plug and Play (uPnP) tin can be enabled to allow Plex to "talk" with the router and take ports and routes opened upwardly for access from the outside earth. Or you can get downwards the manual route by opening upwardly a port yourself.

How to forward ports on a router differs between manufacturers but the details you lot need to know are as follows:

Type: TCP
Port: 32400

This is the required port you lot need to have open but others tin can be added for additional Plex services like DLNA.

How to enable remote admission in Plex

Cannot access server on LAN

Should yous exist unable to access the Plex server on the network besides as outside the home or office, you lot may have a misconfiguration of your NAS, which may include discrepancies between the router or access point and the unit. Double check transmission IP assignment to ensure all numbers match (and the IP address yous reserved for the NAS is really available and offered past the router). If all else fails, switch to DHCP to have the router assign the NAS an IP.

Related resources

Best NAS for the home
How to selection the correct NAS for Plex

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