Configure a Plex Media Server reverse proxy with nginx on Linux for convenient remote access. The best way to use a reverse proxy for people with dynamic IP addresses is to use a free dynamic DNS service like AfraidDNS ( guide for automating ), DuckDNS or No-IP.
Full Answer
How do I remote access my Plex server?
Remote Access. Enable access to your Plex Media Server from outside your local network so that you can reach it when away from home or for sharing content with family or close, personal friends. You can do this under Settings > Server > Remote Access in Plex Web App.
How do I enable remote access on my server?
The Enable Remote Access button there will trigger the server to attempt to enable Remote Access again. This should be set based on the upload speed available on your server’s internet connection, specified in Mbps (Megabits per second).
Why can’t I set up remote access for my Dual-Stack Lite server?
This means that users who’s internet connection is IPv6 only (such as Dual-Stack Lite customers) cannot use the remote access feature. Not without relying on third party solutions or clumsy workarounds at least. A friend of mine recently ran into this issue when he tried to set up remote access for his Plex Media Server.
How do I dial into a network with a dynamic IP?
If you want to dial into a network with a dynamic IP address, you can use a service called dynamic DNS. This allows dynamic IP addresses to be linked to DNS records, which attaches a fixed hostname, like myserver.ddns.net, to a changing IP address.
Does Plex work with dynamic IP?
A Public Static IP is not needed, largely because the AT&T "dynamic" address changes so infrequently that Plex will have no trouble tracking you down.
Can you access your Plex server remotely?
Enable access to your Plex Media Server from outside your local network so that you can reach it when away from home or for sharing content with family or close, personal friends. You can do this under Settings > Server > Remote Access in Plex Web App.
Why can't I access my Plex server remotely?
Open Plex Web App and make sure you're signed in to your Plex account on the server under Settings > Server > General. Go to Settings > Server > Remote Access. If needed, toggle the Show Advanced button to ensure the appropriate options are visible. Enable the Manually specify public port checkbox.
How do I access Plex without port forwarding?
Click on the “CIDR Address” box, choose a Label name for the Resource, enter the private IP address of Plex (it's listed under Plex Settings > Remote Access and is likely 10. x.x.x or 192.168. x.x ), choose 32400 for the Port Restriction, and click “Add Resource”. Congrats!
How do I access Plex server from another computer?
To open the Plex Web App from a different device than the server computer while still on the same network: Open a browser window. Type http://server.local.ip.address:32400/web into the address bar (e.g “http://192.168.1.5:32400/web”) The browser will connect to the server and load Plex Web App.
Is it safe to expose Plex to internet?
Things like 32400 for Plex are just a way for traffic to flow directly between the servers. Since Plex isn't providing any general access to your server on that port (like a login) it's generally considered safe.
How do I get Plex direct connection?
Enable Remote Access That direct connection will allow the apps to stream at higher qualities and the connection will be more efficient. You can find the Remote Access area under Settings > Server > Remote Access in the Plex Web App. In many cases, everything will work automatically.
Does Plex use UDP or TCP?
The most important port to make sure your firewall allows is the main TCP port the Plex Media Server uses for communication: TCP: 32400 (access to the Plex Media Server) [required]
Is Plex server UPnP?
Plex Media Server generally works, by the magic of UPnP, right out of the box.
How secure is Plex remote?
Plex has teamed up with Let's Encrypt to provide our users with high-quality secure certificates for your media servers, at no cost to you. There's no need to set up VPNs and no need to create and install your own certs. You can safely and securely connect to your media no matter where you are.
How do I fix double NAT Plex?
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What is my Plex IP address?
Find out the local IP address of the device on which the app is running. You will typically be able to find this in the device's system settings. In your Plex Web App, go to Settings > Server > Network .
How do I access someone else's Plex server?
Granting AccessUsername or Email. Enter the username or email address for the Plex account you wish to grant access and click continue. ... Select the Server. Plex Media Servers associated with your Plex account will be available. ... Set Restrictions and Inviting to Home (Plex Pass required) ... Pending Access.
What is the IP address of my Plex server?
Find out the local IP address of the device on which the app is running. You will typically be able to find this in the device's system settings. In your Plex Web App, go to Settings > Server > Network .
How do I use my phone as a remote for Plex?
An Android, Windows Phone 8, BlackBerry or Java mobile device....Setup is quick and simple!Step 1: Install Vectir PC Server. ... Step 2: Install Vectir Mobile Client App. ... Step 3: Install Plex Remote Profile. ... Step 4: Connect and control Plex!
How do I direct connect to Plex?
Enable Remote Access That direct connection will allow the apps to stream at higher qualities and the connection will be more efficient. You can find the Remote Access area under Settings > Server > Remote Access in the Plex Web App. In many cases, everything will work automatically.
Finding a workaround
A friend of mine recently ran into this issue when he tried to set up remote access for his Plex Media Server. He happens to be a Dual-Stack/DS Lite customer, so he only had IPv6 to work with. We found some solutions that rely on third parties to proxy incoming connections.
Adding DynDNS-like behavior
We wanted to avoid having to manually change the config over and over again. So, we mimicked DynDNS’s behavior in order to automate the config update. I wrote a DynDNS-like bash script that we set up to run every 5 minutes.
What Is a Dynamic IP Address?
It’s fixed, unchanging, and reliable. A dynamic IP address means your computer has no fixed digital address. This makes a dynamic IP address harder to dial into consistently. It would be like if your friend’s cell phone number kept changing every time you wanted to call them. How would you know what the new number is?
How to dial into a network with a dynamic IP address?
If you want to dial into a network with a dynamic IP address, you can use a service called dynamic DNS. This allows dynamic IP addresses to be linked to DNS records, which attaches a fixed hostname, like myserver.ddns.net, to a changing IP address. To access the server, instead of dialing via the ever-changing IP address, you would use the host name’s URL.
What is dynamic DNS update?
Once the account is created, download the Dynamic DNS Update Client. This updates the DNS record with your network’s external IP address. The client is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux alike.
What is the free tier of domains?
The free tier offers only a handful of domains to choose from. As long as it’s memorable, it doesn’t matter which one you choose. Once you’ve chosen your hostname, you’ll be prompted to create an account. This account will be the basis for updating the DNS record over time.
Can you use no IP port checking tool?
The ports you want depend on the service you want to use. You can use No-IP’s port checking tool to discover the status of any of your current network’s ports. Most of the time opening ports requires only that you adjust some settings in your router’s web settings.
Is no IP.com good for DNS?
It’s free for private use and easy to set up. It’s not necessarily better than other services, but it’s what we turn to first.
AMD Lover
So when I'm at home and go to the remote access tab on my plex server the red exclamation immediately turns into a green checkmark. For some reason however I have to click on that tab for the outside IP to resolve. I don't know if this is because the public IP provided by my ISP changes every so often? I haven't looked....
tarfeef101
When this issue happened to me I had to double and triple check my port forwarding rules on my router. Plex is very specific about open ports. Your ISP shouldn't change your public IP that often. I've had the same IP address for 2 years now
How to set up static IP address on Plex?
You’ll need to identify your Plex Media Server computer on the network and then look for an option in your router to create a “static IP”, “static lease”, or “DHCP reservation” to permanently associate the Plex Media Center with a given IP address. Below you can see an example of what adding a static IP address looks like, via our DD-WRT router.
How to check if Plex is disabled?
While logged into your Plex Media Server’s web control panel, select the Settings icon from the upper right toolbar. Within the Settings menu select, the “Server” tab.
What happens if you don't set up a static IP address?
If you don’t do this every time your router assigns a new internal address to the media server it will break your port forwarding rule. If you need more information on setting up a static IP address you can search for documentation for your specific router and read up on static IP addresses here.
What happens when you double up a NAT system?
When a NAT system is doubled up with another NAT system, however, it can create issues for apps (like the Plex Media Server) that rely on UPnP to create automatic port forwarding rules. This occurs commonly when you have a router/modem combo supplied by your ISP and your own router plugged into that unit.
How to port forward on Plex?
First, let’s turn on the manual port mode in Plex. To do so navigate to Settings > Server > Remote Access (as we did in the previous section of the tutorial).
What does the control panel indicate on Plex?
In addition to telling you that the server is accessible, the control panel will also indicate the internal IP address and port number of the Plex Media Server on your local network as well as external, or public, IP address and port number.
Can you use Plex Media Server on a TV?
If you primarily use Plex Media Server for watching content on your local network (like streaming your favorite shows to your HDTV or smartphone), you may not have given much though to the benefits of remote access. RELATED: How to Set Up Plex (and Watch Your Movies on Any Device)
