Plex, the popular media server company, has implemented changes to its remote access policy, now requiring users to have a subscription fee to access their personal media servers remotely. Previously, remote access was free for users outside the server owner’s network, but Plex has now enforced new rules announced earlier this year. To enable remote access, a server owner must have a Plex Pass subscription, starting at $7 per month. Alternatively, users can access another person’s Plex server remotely by purchasing their own Plex Pass or a Remote Watch Pass, priced at $2 per month.
As of April 29, Plex began implementing these changes, starting with Roku users. A Plex employee confirmed that this requirement will extend to other Plex TV apps and third-party clients using remote streaming APIs in 2026.
These changes are part of Plex’s recent updates, which include price adjustments for Plex Pass, offering licensed movies for rent, and enhancing social features. Plex attributes these modifications to the need to cover increasing costs associated with supporting multiple devices and codecs, as well as implementing new features like integration with Common Sense Media and a bespoke server management app.
Source: WIRED