Plex Not Connecting to Server? – Here’s How To Fix?

Whenever Plex not connecting to server there are multiple factors that we must review so this guide should be perfect for the ones of you with this problem.

Let’s explore the most important:

When Plex is not connecting to the server, the problem is most likely caused by an internet (WiFi) outage with your device.

It is also possible that another software on your device is causing connection conflict or simply your Plex account has been limited.

Let’s dig deeper!

When Is Plex Unable to Connect to the Content Server?

Here are the top 8 causes of Plex server connection problems:

1. Your device is not connected to the internet
2. An active VPN/proxy is causing conflict
3. Interference from other streaming players
4. An issue with your Plex account/registration
5. Incorrect device time and date settings
6. The “IPv6” feature is causing issues
7. A temporal outage of the Plex servers
8. Outdated Plex server firmware version

Before We Start:

Validate whether your Plex account is active or not by accessing Plex through multiple devices.

If there are particular restrictions lifted over your Plex account, you will not be able to access the purchased content from that account anymore!

How to Fix When Plex Cannot Connect to Server Securely?

Tip: Follow our instructions in chronological order to achieve a solution faster!

1. First, Check the Internet!

Plex is an online platform like many others, that requires your device to be paired with an internet connection in order to connect with the servers.

One of the necessities required to connect with Plex’s server is internet consistency.

• To connect to WiFi, go to Settings > Network > WiFi > “Discoverable”!

Then, select WiFi from the list of available networks and type the password in order to hook up your device to the internet. 

Already Connected?

If everything about your connection seems correct, check if the network has internet.

You’ll immediately notice if your network is offline, once the rest of your devices disconnect as well.

Tip: To quickly resolve networking issues, reboot your router or modem!

2. Power Cycle Streaming Device!

When there is a temporal problem with the device from which you’re attempting to stream Plex from, it is likely that your access to the Plex servers will be denied.

To address all impermanent issues with your device, perform a power circulation.

• The power cycle process does not erase anything from the device!

1. Press the “Power” button on your device.
2. Wait for the device to shut down.
3. Unplug the power adapter of the device.
4. Wait for another 60 seconds.
5. Reconnect the cable of the device.
6. Turn on the streaming appliance.

Streaming Through a Mobile?

• Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Power” > “Reboot” and wait!

Info: This will cause most mobile devices to initiate a reboot. 

However, you could also power off the device and then re-launch it by holding the power button, which is known as a “Shutdown”.

3. Check the Device’s Time & Date!

In order to access any media content server of Plex, your device’s time and date must be in sync.

You could easily check what the correct time settings are on your phone, but for any other streaming appliances, such as steaming sticks and TV, the settings may be different.

Here’s how to access the “Time Zone” settings on most devices:

1. Go into Settings on your device.
2. Press the search field and type “Time Zone”.
3. Enter the tab that occurred as a result.
4. Navigate to “Regional Settings”.
5. Make sure your region is correct.
6. Press on “Sync Time” (automatically).

Note: If the correct region is selected, pressing “Sync Time” will set the clock of your device to the standard time settings of the selected area. 

4. Turn OFF the “IPv6”

When a Plex a direct connection to the server is not available the culprit has been proven to be the activated “IPv6” setting for many users.

The feature can route traffic more effectively than the previous IP version but sometimes causes interferences with streaming apps, such as Plex.

Follow these simple instructions to turn off “IPv6” on your device:

1. Press “Windows Key” + “X” and open the Control Panel.
2. Go to “Network and Internet” and go to “Sharing Center”.
3. Choose “Change Adapter Settings”, and then “Properties”.
4. Next to “Internet Protocol Version 6”, select “OFF”.

Tip: Keep the sixth version of the internet protocol disabled until the end of the guide!

5. Address Software Conflicts!

It’s highly possible that your Plex is not connecting to the server due to software-related conflicts on the machine.

We envision all third-party apps such as games, programs, software tools, antivirus apps, VPN, and much more.

How to Exit Tasks on Windows PC/Laptops?

• Go to Task Manager > Process > “Right Click” > “End Task”.

How to Exit Apps on Smartphones/Tablets?

• Hold the “Home Button” and swipe left/right to remove all apps!

Info: Feel free to exit and kill all tasks that you suspect might be interfering with the Plex server connection or apps that you’ve recently downloaded.

6. Enable Plex Network Ports!

The main TCP port on the Plex Media Server needs to be allowed in the Firewall of your network.

The easiest way to enable network ports is on a Windows computer/laptop, connected to your router via Ethernet cable or WiFi.

Then to enable ports on your network follow the steps below:

1. Tap on the Start Menu, and go to System Security.
2. Then click on Firewall & Network Protection.
3. Next, select the Advanced Settings feature.
4. Click on Inbound Rules from the bars on the left.
5. Then click “New Rule” located under the Actions.
6. From there input port “TCP 32400” for Plex.
7. Click on the “Next” button to finalize the port.

Info: It’s also important to open the UDP: 1900 for access to a Plex DLNA server if used.

7. Disable VPN/Firewall Services

Active VPN or a Windows Firewall could also cause interference and then the Plex a direct connection to the server is not available.

Now when the time and date are correct, it’s time to ensure that the same thing goes for the location of your device.

Disable a VPN:

The Virtual Private Network (VPN) alters the location of your device and could be a mobile app, computer software, or browser extension. Any VPN can be temporarily disabled.

Stop Firewall:

To access and temporarily disable the Firewall on your Windows machine, you would need to go to Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall.

From there, tap on the “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” from the menu on the left and uncheck both boxes (red cross).

Then, check whether the Plex service is accessible now!

8. Use a Different Device

Using a different device will let you know exactly where the problem is.

If there’s a streaming device issue, your Plex account and streams should work on another streaming appliance.

• Sign into your Plex account on a different device and perform a test!

Tip: Use your Mobile!

If you’ve been having issues with the Plex Media Server, try accessing the service from your mobile. Simply download the Plex App from the Google Play/App Store and test it!

Plex Not Connecting to Server – Final Steps!

If you’re still not connecting with Plex’s media server, perhaps it’s time to share this issue with someone qualified.

After we’ve tried everything in our power to address the issue at home, perhaps it’s best to leave things as they are and go to the Plex Support Centre for more help!

Reminder: Note what you’ve attempted in this guide to avoid applying the same steps later!

Quick Recap:

Here we’ve learned that when Plex not connecting to server, the problem can be easily fixed by rebooting your streaming device and checking the internet.

After that, exit any conflicting software, disable any VPN/Firewall services on your device and update Plex!