Plex Remote Access Keeps Disconnecting? Best Solutions

If your Plex remote access keeps disconnecting, stick around by the end of this guide to learn all possible ways to fix the issue!

We will go over ALL possibilities and try to identify the issue. Then you can use our solutions methods to solve the issue for good.

To fix Plex remote’s access, first, check Plex’s connection with the server itself. Next, enable the UPnP for connections that are automatic and enable the bridge mode to resolve potential address problems. Then you can also manually forward your ports.

The solutions might sound frightening at first glance but we made sure to describe the methods in an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide.

Reasons For Plex Remote Access Connects Then Disconnects Issue?

There are quite a few reasons why your Plex remote access keeps disconnecting and we’ve created a list of potential suspects reported by users having the same issue as you.

Here is what might have gone wrong with your Plex:

1. Problem with automatic configuration

Sometimes the automatic configuration of your Plex’s remote access might come with issues in the port forwarding.

2. Port forwarding issue

An issue with the port forwarding of your router might also impact your remote access.

3. Address problem

If there is an issue with your PC’s address, this could be the reason for the remote disconnects.

4. Network issue

If your PC doesn’t connect with the server and keeps disconnecting it’s most likely because of your network.

5. Outdated firmware

An outdated firmware of your Plex app can severely impact and prevent the access connection.

Now that you know what could have happened to your Plex and why is it disconnecting, let’s dive into the top-rated solutions available!

How To Fix Remote Access Keeps Disconnecting On Plex?

Before we proceed any further, try re-opening the Plex app and make sure you have restarted the device you’re accessing from.

Then try connecting again and check if the issue is still there.

In case that that didn’t help let’s proceed with the actual solution methods:

Solution #1 Re-Enable Remote Access

The first and easiest solution is to simply re-enable the remote permission.

As easy as it sounds, users have reported that re-enabling the feature resolves a glitch that could be making Plex disconnect.

To re-enable the access, in Plex, you must go Settings > Wireless > Remote Access. From there, you should enable/disable the feature.

When you perform this toggling ON/OFF action, make sure to wait for about 5 to 10 seconds between the toggles.

When you’re done try accessing again and check if the issue is still there. If that didn’t help, move on to the next solution.

Solution #2 Assign Static IP Address

Assigning a static IP, as well as port forwarding, is easy because they share the same premises in general.

Keep in mind that to assign a static IP, you must have the Plex Media server accessed on your computer with the “Static Leases” tab opened.

In addition, you would have to access the router options as well, and here is how to do it:

How To Find The Static IP Address?

To access your router’s options or specifically find the static IP address, follow these steps:

1. In your Windows start menu, write “CMD” and open As Administrator.
2. In the Command Prompt of your Windows, write “ipconfig” and hit Enter.
3. Scroll down until you find “Static IP Address” and copy that address.

Now here is how to assign a static IP address in Plex:

1. Open your PC and identify the Plex Media Server.
2. Copy the static IP if you haven’t done this yet.
3. In the Plex Media Server, click on “Remote Access” and paste the static IP in the address field.
4. Hit enter to confirm.

Keep in mind that the Plex media server must be restarted in order for the changes to take effect. Once restarted, check if the issue is still there.

Solution #3 Set Up Manual Port Forwarding

If your Plex remote access is disconnecting then you’ll need to set up a manual port forwarding.

By default, you will have an automatic assignment of your router’s port forwarding with Plex.

However, this could sometimes bring up some issues including constant disconnects of the media’s remote features.

This is why we recommend setting up manual port forwarding to resolve the issue.

What Do I Need For Port Manual Forwarding?

To set up port forwarding, you will need 3 pieces of information in total:

1. The WAN/External port is 32400 by default but it could go all the way down to 20000.
2. The LAN/internal port will always be 32400.
3.  The IP address of your computer.

Note: You can learn your public IP address for the manual forwarding by asking Google “What’s My IP Address?” and copying the result.

Here is how to set up manual port forwarding now that you know what you need:

1. Open the Plex app and go to Settings > Server > General.
2. Tap on Settings > Server > Remote Access.
3. Toggle the Advanced settings and click on “Manually Specify Public Port.
4. Insert the External port you’ve previously set up into the box.
5. Use “Apply” once everything is inserted.

From now on, you will manually port forward your Media server to the assigned port, bypassing the automatic configurations. Check if the problem is still there.

Solution #4 Enable Bridge Mode

A quick solution to all IP-related issues with your Plex Media Server is to enable Bridge.

Here is a general introduction to how to enable the bridge mode on your wireless gateway:

1. In your Gateway’s options, which you should have access to in your router’s mobile app, go to Gateway > At A Glance.
2. Next, locate the Bridge Mode tab and click on it once.
3. Tap the slider to initiate the Bridge mode and confirm the pop-up message.

Your gateway will now restart and once the reboot sequence concludes, test out your Plex remote’s access. If it does not work, let’s find out if your IP is blocked for some reason.

Solution #5 Try Using VPN

Users report that using VPN could eventually fix the access issues with your Plex media server. For this purpose, you will have to set up both the devices you’re using.

By default, you will have an in-built VPN in your mobile device and Windows 10 PC which you can set to the same location and test out the access.

The other option is to find and download a free VPN online, install it and change your IP to something temporary.

Then try connecting and check if the problem will be there when trying to connect with a different IP.

Solution #6 Update The Firmware

If your Plex remote access keeps disconnecting after all previous solutions, then perhaps the issue is bound with an outdated firmware of the app.

Make sure that you’ve installed the latest update packages of Plex, both on your PC and the device you’re trying to remotely connect with.

Here is how to update Plex firmware:

1. Open the official Plex page and go to “Updates”.
2. Download the latest package and wait for it to finish downloading on your PC.
3. Once downloaded, click on the executable file and wait for the installation process to conclude.

Keep in mind that the executable file will automatically apply the update, as long as you have Plex downloaded on your PC. Otherwise, it would download the latest version instead of simply updating.

When the update is completed check if the issue is still there and if it is, then you’ll need help from Plex themselves.

Contact customer support and ask for additional assistance regarding your problem.

Read Next: How to Use Plex with Roku?

Bottom Line:

If your Plex remote access keeps disconnecting, set up manual port forwarding and assign static IP. Next, try using a VPN, update the Plex app’s firmware and try enabling the bridge mode on your gateway.

Now that you know why Plex remote access keeps disconnecting, you will be able to easily resolve the issue with one of our quick solutions.

If however, the issue persists after this intense series of troubleshooting, then perhaps it could be appropriate to get in touch with Plex and get the case resolved!