Android app always transcoding downloads

Plex Players Mobile Devices
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Server Version#: 1.42.2.10156 (docker on linux server with truenas)
Player Version#: 2025.27.0 android app (also tested beta version, same results)

I think this issue is very well explained in this Reddit post: ::link:: https://www.reddit.com/r/PleX/comments/1karswp/new_plex_android_app_forces_transcoding_on/

Here’s my specific case:

When I try to download a movie or TV episode on my Android tablet (Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+) using the new Plex app (v2025.27.0), the server always transcodes the file before downloading — even though every setting is set to use original quality.

I tested with H.264 and H.265 1080p files, and it happens every time. However, when I download the same files using iOS devices (iPhone/iPad, app v2025.27.0), the problem does not appear — same client and server settings.

File details example:

    Codec HEVC
    Bitrate 1651 kbps
    Bit Depth 10
    Chroma Location topleft
    Chroma Subsampling 4:2:0
    Coded Height 960
    Coded Width 1920
    Color Primaries bt709
    Color Range tv
    Color Space bt709
    Color Trc bt709
    Frame Rate 23.976 fps
    Height 960
    Level 4.0
    Profile main 10
    Ref Frames 1
    Scan Type progressive
    Width 1920
    Display Title 1080p (HEVC Main 10)
    Extended Display Title 1080p (HEVC Main 10)

    Codec AC3
    Channels 6
    Bitrate 448 kbps
    Language English
    Language Tag en
    Audio Channel Layout 5.1(side)
    Sampling Rate 48000 Hz
    Display Title English (AC3 5.1)
    Extended Display Title English (AC3 5.1)

    Codec SRT
    Language English
    Language Tag en
    Display Title English (SRT)
    Extended Display Title English (SRT)

Also, I can direct stream those exact same files on the tablet without any issue both on Plex or via VLC or other players (so playback works fine in original quality). I’m pretty sure that my tablet supports direct streaming of these formats.

Client settings (Android & iOS): Settings > Downloads > Settings

  • Wi-Fi Only: true,

  • Quality: Original,

Settings > Video & Audio

  • Local Quality: Maximum,

  • Wi-Fi Quality: Maximum,

  • Allow Direct Play: true,

  • Allow Direct Stream: true,

Settings > Subtitles

  • Burn Subtitles: Automatic,

Server settings (Settings > Transcoder):

image
image954×1259 111 KB

I tried different combinations but nothing changed.

Happy to provide logs or more details if needed.