Does anyone else have this problem when using a Plex client?

General Discussions
1

I am using the Plex 4.2 client for IOS on my iPhone (6s+) and iPad Pro. Any time I leave that client for another app or browser access I keep having to log into the app when I return to it. I can understand if I close the app having it authenticate me and I want it to do that. But I have not closed the app just went to use another app and bingo here comes the login screen when I return - again and again.

It even happens when I am directed by the Plex app to the Plex website (support and/or forums). When I return I have to login again then Plex returns me to right where I was so it knows who I am. Why are we required to login multiple times using an active app?

Also I would be interested in knowing if this is a problem with the IOS apps or is it consistent across all apps?

2

Nope, stays logged in when switching back to it for me.

3

Really? Do you have a pin assigned to the user-id? What client & its version are you using. What version of Plex server do you have installed?

4

In your iOS settings, did you disable background app refresh?

I can confirm, exit the iOS app, go somewhere else, come back as if I never left.

5

ChuckPA:

I have Background App Refresh turned on in 2 places. 1st in the Settings\General\Background App Refresh (the overall one) and also the one specific to the Plex app father down the list in the apps section on both my iPhone and iPad. And as I said when I open another app without leaving the Plex app upon return I get the Users screen and once I choose myself I am asked for my Pin code then it takes me to where I left off.

Randy

6

You have disabled automatic login in your app settings.

7

I do not have that option enabled. As I read the description this will enable anyone to initiate the Plex app without being prompted for login credentials. I want everyone who wants to access Plex to login in using there own login credentials. I also don’t see where that’s a per device option only a server option in effect for all, am I correct in that?

8

No, it’s a per-device setting. I don’t have the iOS app, but in the Android app, it’s under Settings > Account.

9

Hmm hope that setting is pr. device…
Seriously foolish to make that global :slight_smile:

10

@RandyJCA said:
I do not have that option enabled. As I read the description this will enable anyone to initiate the Plex app without being prompted for login credentials. I want everyone who wants to access Plex to login in using there own login credentials. I also don’t see where that’s a per device option only a server option in effect for all, am I correct in that?

This is not a server option. You can’t set any server options on client side.

11

AgentMax:

I was referencing the web access on the server under Settings\Web\General “Automatically Sign in” check or uncheck box.

Of all that I can see there are no other options either on the server or my clients, all IOS, where I can select any options to control a Plex logins.

Again for me I get a list of users that are entered into the Plex system with there log-in names and when you choose one you are asked for the associated pin.

12

Even the option in Settings/Web/General is NOT a server option. This is for the web interface of the actual device/browser you are using.

Just go in the advanced settings of your app and enable automatic login.

13

All just an update:

I thought this might have something to do with accounts that have assigned pin codes. So I created a new account without assigning a pin and the problem still exists.

Obvious this has something to do with my configurations but I can’t see it.

Problem is specific to the Apple devices. For Windows desktop machines all using web access we have not seen this problem.

14

Well that option is only there if you use PlexHome.
Or assigned a pin on your user.

15

Enable automatic login in advanced settings of your iPhone app :slight_smile:

@jaycedk said:
Well that option is only there if you use PlexHome.
Or assigned a pin on your user.

Is it possible to use the server with multiple managed users without PlexHome?

16

Not to my, knowledge.
Unless you give other people you login details :stuck_out_tongue:
Other wise you invited them.
But you can assigne a pin to your admin user, without having other users in your plexhome.

17

For any iPhone which are single user devices this works fine. But for iPad’s which are shared among many users no login is problematic.

18

Tell users to sign out when done.
Like they would do, at the public library, paying there bills via net bank.

19

@RandyJCA said:
All just an update:

I thought this might have something to do with accounts that have assigned pin codes. So I created a new account without assigning a pin and the problem still exists.

Obvious this has something to do with my configurations but I can’t see it.

Problem is specific to the Apple devices. For Windows desktop machines all using web access we have not seen this problem.

If you have Plex Home enabled and that would be if you add a pin or have multiple users then the behaviour is as you described for security reason. There is an override in the Plex for iOS Settings / Advanced and the setting is Automatically Sign-in right at the top of the Advanced Settings. This will override the default security and always auto-sign in to the last selected user
See https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/articles/205671068-Settings-Plex-for-iOS

20

in a multi user environment, users should always sign out, after use.
Its like giving others your credit card pin.

Ok off topic, but might be a solution.
Is it possible to make more that one login on iPads/iPhones ?
Never owned one, but on most newer android builds it is.

And signing out of that, when done, or restarting it prompts users for a login.
that way the plex will start up with the correct user or sign in.