[Feature Request] - Plex Home login enhancements

Feature Suggestions
1

I have a few suggestions for how PIN login with Plex Home could be improved.  For families with older children it may be a problem entering in your pin number on the screen.  If the child is old enough and smart they may watch the screen as you enter it so they can get into your account later.  It can also just be inconvenient to use a remote to enter in a PIN number.  So, here are my suggestions:

 

- Allow push notification with PIN entry from the mobile app.  This would work as follows.  You open the PHT or Roku app (or any other app that supports Plex Home in the future) and go to log in to your PIN protected account, an number entry screen pops up where you can enter your PIN on the screen.  At the same time a notification is pushed to any mobile device on which you are logged in to the Plex mobile app.  Upon viewing the notification you are taken to the mobile app where a number entry keypad is automatically displayed where you can enter your PIN which logs you in to the PHT/Roku/other connected device app.

 

- Allow fast account switching through the mobile app.  I am sure that updates to the mobile apps are coming that include Plex Home support, but I don't know if this feature is planned.  Basically, the same way you can select and control content to play on PHT and connected device apps, you would be able to select any user from your mobile app and enter the pin there to log in on the TV.

 

- Add Touch ID support for all of the mobile PIN entry use cases mentioned in this post.

 

- Allow fast guest log in.  In this case, you have a friend or family member over who is not part of your Plex Home group.  You have checked the option on your primary PlexPass account to allow fast guest login to your Plex Home.  Your guest opens up their Plex mobile app and they see your connected client at the bottom of the app the same way they would if they were controlling PHT in their home.  When they tap the icon they are asked if they want to log in to your Plex Home as a guest.  When they select "yes" they are asked for their pin, to log in with Touch ID, or to do nothing additional depending on their account security settings.  A message pops up on the TV to authorize guest login to your Plex Home and once authorized they are logged in to your Plex Home.  Once in, they have access to all of the same content with any imposed restrictions as if they were logged in to Plex in their home.  The whole process would take less than a minute.  For security purposes this feature could be disabled from the primary Plex Home account.  You would also have the option to have the guest removed from your Plex Home as soon as they log out or after a certain amount of time.  This would be great for several use cases.  If you have family visiting from out of town and want them to have access to your Plex media but don't want them screwing up your watch history, they just do a fast guest log in and they're golden.  Or, you have a friend over for dinner and watch a movie afterwards.  They can quickly log in with you and then both of your watch histories are updated as you watch.  This last case would work if the suggested multiple simultaneous account logins feature is implemented (https://forums.plex.tv/topic/129812-fr-plex-home-common-accounts/).  

 

I think these would all be amazing additions to the Plex Home feature and hope to see it in the near future.  If you like these ideas be sure to click the like button so the developers will make this a priority.

2

I think we need to see some sort of Plex Home implementation on mobile apps before advanced features, such as you have described can even be considered. Mobile integration would be a nice touch, but I wouldn't want it be the only way to have more advanced log-in system for two main reasons. One, I don't like that I have to have my mobile devices while relaxing on my couch. Two, I think physical remote controls are far more suitable for 10 ft UI. Having to constantly look away from the TV and switching between remote control and mobile device doesn't seem very intuitive.

With that said, I do agree current log-in system is lackluster and leaves me wanting more advanced features and options. 

3

As I described this feature, the mobile app would not be the only way to log in, just an option. You can still input your PIN with your remote control, but would also have the option to input with your mobile app. You don’t have your smartphone in your pocket or sitting next to you when you are on your couch? I always have my phone on me, and if I were to get an automatic push notification to input the PIN on my phone I would find that more convenient.



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4

What I was getting at, was that PIN system need enhancement in itself without the need of mobile device integration. This isn't strictly because I personally don't like to carry my phone in my pocket. I also find distracting and annoying to have to use additional device. It's a disconnecting experience if one has to interact with two different set of devices (remote and mobile). Perhaps some of us who are tech savvy can bare with it but other adults who also need locked user profile may not find it so.

5

I understand your point, but disagree. We just have a difference of opinion then. I bet there are a lot of tech savvy Plex users, especially those with a PlexPass, and I think that for them this is a nice alternative to using a remote with on screen PIN entry. I personally like being able to control Plex with my phone or tablet. I like being able to control my Xbox with my phone. I don’t use them to control everything all the time, but at least several times a day I use a mobile device to control my XB1, Roku, and PHT. I do not find it to be a disconnecting experience but find second screen functionality as an enhancement. This implementation would not remove any of the current functionality of PIN login, so for those like yourself that don’t like it you don’t have to use it and nothing changes.


My post does not suggest that this is the most important feature that needs to be added, but I think it would be a nice one. If you want the developers to improve the fast user switching and PIN processes, then make another post with your feature requests. Then all of the users can vote on features and the most popular are given priority.



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6

2021 clean-up: duplicate(s), e.g.