Hi there. I’m finding a lot of conflicting information so I’m struggling to figure out the answer.
I purchased a Plex pass so that close friend’s of mine could continue to enjoy my media library, however when using the mobile app, as a non-plex-pass holder, they are unable to download anything. The button is simply absent. I have verified in my settings that downloads are allowed, but the option continues to be absent for them.
Why is this?
Plex Documentation → Downloads for Offline Use → Downloads FAQ
See the table in the FAQ.
Unless both your Plex accounts were created before 01 Aug 2022, then your friend also needs a Plex Pass.
EDIT: As others have mentioned, if you invite a user into your Plex Home, then they can download media from your server without purchasing a Plex Pass. If you choose to do so, then you should PIN protect your account. Otherwise they can switch to your account via Fast User Switching. See Plex Home documentation for additional information.
The download feature has been absolute crap since it was first implemented. I have tried it again and again over the years and it just never works. It’s a known issue, but the devs just never bothered to get it working right.
Hi,
it is strange your having issue. Using my Desktop app not Web app, downloads work well. I have also used a WiFi and cellular tablet and a Mobile phone all work as designed.
https://support.plex.tv/articles/downloads-on-desktop/
There are prerequisites and some apps do not support, read the Support Doc to assist
Please Note: I Share with a friend in California and I live in Australia and Downloads work exactly as I need.
You can also manually gather the downloads from a Desktop app and add to your Server Library to view on a TV. How good is that. I agree it would be perfect if it allowed to add automatically to a Server Library of choice.
Cheers
The only way I was able to get the download button to appear for them was to invite them to my Plex home
Yeah, that was already enabled for them
In the app the download button was simply missing. And if you opened the downloads sidebar, the settings sub-page wouldn’t load either
I can’t figure out if they should even have been allowed to download it, as the information online is confusing. I bought a Plex pass specifically for my friends to enjoy this
Can you provide a bit more info please?
Device make and model:
Plex Version:
Oh they’re on the latest version of the android app (pixel 6), the new experience. We manually checked for updates in the play store as well in case it was that, cleared all data and re-logged too.
I could download in my app (Plex pass owner and server owner) but they couldn’t. Once I invited them to my Plex home, they were then able to download
Please see the answer that @FordGuy61 gave you
Ah… I missed that reply
That sucks… Relatives were able to download previously I believe with the old app, if they paid the 5$ to unlock it I think?
So now with the new experience that’s no longer possible? Is there no alternative?
I really don’t understand how that’s a feature everyone has to pay for
The $5 unlock fee removed the 1 minute playback restriction. It did not enable downloading.
The requirement for the downloading user to have a Plex Pass started in mid-2022.
As you mention in your prior post, they can also download without a Plex Pass if added to your Plex Home.
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