Is plex requiring a plex account just to connect to the local server?

Plex Players Mobile Devices
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1

Server Version#: latest docker image
Player Version#: ios, android

I have some of family over, all with multiple mobile devices, to connect to plex but now Plex is requiring every single one of them to create a plex account, which is stupid and impractical because majority of them DO NOT need a PLEX account especially the CHILDREN. I was hoping to use the manage users to give them access to watch a bunch of kids movies and such but they cannot connect. The only option is to login AS ME on every single mobile so they connect to MY LOCAL SERVER with MANAGED USER ACCESS which is also stupid because they shouldn’t NOT need my plex account to connect locally

The local network without authentication gives everyone admin access which again is stupid.

I m deeply regretting getting membership now if this route plex is taking.

2

Create a “Guest” or “Child” or whatever name – Managed User account.

That account lives completely within the confines of your server.
It won’t have a plex.tv account because it’s subordinate to your master account.

You give them only what you want them to have (as it should be)

Screenshot from 2022-06-06 19-18-38
Screenshot from 2022-06-06 19-18-381133×394 176 KB

The AppleTV in my Living Room has its own account… I share out there what’s good for everyone. That keeps my work libraries from bothering them.

3

I did that but the mobile apps will not connect to the local server without logining in using a plex account.

Also same with the browser. It does NOT go the managed user screen, it requires a plex account to do the initial login before getting to the managed user screen.

Then what is the point of having managed users if an plex account is always needed? The reason I like plex was because I could have anyone on the local network that I give access to, aka create a managed user, streaming

4

Another option.

  1. Settings - Server - Network
  2. Set your local LAN subnet as without authentication.
  3. Now go to the app and have it connect manually to the server’s IP.
5

As stated above without authentication gives everyone full admin access which is stupid for my situation. Yes, it would be fine if I was the ONLY user

6

So no solution? You are going to force everyone to sign up to play local network streaming videos? Well if that’s the case I m done with plex. I hear jellyfin supports what I want. ■■■■ why did I pay for this, I knew this was going to happen. ■■■■

7

Broke the whole reason why I supported this app in the beginning. ■■■■ you. All I wanted was local streaming support without forcing everyone to create an account explicitly for my situation earlier. ■■■■ this app. As soon as I get jellyfin or even emby up again, I m done, ■■■■ you assholes.

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