I want to access my PLEX server without needing to be connected to my home network. I thought this option was only available with PLEX PASS, and that’s why I paid for it. Later, I realized that wasn’t the case. But that’s not the issue here. Firstly, my PLEX server was showing “remote access unavailable.” I looked for the most common solutions, some of which Plex provided on a page with multiple solutions, and I tried each one.
Set up a STATIC IP: I went to my network settings and changed my IP to a static one, 192.168.18.20. It was available, and I used it. My router’s address is 192.168.18.1. I went to my router settings under “PORT FORWARDING” and configured it exactly as shown in the picture.
I restarted the server, and it showed in green text as if the problem had been resolved. However, after 2 minutes, it turned red, displaying the same error message, “remote access unavailable outside the network.” I came across something called “Double-NAT,” but my router is only connected via Ethernet to my laptop. There are no Wi-Fi repeaters or anything like that. I deactivated everything, including WINDOWS DEFENDER and FIREWALL, but I still don’t have a solution. Can you help me? I have Plex Pass, and I can’t make use of any of its features due to this problem.
Plex optimistically assumes that remote access is available while it’s still checkingif that’s the case. This check usually takes a few seconds — in exceptions it can take up to a few minutes. This means it’s very likely your remote access setup isn’t currently working at all.
The port forwarding looks good (although there’s no need to include UDP… Plex only needs it for TCP). You could test it using a different public/external port (and configure the remote access settings inside Plex accordingly) — this way you can check if that particular port might be blocked by your ISP.
It might also be useful to check your Windows machine’s network mode (setting it to private).
There’s also a guide with some more checks you could do to pin down what’s causing this issue for you. The individual outcome of these checks will be helpful to further troubleshoot the issues.
I spoke with my ISP to seek assistance since I tried the steps and didn’t resolve anything. After reviewing my connection, among other things, they responded with this: We must inform you that we do not generate a change from NAT3 to NAT2 because our service operates with a dynamic IP, and we do not have a fixed IP to qualify for NAT2. Additionally, I should mention that all our procedures are currently being regulated by OSIPTEL.
Does what my ISP support says have any influence? If so, I may not have a solution, or can someone recommend something for me to do to resolve this issue?
That doesn’t ring a bell with me… I’ve been searching in different regions and languages but couldn’t find any references that somehow fit that statement. Maybe there’s some parts of that statement lost in translation or they just gave you some „technology gibberish“ to deflect your request (not blaming them of doing that… just considering that option a possibility).
As stated earlier: the individual findings of the different checks will give further insight into what’s going wrong… it’s not just „all done, didn’t work“
