Plex Buffering on Remote Mobile Only

[wizit1993]

Server Version#: 1.32.0.6973
Player Version#: 9.20.0.806
<If providing server logs please do NOT turn on verbose logging, only debug logging should be enabled>

Hello everyone! New Plex user here and I’m having issues that hopefully a more experienced member can help me out with.

My problem is that I cannot play anything on my Plex server remotely from our Android Devices. I will note that I am a PlexPass user and my server is running an 8700k which seems to do well providing video to everything else. Also when I’m seeing the issue, the CPU sits at idling and there is no transcoding, it’s typically direct stream/direct play.

I will list out some scenarios below to better reflect how my server is functioning:

Local Connection (Any Device/Any Bit Rate): WORKS NO BUFFER
Remote Connection (Desktop/ 10mbps): WORKS NO BUFFER
Remote Connection (Android/ Home Wi-Fi Different Subnet): BUFFERS FOR 2+ minutes and plays for a few seconds
Remote Connection (Cell Data): Menus are slow as hell but rarely buffers, if at all, at realistic bitrates.

One last thing I will note is that if I perform a speed test on the android device itself, I’m getting 150mbps and I can stream 1080p YouTube videos with absolutely no issues. So I have no idea why my devices are being throttled on wifi networks.

Plex Media Server Logs_2023-04-28_12-43-19.zip (5.0 MB)

[bammin]

I have the same exact problem. Did you get an answer to this?

[wizit1993]

I have not, however I have noticed that it definitely has something to do with my WiFi within the house and how Plex is interacting with it when it is “Remote” (It will say “Nearby” but the connection will still be remote for some reason). I will continue to troubleshoot until I have found the source of the issue, or if someone replies with a good idea.

I have found a work around though. You can install ZeroTier on your server and any devices needing to connect and Plex will think that it is a truly local connection and not buffer.

[Beto]

I have a similar issue. Anyone using a mobile network (T-Mobile and Verizon), even a Verizon 5G hotspot in their home cant play Plex content. It will just buffer at 33% or so. Wifi works just fine on mobile. Any solution? Is it Plex side issue? Thanks.