I just got Plex Pass because I saw it on sale and thought it would solve an issue my wife and I have. Basically, we both watch things on our phones, but due to schedules, we watch the same shows at different times so we can later chat about them, etc… I was hoping by getting the Plex Pass I would be able to create another user for her that would not change the timestamp of the episode I’m on or visa versa.
However, I’m confused by how these user settings are used or should be. Should I make her a friend or a home user?
Also, now that I see I can invite friends, what are the remote access rights of each type of user? If I invite my friend and he invites me can we see each other’s server shows?
Using different accounts will fix the viewing history issue. Viewing history and watched status are kept per user.
Friends and Home Users can both access the libraries that you share with them.
The big consideration for a Home User is that you can quickly switch between the accounts. When watching on a shared device, like a TV at home, this is pretty critical.
If you share any devices, you probably want to make your wife a Home User. If you only watch from separate devices, it isn’t necessary.
Are you using the same Plex client device or does every one of you have their personal Plex client?
In the first case, check out how to “Switch User” on your client type. (Only available after at least one managed user has been added to the Plex Home. You may have to log out and back in to the client, for it to pick up the new user account.)
Depending on who is sitting in front of the client, it must always be verified that the correct user is selected – otherwise the playback progress will be stored for the wrong user, naturally.
In the latter case it is kinda easier. You as the admin, activate “Automatic Logon” in the preferences of the Plex client.
Then you switch it to her sub-account and hand it over to her.
From then on, this device will always store and use the playback progress of her sub account.
Why do you suggest a managed user vs. a standard Plex.tv account?
My preference for a standard account is so that they have their own credentials, username and password, and the primary user isn’t required to log in for them first.
I do use managed users for kids. I don’t expect them to remember their own credentials, and I want to know and control their settings.
Experience with wife
They often cannot be bothered to deal with the gory technical details. So as a loving husband I do it for her, then hand the device over.
There is also the issue of certain Plex pass features, which are lost when a full Plex account is added to the Plex home.
Namely loudness levelling and sweet fades for music, as well as intro skipping for tv shows.
HAHAHAHA ohhhh that makes perfect sense, depending on the spouse. Mine would rage at the impression of being patronized or “managed”.
Mannnn though, Skip Intro. That’s a compelling reason to use a Managed User. I forgot that’s an account-level Plex Pass feature. It’s a killer feature.
