Plex Remote Access Issue

Plex Media Server
1

Server Version#: 1.42.2.10156
Player Version#: 4.147.1

Plex Remote Access Issue

I’m dealing with an issue where Plex Remote Access frequently drops to “Not available outside your network”, even though my network is correctly configured and external port tests show the port is OPEN.

My Setup

  • Plex Subscription: Plex Pass Lifetime (confirmed with Plex billing department the plan I am on is not impacted by recent changes to remote access policy)

  • ISP: Cogeco

  • Modem: Hitron — now in full bridge mode

  • Router: Google WiFi (primary puck only for routing)

  • Plex Server: Windows PC, Ethernet, IP 192.168.86.xx

  • Public IP: 72.39.92.2xx

  • Port Forwarding:

    • Google WiFi → Plex PC

    • 32400 → 192.168.86.xx (TCP)

  • Port Status: Consistently OPEN using external sites (YouGetSignal, PortChecker)

  • VPN adapters: All NordVPN/TAP/TUN adapters fully disabled

What’s Working

  • Hitron is bridged properly

  • Google WiFi is the only router

  • Port 32400 is open externally

  • Plex Media Server is listening on 32400

  • Network configuration is correct

  • PC has reserved DHCP IP

  • Windows firewall allows Plex

The Problem

Even with:

  • Correct bridging

  • Open external port

  • Proper forwarding

  • VPN adapters disabled

Plex Remote Access randomly flips between:

  • :green_circle: Fully accessible outside your network
    and

  • :red_circle: Not available outside your network

No settings are being changed when this happens.

Log Findings

From Plex Media Server.log:

  • Plex repeatedly detects and ignores virtual adapters (NordLynx, OpenVPN Offload, TAP interfaces) even though they’re disabled

  • Frequent “network change detected” and “rebuilding network services” messages

  • Plex appears to rebind network interfaces often

  • Sometimes detects old public IPs before updating

These frequent internal network events seem to cause Remote Access to drop even when the external port stays open.

Troubleshooting Already Done

  • Enabled bridge mode on Hitron

  • Rebuilt Google WiFi network

  • Disabled IPv6 on Google WiFi

  • Set up reserved IP for server

  • Cleared “Custom server access URLs” in Plex

  • Set Secure Connections → Preferred

  • Disabled all VPN/TUN/TAP/virtual NICs

  • Restarted modem → router → server in correct order

  • Reset Plex Remote Access (disable/enable)

  • Verified Plex is listening with netstat

  • Verified public IP is correct

  • Verified router is not double NAT

  • Verified port is open externally

What I’m Asking the Community

Given all of the above, does anyone know why:

  • Plex repeatedly re-evaluates network adapters

  • Plex Remote Access drops even though the port remains open

  • Plex’s internal port test sometimes fails even when external tests succeed

  • Plex frequently logs network service resets

I’m looking for guidance on:

  • Stabilizing Plex’s internal network binding

  • Handling WAN lease changes with Google WiFi

  • Any hidden Plex settings that might cause frequent “network change” events

  • Whether more aggressive NIC filtering or custom network settings are needed

Any advice is appreciated — this has been a long and frustrating debugging process. I am about to give up all together on this pretty soon.

2

I’ve revoked a cert that has been stuck during the renewal process.
Please stop and restart your server.

1 Like
3

Thank you!

4

I have the same problem. Ports are open, everything should be OK, but remote access comes and goes. Can you solve this for me too?

5

You are not affected by a stuck cert.

6

I wonder what it can be then. Any clue?

7

I can maybe send some logs for you to look at, if you don’t mind.