Instead of asking for even more explanations than the Plex documents and forum answers already available, allow me to ask what I’m looking for. My kid is getting interested but just moved out of the house. What do we need so that it’s possible to:
use the Plex for iOS app instead of a browser
login without needing me for approval with codes and whatnot
have separate stats for what’s already been watched, on deck, etc.
Is a Plex Account needed? What are the costs involved. Just €5 or so for the player? Plex Pass? What do I need to setup?
Thanks. I hope someone knows the answer. and that the answer is simple.
Wow, I’ve read so many posts, but never did I see mention of “Library Access”. I only ever looked at Plex Home, which is why posts mentioning “Friends” confused me.
The document you linked mentions that the “Remote Access” feature needs to be enabled, but that is not the case on my end. I use a Reverse Proxy with a self owned domain which makes it reachable from outside the local network. I’m assuming that will work fine?
To summarize, these are the steps if I understand it correctly:
If you set up auto-sign in on their device, the app will auto log them into their own profile automatically, with no credentials or 2FA codes or anything beyond the first time. (assuming someone doesn’t do something stupid like de-authorize a device, or add a new device). I use 3 managed users for my family, so any new device needs a login, but each device logs into their own particular managed user without ever needing the password again.
Being a managed user, they have all the Plex pass features, such as free iOS or android app use, intro skip, DVR access, etc. As long as you trust the person enough to not “swap user” to your own account and start watching things, then this would be the cheapest option (no further cost).
If none of the Plex Pass features are important, and you want to keep them COMPLETELY separate from your account, then keep them as an invited friend to your server. They will be responsible for their own username/password, but will need to purchase the iOS app for 5 bucks one-time.
It… really depends on how much you trust someone to do whats right. I think a managed user (or a “friend” invited into the home) is the perfect option, but I also completely trust my family. I do NOT trust friends, so they get a plain invite and no free pass.
Ah, I didn’t mean 2FA, I love that, and we’re all making use of the 1Password family plan. I read somewhere that they could log in, and then I’d need to confirm with a code. It’s never been a matter of trust, the trust is implicit.
I’m going with a separate username and password, so the Plex 2FA login can also be used for Overseerr.
Thanks for the input, though. Things are now much clearer to me.
I don’t get why the Plex documents are so dense, always side stepping and warning (probably because of legal) instead of doing scenarios. You want this? You do this. Done.
