Server Version#:
Player Version#:
Remove support for being controlled as a companion player. Use Plex for HTPC for remote control playback on the desktop.
Will Companion eventually return to the Web platform?
2 Likes
I really wanna know why did they remove companion support, now I’ll have to install an old version of plex for windows(and never update again) or install plex HTPC to keep in the background, so I can do what I used to do before, sigh, I really don’t get these guys
There are no plans to. Why do you need it? Why does using HTPC not work for you?
As far I as i know it was removed because it was janky, used very little by folks, and was there only because it shared code with the TV apps like HTPC, and Smart TVs, but it does not anymore.
My problem with HTPC is that it only works full screen and useless for a mouse, not everyone connects all their windows PC’s to a TV I guess, I did like to play music from my phone and control my PC while I was around, just like I used to with spotify, since there are no plans for this to return, I’ll be using Plex-1.41.0.2876-e960c9ca-x86_64 as long as it works for now, already canceled my yearly sub and I’ll check jellyfin and emby when I am free, thanks.
a fix for that is on the way. Just tested an alpha build this morning where it worked.
that is what they use HTPC for but many just use things like bluetooth keyboards and use the arrows keys to navigate around. ( or a key mapped remote). But if you are using companion via your phone or some other device I’m not sure why that matters
I don’t use my phone the whole time so that’s why it matters being able to use my mouse sometimes, for now I’ll just use the plex for windows version that I mentioned until support ends, then I’ll need to use plex for windows and keep plex HTPC on the background, two programs instead of one, thanks
Hi, I’m another user who relied on the companion app working with Plex Desktop. I’ve switched over to plex HTPC for now to regain that function, but lost other features in the process.
I know it seems trivial to get a bluetooth remote that works with Plex HTPC, but it overcomplicates my setup. The companion app provided all the features I needed without having to buy additional hardware.
So far Plex HTPC has been more troublesome to use in my setup than the Plex windows app.
Companion works with HTPC so I don’t understand what you mean. If you meant the desktop app then describe what those features you are referring to and I will pass it along
Yeah for sure!
The main feature companion provided was being able to control the plex client without having to interact with it directly.
I work from home and use a KVM setup to switch between my personal desktop and my work laptop. While I work my personal desktop is playing content on another screen. I use the companion app to control what’s playing without having to switch the KVM to my personal desktop.
I can do this with the HTPC application, but I liked being able to seamlessly transition between the companion app and the desktop app controls. As in when I’m done with work I would switch the KVM back to my personal desktop and continue controlling the desktop plex app using KB/M.
That’s not possible with the HTPC app as it only responds to the KB input, and rarely responds to mouse input.
The HTPC app is also not as optimized as the desktop app from what I’ve seen so far, its usually using 3GB+ of ram, on a 1080p monitor and the playback settings are at normal quality. Letting it run for many hours quickly eats up all my 32GB of ram too. I started another thread about that, but letting you know why I’m not happy with the HTPC app right now.
I understand I can control the HTPC application with a remote, but the whole reason I preferred Plex desktop was that I didn’t need to buy extra hardware for a relatively small feature.
So long story short, Plex Desktop + companion app worked perfectly for me for multiple years. Then the companion feature was removed. So, I switched to plex HTPC, but HTPC is meant for a 10ft screen controller by a remote, which is not my use case, so even though the HTPC application works with companion, it is harder to use compared to the Plex desktop app.
Sorry about the novel, let me know if you have any more questions always happy to help.
I’ve also reverted back to an older version of the plex desktop app with companion support for now.
This topic was automatically closed 90 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.
