How to configure Plex for remote viewing?
Jul 11, 2015, 5:49 am
#1
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How to configure Plex for remote viewing?
I'm a long time Plex user, and it works great for streaming while I'm at home on my own home network. But for some darn reason, I cannot get the darn thing to work for remote viewing - ie, when I'm away from home on some other wifi network.
I'm not a newbie when it comes to port forwarding and DNS configuration, etc - but for the life of me, I've never been able to get Plex to be viewable on a remote network.
I've searched FT, and altho I see posts from several members who refer to how much they love Plex for remote viewing, I couldn't find any details on how to get the thing configured. Can anyone help?
I'm not a newbie when it comes to port forwarding and DNS configuration, etc - but for the life of me, I've never been able to get Plex to be viewable on a remote network.
I've searched FT, and altho I see posts from several members who refer to how much they love Plex for remote viewing, I couldn't find any details on how to get the thing configured. Can anyone help?
Jul 11, 2015, 9:10 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Posts: 37,486
You shouldn't need to touch DNS or port forwarding. Just install the server, make sure the firewall isn't blocking it, and like gfunkdave said, just turn on the remote viewing option. Pretty sure you'll need the paid level to use that. Also make sure you are on the newest version.
Jul 13, 2015, 8:17 am
#5
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 220
It all boils down to the router you have in front of your Plex server at home.
Some perform Unplug and Pray (shudder) translations for you, and the Plex server will self-configure the port forwarding. Less headache for the unwashed masses, but also potentially insecure.
If you have a more secure environment, your router will not do this for you automatically and you will need to tell your router to open up (usually port 32400) on your public IP address so external requests can reach your Plex server.
If you need more help, just ask. It would be helpful to know what router you are using.
Some perform Unplug and Pray (shudder) translations for you, and the Plex server will self-configure the port forwarding. Less headache for the unwashed masses, but also potentially insecure.
If you have a more secure environment, your router will not do this for you automatically and you will need to tell your router to open up (usually port 32400) on your public IP address so external requests can reach your Plex server.
If you need more help, just ask. It would be helpful to know what router you are using.
Jul 13, 2015, 12:57 pm
#6
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You shouldn't need to touch DNS or port forwarding. Just install the server, make sure the firewall isn't blocking it, and like gfunkdave said, just turn on the remote viewing option. Pretty sure you'll need the paid level to use that. Also make sure you are on the newest version.
I've got the paid version of Plex, firewall isn't blocking, and I can see the remote server settings, which appear properly configured. Yet remote viewing won't work. I know I'm not *supposed* to have to mess with DNS and port forwarding, but I did anyway, since nothing else was working. I completed port forwarding per the Plex instructions, but....still no luck.
Jul 13, 2015, 12:59 pm
#7
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It all boils down to the router you have in front of your Plex server at home.
Some perform Unplug and Pray (shudder) translations for you, and the Plex server will self-configure the port forwarding. Less headache for the unwashed masses, but also potentially insecure.
If you have a more secure environment, your router will not do this for you automatically and you will need to tell your router to open up (usually port 32400) on your public IP address so external requests can reach your Plex server.
If you need more help, just ask. It would be helpful to know what router you are using.
Some perform Unplug and Pray (shudder) translations for you, and the Plex server will self-configure the port forwarding. Less headache for the unwashed masses, but also potentially insecure.
If you have a more secure environment, your router will not do this for you automatically and you will need to tell your router to open up (usually port 32400) on your public IP address so external requests can reach your Plex server.
If you need more help, just ask. It would be helpful to know what router you are using.
My router is: Ubee U10C022-Ambit
Jul 13, 2015, 5:14 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 220
I am not familiar with that particular router. Do you have the ability to log into it and change parameters? Is it a combined unit with the Cable Modem and Router into a single box?
If possible, it might be worth considering a more mainstream router, especially if you cannot access the configuration of your current unit.
You might also benefit from a newer router, depending on the age of it. Especially if you need better wireless range/speed.
Units from Linksys or Netgear are a good place to start.
If possible, it might be worth considering a more mainstream router, especially if you cannot access the configuration of your current unit.
You might also benefit from a newer router, depending on the age of it. Especially if you need better wireless range/speed.
Units from Linksys or Netgear are a good place to start.
Jul 14, 2015, 7:10 am
#9
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Here's a good article from Plex on how to configure RA.
https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/art...-Remote-Access
False, you do need to open a port to listen for connections. By default it's 32400.
https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/art...-Remote-Access
False, you do need to open a port to listen for connections. By default it's 32400.
Jul 14, 2015, 7:13 am
#10
Join Date: Dec 2009
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I have long suspected that you are right: that the issue is the got dang Time Warner router. But I don't know how to fix it. Oh how I pray that I get the opportunity to bow before your tech wisdom, if you can enlighten me on this matter!
My router is: Ubee U10C022-Ambit
My router is: Ubee U10C022-Ambit
If you get your own router, you'll need to call TWC and tell them to switch your cable modem into "bridged" mode. Usually they'll also require the MAC address of your new router. You should still be able to modify settings on the TWC router. Go to your network settings and note the gateway/default router address on your network. Then type that address into your web browser (i.e. http://192.168.1.1) and you will probably get to the routers settings page (although you may need a password to make changes).
Jul 14, 2015, 7:39 am
#11
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Here's a good article from Plex on how to configure RA.
https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/art...-Remote-Access
False, you do need to open a port to listen for connections. By default it's 32400.
https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/art...-Remote-Access
False, you do need to open a port to listen for connections. By default it's 32400.
Jul 14, 2015, 11:47 am
#12
Join Date: Dec 2009
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I would highly recommend disabling UPnP on all routers. It's incredibly susceptible to RATs and allows devices to reconfigure the router without any user interaction.
Recommendation #2 would be to use something besides the default port. I can see on my firewall logs that internet peeps are always probing the default ports of common services (SSH, FTP, Telnet, IMAP, HTTP, etc.). Plex probably hasn't risen to that level of notoriety yet, but it could in the future.
https://community.rapid7.com/docs/DOC-2150