Plex has confirmed that it will require a Remote Watch Pass or Plex Pass for remote streaming on its TV apps. The change is going into effect for the Roku app first, followed by all other TV apps and third-party clients in 2026.

Earlier this year, Plex increased its pricing for Plex Pass and stopped supporting all options for free remote streaming in the Plex apps, such as adding a custom server connection in the app settings. The company said at the time, "The reality is that we need more resources to continue putting forth the best personal media experience, and as a result, we will no longer offer remote playback as a free feature." That's also when Plex introduced the Remote Watch Pass as a less expensive way to enable remote streaming again.

Plex is now rolling out the remote watch changes to its Roku TV app. If you have Plex Pass, or the owner of the server you're streaming from has Plex Pass, you don't need to do anything. Otherwise, if you are streaming on a different network from the server's home network, you need Plex Pass or Remote Watch Pass.

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[–] AllHailTheSheep@sh.itjust.works 11 points 3 hours ago (1 children)

for now. I feel like it's only a matter of time before they say those lifetime passes are expired, or that the product has changes so much it's not valid, etc. they've proven they don't really care about the user base anymore, it's all about the money for them now unfortunately.

[–] Auli@lemmy.ca 1 points 2 hours ago

They care about their users but who those users are has shifted. They make more money off of FASS so that is who they care about.