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.
Reposting something from r/Plex because the mods are bitch-babies with minimal changes:
If you pay money for something, you do not own it. It is not entirely yours.
You pay, that shit’s proprietary, you didnt make it, you can’t see the insides. Why would any self respecting sociopath give you something without including a backdoor, data logging/tracking, and a string to pull it back?
You steal something, or download more anonymously, it isn’t immediately connected to you, it may not have the backdoors activated, and you probably cut that string when you acquired it. You might even have to fuck around in the guts and modify shit so it can’t be remotely bricked tracked etc.
Applies to physical goods up to and including housing too. The state wants me out, I’m out. Can happen for a lot of reasons, and no amount of obedience or investment keeps you 100% safe. In a squat, ive already defended myself, proven their power, at least what they’re willing to exercise, cannot dislodge me. The place is truly mine.
You buy from the company store, you don’t own shit.