Fix: Plex remote access “not available outside your network.”

As a digital media player, Plex has redefined how media enthusiasts consume content from computers without the need to transfer files manually.

While it has redefined media consumption, you are likely to experience some challenges. One of these challenges is the “Plex remote access not available outside your network” error.

Why this error occurs

The main reasons why you are experiencing the “Plex remote access not working” error include:

• You are running an outdated Plex version.
• Unstable internet connection
• Advanced firewalls blocking server-Plex communications
• UPnP/NAT incompatibility

How to fix “Plex remote access isn’t available outside your network” error

Fortunately, you can solve the problem through the following solutions.

Solution #1: Update your Plex Application

Updating your Plex application solves most bugs, especially the “Plex not available outside your network” error.

In most cases, the web application updates itself. However, on other platforms, you must remotely update the app.

To update the Plex application:

• Download the latest media server from the official Plex website
• Install the downloaded package
• Restart your machine

After restarting your computer, try to launch the new app. This process automatically uninstalls the previous app version.

Solution #2: Reset your media player

If Plex remote access stopped working after updating the app, you need to reset your device. This is because it is a heavy media application.

A small glitch may affect its functionality, and when this happens, you may experience an error indicating that you can’t access the Plex outside network.

To reset your machine:

• Shut down your computer
• Unplug it from the power source
• Disconnect your internet cable (if there is one)
• Wait for 30-40 seconds.
• Reconnect the computer back to power and plug in the power cable

Alternatively, you can reset the server machine. To reboot the server machine:

• Switch it off
• Disconnect all the cables including the power cable
• Wait for 30 seconds
• Plug it back

Solution #3: Fix your internet connection

If your internet connection is slow, you are more likely to get a “Plex server not available outside your network” error.

A slow connection also affects the requesting computer and causes buffering, and therefore, you should ensure the connection is stable and fast.

If you can’t access Plex outside the network:

• Check the internet speed and stability by typing fast.com on your browser.
• If the connection is less than 3.5 Mbps, consider fixing it. (If it is faster, go-to solution #4)
• Restart your router by switching it off
• Wait for 40 seconds and plug the power cable on.

If you are getting a “not enough bandwidth error”, try out these steps.

Solution #4: Forward the Port Manually

In most cases, Plex port forwarding is automatic. However, if the other three solutions did not solve the access error, you should do a manual Plex port forwarding. Besides, ensure you have saved all the configurations for future references.

To do a manual port forwarding:

• Login to your router
• Scroll down to “Port Forwarding” section
• Generate forward port entries
• Try running the ports as a test.

If the Plex server port forwarding manually did not work, use the saved configurations (as opposed to generating new entries).

Conclusion

The Plex remote access error may occur because of different reasons. However, you can easily fix it. Noteworthy, the golden rule when using Plex is to ensure you are using the latest Plex model, and your internet connection is stable.