Plex You Do Not Have Access to This Server? (Instant Fix)

Since it comes with a more do-it-yourself approach, you can experience the Plex “You do not have access to this server” error.

If you are experiencing this issue and want to fix it, you have come to the right place.

Plex is a fantastic media app that allows you to curate content that you love. You can think of it as a personalized Netflix just for you.

To fix the “Plex no access to server” issue, make sure that you have the latest version of the Plex Media app installed on the device you are using for your server. The server and client apps are different, so you need them updated at all times, so you do not lose access. Ensure that your server and app are active.

What Causes This Plex Access Issue

There are a lot of reasons why you encounter this particular issue. If you are constantly experiencing this error, don’t worry.

The fix for this is fairly simple and knowing the exact cause can help you pinpoint the correct solution to perform.

1. Outdated App Versions

One of the reasons that can cause the Plex You do not have permission to access this server error is an outdated app.

Plex provides two apps, one for your server and the other for the viewing device. If you have not updated the app for the server, you will likely face this issue.

2. Plex Media Server Not Running

The media server app can shut off from time to time. This is especially true if you installed it on a NAS that you do not check daily.

It’s easy to overlook this unless you use your computer to launch your Plex server.

3. Wrong Connections

The Plex Media server and the client app should talk to each other. Using the wrong connection for one of them can result in this error.

Some devices also do not allow secured connections and can cause this issue.

How to Fix Plex You Do Not Have Access to This Server

This Plex issue can look daunting, but the solutions are relatively simple.

If you are running Plex and encounter this, you can be sure that as long as you follow the troubleshooting steps we describe, you will be able to solve it.

Solution #1: Turn on Your Plex Media Server App

If you encounter this particular issue, the first you need to look at is the state of your Plex Media Server.

The chances are that if you cannot connect to the server, the Media Server app is down. It could be due to a software fault that turns the app off on the device you installed it.

You will want to launch the app again so your client device can access the server, and you can start watching your favorite video content.

Perform a quick-start command since it’s the fastest way to start the app.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Windows: Find Plex Media Server on the Start Menu.
2. Mac: Look for Plex Media Server on the Applications Folder.
3. Linux: Type sudo /etc/init.d/plexmediaserver start in Command Prompt.
4. Access the Media Server via the Web App on your client device.
5. Sign in to your Plex Account.

Note: For video content purchased from online marketplaces such as Amazon, iTunes, or Google, these may be protected by DRM. 

It would be illegal to Play these types of content on Plex.

Solution #2: Update Your Plex Media Server to the Latest Version

The next step you want to take is to update your Plex Media Server app. Older versions might come with bugs that will disrupt how the app runs.

It’s essential that you check your version against the current one to determine if you need an update.

The best way to update your Plex Media Server is to set it up again.

Plex comes with a quick-start installation procedure that makes it easier for you to set up your server whether you are using Windows, Mac, Linux, or a NAS.

Here are the steps to install the latest version of the Plex Media Server app:

1. Download the Plex Media Server installer from the Plex website.
2. Run the installer and complete the process.
3. Sign in to your Plex account.
4. Check your content libraries and make sure they are still linked to Plex.

If you are installing Plex on a NAS, you will want to download the package for your device.

It will have its own installation procedure, but they come with a UI that should make it easy for you to install and update Plex.

Note: To manage your server, you will need to use the Plex Web app. You can change libraries or update them, especially when new content is available.

Solution #3: Make Sure App and Server are on the Same Network

With the internet, a permanent fixture in our homes, making sure that two devices are on the same network can be confusing. The Plex Media Server app and the Web app must be on the same network.

You need to watch out for this if you have multiple networks active in your home.

If you have two or more WiFi networks, you need to ensure that your Plex devices are only connected to a single network.

Here’s how to make sure both apps are on the same network:

1. Connect your Plex server to your home network.
2. Make sure that devices running the Plex Web app are on the same network.
3. Connect to the same WiFi.
4. Check if you are connected to Mobile Data.
5. Check that the subnet masks for Plex devices are correctly set.

Solution #4: Disable Your VPN

VPNs are excellent tools for security and privacy. However, it is possible to interfere with the connectivity between the server and client devices.

Using VPNs can change the IP information of Plex devices, not allowing them to see each other.

Usually, this is not the case since Plex has a system that sends connection information via plex.tv as long as you are logged in with your account on both server and client devices.

If you have a VPN active on the device that runs the Plex Media Server app, you want to ensure that it does not interfere with this process.

Here are the steps to use VPN with Plex:

1. Turn off the VPN on your server device.
2. Open the Plex Media Server app.
3. Log in to Plex and make sure to sign in Settings > Server > General.
4. Turn on your VPN.
5. Check if Plex works fine.

Note: Do these steps whenever you restart the server, so Plex correctly sends the connection and IP information to their servers.

You also want to perform these steps when you change networks. For example, you change the connection of the server device from WiFi to wired.

Solution #5: Turn Off Secure Connections Setting on Your Server

Plex uses secure connections by default. However, several apps do not support this method, so you will want to disable this.

You want to make sure that you are not blocking Plex app versions that are not fully supported.

You should not have this problem with most Plex apps like the ones for Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon, and others.

Plex apps for Smart TVs are what you want to look out for since not all of them are supported.

Here’s how to disable secure connections if you have a Plex app that does not support this:

1. Open the Plex Media Server app.
2. Log in using your account.
3. Go to Settings, then select Server.
4. Go to Network.
5. Set the Secure Connections setting to Preferred.

Note: Do not set the Secure Connections setting to Disabled as much as you want to. 

Doing this will not allow the app to connect to the Plex server and show you the You do not have access to this server error.

Thus, the most effective solution for Plex You do not have access to this server error is to make sure that all your Plex devices are on the same network. Connect to the same WiFi network and disable Mobile Data. You also want to turn off your VPNs as this can interfere with properly transmitting the connection information.

Read Next: How to Fix Plex Subtitles Not Working on Roku?

Last Thoughts

The Plex You do not have access to this server is an issue that you can fix in no time. The error message can sound a bit vague.

However, as long as you follow the troubleshooting steps we described, you should be able to get your Plex up and running in no time.

If you are still experiencing this issue, you can always contact Plex support by visiting their website.

They do not have a contact number, but they are pretty responsive on email. They also have an active community forum with members to help you with your Plex problems.