Plex is a popular media server app that lets you stream your media libraries to various devices like Samsung Smart TVs. However, some Samsung Smart TV users face issues with the Plex app not working properly on their TVs.
Here at Smart Home Apt, we shall look into are some effective tips you can try to resolve Plex streaming issues on your Samsung Smart TV.
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Major causes for Plex not working on Samsung Smart TV includes:
- Outdated Plex App: If you haven't updated the Plex app on your Samsung TV for a long time, it could cause connectivity or playback issues. Update the Plex app to the latest version to fix any bugs or glitches.
- Outdated TV Software: Outdated Smart TV software can also lead to problems with apps not working properly. Check if there are any pending software or firmware updates for your Samsung TV. Install the updates to get the latest patches.
- Plex Media Server Issues: If your Plex Media Server on another device is facing issues, it will affect the Plex app on your Samsung TV. Restart your Plex Media Server like a NAS device or computer to refresh it. This can resolve connectivity or loading issues with the TV app.
- Network Connection Problems: Network connectivity problems will interfere with the Plex app functioning on your Samsung Smart TV. Ensure your TV has a strong and stable WiFi or Ethernet connection. Restart your router and modem to refresh the network.
- Wrong Plex Account Login: If you are using the wrong Plex username or password to sign in to the Plex app, it will not work properly. Make sure you are using the correct login credentials for your Plex account.
- Samsung TV Hardware Issues: In rare cases, a hardware problem with your Samsung Smart TV could also lead to app issues. If restarting or resetting your TV does not fix the Plex app, it could indicate a hardware problem and you should have the TV serviced. The WiFi/Ethernet port, motherboard or other components may need repair or replacement.
- Plex Server Permissions Issue: If you have not granted permission for your Samsung TV device to access your Plex Media Server, the Plex app will not work. You may need to login to your Plex server settings and provide access permission to your Samsung TV on the local network so that it can stream media from the server.
How to fix Plex App Not Working on Samsung Smart TV ?
1. Ensure That Your Samsung TV Is Compatible With Plex
To use the Plex app, you must have a Samsung smart TV from 2016 or later that runs the Tizen OS. You can look up the model year and operating system version of your Samsung TV on their official website.
If you have a Samsung TV made before 2016, it's more cost-effective and simpler to add a streaming stick than to replace the whole TV.
You can enjoy Plex on any TV, smart or not, by plugging in a Fire TV Stick or a Roku streaming stick. Both of these devices are user-friendly and include all the major streaming apps.
2. Power Cycle the Samsung TV
It is common for app issues to be the result of random software glitches in TVs. As is typical for most software issues, the best solution is to power cycle the system by turning it off and then back on again.
The easiest way to restart Samsung TV apps is to fully power off the TV. Hitting the power button on your remote will not fully turn off the TV, but instead put it into standby mode, which does not force a restart of the active app.
Two methods exist to reboot a Samsung TV.
To Restart your TV using the remote:
- Ensure that your TV is not in standby mode, but rather on.
- With your remote's power button held, the TV will switch off immediately.
- Keep the power button pressed down until the TV turns back on.
- Afterwards, press the Home button and open the Plex App.
To Restart your TV manually:
- Disconnect the power cable of your TV from the electric socket or surge protector.
- Allow two minutes to pass.
- Reconnect the power cable and turn your TV on.
- Press the Home button.
- Choose the Plex App.
3. Test Your Internet Speed
A slow internet connection can disrupt streaming services like Plex, causing prolonged buffering or even prevent successful connection to Plex servers.
To ensure your internet connection is running fast enough, you can run an Internet Speed Test on your computer or phone. Make sure the device you use is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV. If you are using your phone, don't forget to turn off mobile data and only connect to your Wi-Fi.
If your internet connection speed is below 3-4 Mbps for standard streaming and 5-8 Mbps for HD, you should take the below steps to increase it:
- Look for possible sources of interference or disruption, such as an excessive number of walls between the router and the television.
- Reboot your router and modem (refer to the next tip).
- Reach out to the internet service provider to determine if there are any network difficulties or if an upgrade is necessary.
4. Reboot your router and modem
It is likely that the issue is with your local Wi-Fi network rather than the TV or the Plex app.
Rather than attempting to troubleshoot each possible network issue, it's simpler to simply restart your network. Doing so on a regular basis (once a month or so) can help maintain your network's optimal functionality.
Before beginning, ensure that no one in your household is currently using the internet. This process will temporarily disconnect all network and internet connections for approximately five minutes during the reboot.
Alright, let's begin:
- Disconnect the power cable from your modem and router.
- Allow 30 seconds to pass.
- Reconnect the power cables.
- Wait a few minutes for the modem and router to power on.
Once your TV is reconnected to the network, launch the Plex app to test it out. If you had slow network speeds when you tested previously, now is a good time to run another test. Restarting your router can temporarily improve your speeds, but it won't necessarily solve all issues.
5. Perform Samsung TV Firmware Update
Firmware updates can often be the solution to your TV app issues, just like app updates.
Samsung smart TVs can update themselves automatically, but users also have the ability to manually initiate a firmware update if necessary. This is a useful feature, particularly if the automatic updates are not functioning correctly and the user is unaware.
To update your Samsung TV:
- Press the Home button on your remote control to open the smart hub.
- Then, go to Settings in the menu.
- Select the Software Update tab.
- Press Update Now and wait for the download to complete.
- Finally, follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
After updating the firmware, attempt to use the Plex app again.
6. Clear the Plex App Cache
Instead of reinstalling, Samsung TVs allow users to clear the cache of an app, which is similar to deleting the cookies of an internet browser. Doing this can often fix any random issues with the app.
To do this:
- Press the Home button on your Samsung TV's remote control to open the Smart Hub.
- Navigate to Settings in the menu.
- Then select the Apps tab.
- Select System Apps and click on the Plex app.
- Click Clear Cache and press OK to confirm.
7. Reinstall your Plex App
Clearing the cache is often enough to get rid of app glitches, but if that doesn't work, you'll need to fully uninstall the app and reinstall it again.
To delete the Plex app on your TV:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Then select Apps from the on-screen menu.
- Next, click Settings and navigate to the Plex App.
- Select Delete, and press Delete in the pop-up to confirm.
To Reinstall Plex on your TV:
- Press the Home button on the remote.
- Navigate to the Apps section on the on-screen menu and select the Search icon (the magnifying glass).
- Type in "Plex" in the search box and press the Install button.
Attempt to use the Plex app again and enter your login details, as they won't be saved from your previous installation.
8. Turn Off Your VPN if applicable
Most video apps and streaming services attempt to hinder VPN traffic. If the VPN that you are using has been identified and blocked by Plex, it is likely that you won't be able to access the streaming content. The most straightforward approach to determining whether this is the case is to disable the VPN and give the connection another try.
9. Try Plex on a different Device
Attempt to open Plex on your computer or any other device connected to your network.
If Plex functions properly on other gadgets but not your TV, it is time to reach out to Samsung's customer service team.
However, if Plex does not work on any of your devices, the issue could be related to your Plex account or Plex's servers.
10. Check the Status of Plex Server
If you suspect that there is an outage in your area, you can use Downdetector to check if other users are having issues with Plex. Usually, these outages are local and can be quickly resolved.
If you can't find anything on Downdetector, it's probably time to contact Plex support or check Plex Support Twitter page for a more up-to-date information.
11. Perform Factory Reset on Your TV
It's time to give a factory reset a go as a final option. This will wipe out all of the settings and data of your TV, which includes those of your Plex app. Even though this will delete the settings and data of your app, it could potentially resolve any issues you have with your streaming application.
To do this:
- Press the Home button on your Samsung TV's remote control to access the smart hub.
- Navigate to the Settings menu, then the General tab (or Support -> Self Diagnosis on some TVs).
- Choose Reset, and if prompted, enter your pin or the default of 0000.
- Finally, click OK to confirm the reset process.
Attempt to launch the Plex app one more time. This should have resolved any software or firmware issues that were preventing the app from running on your Samsung TV.
