Plex is a fantastic tool for streaming movies, music, and personal media collections. Whether you’re a Plex beginner or looking to maximize your streaming experience, casting Plex on your TV can elevate your viewing sessions. Here’s a simple guide to help you cast Plex to your TV in no time!
Set Up Your Plex Account and Server
Before you cast Plex to your TV, make sure you have:
- A Plex account: Sign up for a free account on the Plex website.
- Plex Media Server: Install and set up the Plex Media Server on a computer or NAS (Network Attached Storage) device. This server stores your media files and allows streaming to various devices.
Once your Plex Media Server is ready, you can access your content from any device with the Plex app, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Ensure Your Devices Are on the Same Wi-Fi Network
For casting to work seamlessly, ensure:
- Your TV (or casting device) and the device you are casting from (phone, tablet, or computer) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Stable internet connection for smooth streaming without interruptions.
Download and Open the Plex App
Download the Plex app on the device you plan to cast from:
- For smartphones and tablets, the app is available in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- For computers, open Plex’s website in a browser and sign in to your account.
After downloading, open the Plex app and sign in to your account. You’ll see your media library, ready to be cast to your TV.
How to Cast Plex to your TV?
Depending on your TV setup, here are three common casting methods:
Using Chromecast
1. Connect Chromecast to your TV and ensure it’s on the same Wi-Fi network as your Plex app.
2. Open the Plex app on your device, select the media you want to watch, and tap the Cast icon (it looks like a TV with a Wi-Fi symbol).
3. Choose your Chromecast device from the list. Your content will start playing on your TV.
Smart TV with Built-In Casting
1. Many smart TVs have built-in Chromecast or DLNA support. In this case, simply open the Plex app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap the Cast icon and select your TV from the device list.
3. The content should appear on your TV screen.
Streaming Devices (Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick)
1. Ensure your streaming device (Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick) is connected and on the same Wi-Fi as your casting device.
2. Open the Plex app on your casting device, tap the Cast icon, and select your streaming device.
3. The content will play on your TV through the connected device.
Control Playback on Your TV
Once casting, you can control playback directly from your device:
- Pause, play, rewind, or fast-forward using the controls within the Plex app.
- Adjust the volume if needed.
Additionally, some casting methods let you use your TV remote for certain controls, depending on compatibility.
How to Fix Unable to Cast Plex Issue
If you encounter any issues, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Restart your devices: Power cycle your TV, streaming device, and the device you’re casting from.
- Update the Plex app: Ensure you’re using the latest version of Plex for optimal performance.
- Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Disconnect and reconnect both devices to Wi-Fi for a stable connection.
- Check device compatibility: Not all TVs and streaming devices support Plex casting. Verify compatibility on the Plex website.
Casting Plex to your TV is a simple way to enjoy your media on the big screen. By setting up your Plex server, connecting to the same Wi-Fi network, and selecting the right casting device, you can easily stream movies, shows, and music from Plex to your TV. Whether you’re a seasoned Plex user or new to streaming, this guide should make the process clear and straightforward. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
Frequently Asked Questions
Many smart TVs support direct casting from Plex, especially those with Chromecast or DLNA support, such as LG, Samsung, and Vizio SmartCast TVs. Alternatively, you can use streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, or Chromecast with older TVs.
The Cast icon may not appear if:
1. Your device isn’t connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV or casting device.
2. The app isn’t updated to the latest version. Try updating Plex and reconnecting to Wi-Fi.
Yes, Plex supports subtitles while casting. You can enable and select subtitles within the Plex app, and they’ll appear on your TV screen if the subtitle format is compatible.