Mobile Considerations
On mobile, you'll want to balance quality with data usage. This guide covers optimal settings for both WiFi and cellular streaming.
Access settings from within the Plex app:
WiFi Streaming
Best quality when on the same network as your server.
Best quality on WiFi away from home.
Cellular Streaming
Balance between quality and data usage. Adjust based on your data plan.
Cellular Data Warning
Streaming at Maximum quality over cellular will use a LOT of data. A 2-hour movie at full quality could use 10-20 GB! Set a reasonable limit unless you have unlimited data.
On WiFi, you want consistent quality. On cellular, auto-adjust can help with spotty connections.
Play files without server conversion.
Allow minor format adjustments.
For offline viewing, you can download content to watch without internet:
Best quality for downloaded content. Lower if storage is limited.
Downloads to your iPhone/iPad storage.
Pro Tip: Download Before Traveling
Going on a flight or road trip? Download movies/shows on WiFi before you leave. You'll save data and have content available even without internet!
AirPlay to Apple TV
You can AirPlay from your iPhone/iPad to an Apple TV. However, for best quality, use the native Plex app on Apple TV instead - AirPlay adds an extra step that can affect quality.
Picture-in-Picture
Plex supports iOS Picture-in-Picture! Start playing a video, then swipe up to go home - the video will shrink to a corner so you can multitask.
Recent iPhones and iPads with HDR displays can play HDR content:
HDR Capable Devices
- iPhone X and newer (with Super Retina/XDR displays)
- iPad Pro (2018 and newer)
- iPad Air (4th gen and newer)
Plex will automatically play HDR content on capable devices when streaming at Maximum quality.
Quick Reference - All Settings
- ✓ Home Streaming: Maximum
- ✓ Remote Streaming (WiFi): Maximum
- ✓ Cellular Streaming: 4 Mbps 720p (adjust to preference)
- ✓ Auto Adjust: OFF for WiFi, optionally ON for cellular
- ✓ Direct Play: ON
- ✓ Direct Stream: ON
Buffering on WiFi
- Check WiFi signal strength
- Move closer to your router
- Try lowering quality temporarily
Can't connect to server remotely
- Make sure remote access is enabled on your Plex server
- Check if your server is reachable at app.plex.tv
- Verify port forwarding if needed
Downloads not working
- Check available storage on device
- Make sure you have Plex Pass (required for mobile downloads)
- Verify you're connected to the server