How to Use Plex on Android TV

Edited 4 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Plex is a great tool that allows you to manage and stream your media library such as movies, TV shows, music, and photos across different devices. One of the most popular platforms to use Plex on is Android TV. In this guide, we'll show you how to set up Plex on your Android TV, from the initial installation to streaming your favorite content.

Introduction to Android TV

Android TV is a version of the Android operating system designed for digital media players, set-top boxes, soundbars, and TVs. It allows users to stream videos directly to their televisions. With features such as Google Play Store integration and Google Cast, Android TV enhances the home entertainment experience.

Understanding Plex

Plex changes the way you experience media. It organizes your personal media, presents it beautifully, and streams it to your various devices. The main components of Plex are:

• Plex Media Server: This is the heart of Plex where your media library is stored. It can be installed on your computer or a NAS (network attached storage) device.
• Plex app: The client application that is used to access your media content from any supported device, such as Android TV.

Setting up the Plex media server

Before you can use Plex on Android TV, the first step is to set up the Plex Media Server. Follow these steps:

1. Download the Plex media server installer from the Plex website.
2. Install the server on your computer or NAS. Follow the on-screen instructions during installation.
3. Once installed, open the Plex Media Server on your device. A web-based interface will launch.
4. Sign up or log in to your Plex account.
5. Add your media to the library by clicking 'Add Library' and selecting the folders you want to include.
6. Finish the initial setup. Now your media server is ready and waiting to be accessed by your Plex apps.

Installing Plex on Android TV

After you've set up the Plex Media Server, you'll need to install the Plex app on your Android TV. Here's how:

1. Turn on your Android TV and make sure it is connected to the Internet.
2. Go to Google Play Store from the home screen.
3. Type "Plex" in the search bar and search for it.
4. Find and select the Plex app from the search results.
5. Click “Install” to download and install the app on your Android TV.
6. Once installed, open the Plex app.

Launching and setting up Plex on Android TV

Now that Plex is installed on your Android TV, you need to link it to your Plex Media Server. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Plex app on your Android TV.
2. The app may ask you to sign in with your Plex account. Enter your login information to proceed.
3. Once logged in, the app will automatically search for available Plex media servers on your network.
4. Select your Plex media server from the list to connect.
5. Once connected, you'll see your media library. You can navigate to movies, shows, music, or photos by selecting the appropriate library.

Navigating Plex on Android TV

The Plex interface on Android TV is designed to be user-friendly. Here's how you can navigate and use it effectively:

• Home screen: This is the default view that displays recommendations, recently added content, and top picks.
• Media Library: Your categorized content such as movies, TV shows, music or photos. Navigate using the side menu.
• Search functionality: Use the search option to quickly find specific content.
• Playback options: While watching a video, you can pause, play, fast forward, rewind, or adjust the volume using your remote control.

Using voice commands with Plex

If your Android TV remote has a microphone, you can use Google Assistant voice commands to control Plex. For example:

• Say "Hey Google, open Plex" to launch the app.
• Use commands like "Play Bohemian Rhapsody" to start streaming specific media.
• To pause or stop, just say "stop" or "stop".

Customization and settings

Plex on Android TV comes with various settings for customization to suit your preferences:

• Account settings: Manage your account details and preferences.
• Library preferences: Organize how your media is displayed.
• Video playback settings: Adjust the video quality based on your network speed.
• Subtitles: Enable or disable subtitles and adjust their appearance.

Optimizing Plex performance

For the best experience when using Plex on Android TV, consider the following tips:

• Make sure your Plex media server is always on and connected to the network.
• If possible, connect your Android TV to the network via an Ethernet cable for a stable connection.
• Regularly update both your Plex media server and the Plex app on Android TV to get the latest features and bug fixes.

Explore more features

Plex offers various additional features that enhance its use:

• Plex Pass: A subscription service that offers premium features like offline downloads, live TV and DVR, advanced music features, and more.
• Remote access: Stream your content from anywhere by enabling remote access in the Plex media server settings.
• Plugins: Extend functionality through community-developed plugins.

Becoming familiar with these additional features can greatly improve your Plex experience, making your Android TV a smarter and more dynamic media center.

Troubleshooting common problems

While Plex is generally easy to use, you may encounter some common problems. Here are solutions for some:

• Plex isn’t connecting: Make sure both devices are on the same network and the Plex media server is running.
• Playback problems: Check your Internet speed. Lower the video quality setting if necessary.
• Library isn't updating: Refresh your library to index new content.

Conclusion

Using Plex on Android TV turns your TV into a full-featured media center. From installing the Plex Media Server to streaming your favorite content, this guide gives you the foundation to get started. Explore all the features Plex has to offer and enjoy seamless entertainment in your living room.

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