Plex Server Shows Unavailable on TV? Fix It

For media enthusiasts, Plex transforms personal media collections into Netflix-like libraries accessible on any device. However, there’s nothing more frustrating than sitting down to watch your favorite show on TV via Plex, only to be greeted with a message saying the content is “Unavailable.” This issue is surprisingly common and can stem from a mix of settings misconfigurations, network problems, or syncing issues.

TL;DR

If your Plex server shows are unavailable on your TV, the problem usually relates to server accessibility, account mismatching, or network issues. Make sure the Plex Media Server is running, signed in properly, and that both your TV and server are on the same network. Check file compatibility, remote access settings, and library updates. Sometimes, a simple device reboot can also fix the issue.

Common Reasons Shows Appear Unavailable on Plex

Plex uses a centralized media server that streams to various devices, including smart TVs, through client apps. When a show is marked as unavailable, it means the client cannot access, read, or render the media file. Here are the most common underlying causes:

Incorrect server configuration: Server not running, signed out, or misconfigured.
Network connectivity problems: Devices not on the same Wi-Fi or unstable connection.
Media file issues: File location changed, deleted, or format unsupported.
Account mismatch: Signed in with different Plex accounts on server and TV.
Outdated Plex versions: Either the server or client app is outdated.

Step-by-step Fixes for Plex Shows Unavailable on TV

1. Confirm Plex Media Server is Running

An obvious but frequently overlooked issue is that the Plex Media Server might not be turned on or running properly.

Go to the device where Plex Media Server is installed (e.g., PC, NAS, Mac).
Open the Plex dashboard, and ensure it shows as “Online”.
If not, restart the server software or reboot the host device.

2. Verify Internet and Network Connection

Plex requires a consistent and stable local network. If your server and TV aren’t on the same network, content will often be shown as unavailable.

Make sure both your TV and server device are connected to the same local Wi-Fi.
Check for Wi-Fi signal strength and dropout issues.
Consider switching to Ethernet if Wi-Fi is unreliable.

3. Check Library Paths and File Availability

If shows are marked unavailable, it may be because Plex can no longer locate the file on your drive. This usually happens if:

You’ve moved or renamed the media files or folders.
The drive containing the files is disconnected or unavailable.
Plex hasn’t scanned your library recently.

To fix this:

Open the Plex web app and navigate to the show in question.
Confirm that the file path exists and is correct.
Click the three dots next to the library and select “Scan Library Files” to refresh.

4. Ensure Proper Account Sign-In

A mismatch in user accounts can prevent access to content even if it’s technically available. Confirm that the Plex account logged in on your TV matches the one on your server.

On TV, go to the Plex app’s settings and see which account is active.
On the Plex server, check the “Users” section to see active sessions.
Sign out and back in with the correct account if needed.

5. Update Plex Server and Client

Running old versions of Plex can lead to compatibility issues that make content unavailable.

Check for updates in the Plex Media Server dashboard.
On the TV, visit your app store to update the Plex client.
After updates, restart both TV and server for changes to take effect.

6. Enable Remote Access (If Accessing From Another Network)

If you’re trying to watch TV away from your local server (e.g., vacation home, secondary residence), remote access must be configured.

Go to Plex server settings and enable “Remote Access”.
Ensure port forwarding is properly set in your router – typically port 32400.
Check that your Plex account is linked across devices for access permissions.

7. Transcoding and File Compatibility

Some Smart TVs can’t play certain formats directly. In these cases, Plex attempts to transcode the file, but if the server is underpowered (like on a Raspberry Pi), the process may fail:

Try playing the show on another device like a smartphone or PC to test compatibility.
Use Plex’s Optimize Video feature to pre-encode media to a TV-friendly format.
Check the server’s CPU usage. If it spikes heavily, consider upgrading the hardware.

8. Reboot Everything

Sometimes your best option is also the simplest. Reboot the following hardware in order:

Plex Media Server device
Your Wi-Fi router/modem
Your Smart TV

You’d be amazed how many transient issues disappear after a full system refresh.

Advanced Tip: Use Logs to Identify the Problem

If none of the above steps help, Plex keeps extensive logs that can diagnose the issue:

Locate logs in: C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server\Logs on Windows or equivalent on Mac/Linux.
Look for entries containing Error, Unavailable, or Transcode failed.
You can post logs on Plex forums or Reddit’s r/PleX for community help.

FAQ: Troubleshooting Plex Server Unavailable Issues

Q: Why is Plex saying my shows are unavailable only on my smart TV, but they work on my phone?
A: Your TV might not support the media format and fails to transcode it from the server. Your phone likely supports more formats or can process the file more efficiently.
Q: How do I force Plex to rescan my library?
A: In the Plex Web App, click the three dots next to the library and select “Scan Library Files”. This will re-index any newly added or renamed content.
Q: Does remote access need to be enabled for watching Plex on TV?
A: Only if the TV is not on the same local network as your Plex Media Server. If you’re at home, remote access shouldn’t be necessary.
Q: Can a VPN cause my Plex server to appear offline?
A: Yes, VPN configurations can isolate Plex from the local network or block the default port (32400), making media appear unavailable.
Q: Does Plex support all video formats?
A: Plex supports many formats but not all devices can play everything natively. Plex tries to transcode unsupported formats, but this requires adequate server resources.
Q: How do I know if my server is transcoding?
A: Open the Plex dashboard while playing a video and check the “Now Playing” section. It will display if the server is transcoding the file.

Resolving Plex availability issues on your TV can be either a quick fix or a deep dive into compatibility and settings. With this guide, users should be well-equipped to diagnose and fix the problem, returning to seamless binge-watching in no time.