Plex VPN – A Noobs’ Guide to Setup OpenVPN & Channels

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Plex media server holds the position of a leading video platform that provides entertainment demands of viewers around the globe. If you’re vehement to see videos; access favorite channels and stream movies from remote devices safely, then Plex VPN is your go-to solution.

Why Plex VPN?

To watch media content securely on Plex, and air all over the globe without any problem you need a Plex VPN. After reading this guide, you will discover how to use Plex VPN and avail on-demand entertainment services with zero limitations.

Best Plex VPNs

Many video-streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, ESPN, HBO Now, NBC, USTV Now, BeIN Sports are geo-restricted outside of their country. This is because of the content sharing & licensing agreement with partners. (also read, How to Watch Star Trek Discovery Online From Anywhere)

To unblock such leading-edge broadcasting channels on Plex, users need a Plex VPN. You can choose from one of the recommended Plex VPN services below:

5 Best VPN for Plex

1. NordVPN

VPN
NordVPN
Location
Panama
Servers
5,800+ in 59 Countries
Price
3.49$/mo
Support
24/7 Live chat
Refund
30 days
Website
  • Double encryption for added security
  • Automatic kill switch
  • A variety of platform support
  • Six simultaneous connections
  • Zero log keeping policy of internet activities
  • 3-Day free trial
Get 57% off NordVPN (drops the price down to $3.49 per month)
(Discount is applied automatically)
(See the NordVPN review for more test results and analysis.)

2. ExpressVPN

VPN
ExpressVPN
Location
British Virgin Islands
Servers
3,000+ in 94 Countries
Price
8.32$/mo
Support
24/7 Live chat
Refund
30 days
Website
  • Unlimited Bandwidth with Ultra Speed
  • Provides all VPN protocols OpenVPN (TCP, UDP), L2TP-IPsec, SSTP, and PPTP
  • Dedicated VPN Apps for Android & iOS
  • High-End Security with OpenVPN 256-bits
  • Zero log keeping policy of internet activities
  • 3 simultaneous connections
Get 35% off ExpressVPN (drops the price down to $8.32 per month)
(Discount is applied automatically)
(See the ExpressVPN review for more test results and analysis.)

3. Surfshark

VPN
Surfshark
Location
British Virgin Islands
Servers
1,700+ in 63+ Countries
Price
2.49$/mo
Support
24/7 Live chat
Refund
30 days
Website
  • AES 256-Bit Network Encryption
  • Chrome Extension Available
  • Kill-Switch functionality
  • A variety of platform support
  • Zero log keeping policy of internet activities
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
Get 82% off Surfshark (drops the price down to $2.49 per month)
(Discount is applied automatically)
(See the Surfshark review for more test results and analysis.)

4. CyberGhost

VPN
CybberGhostVPN
Location
Bucharest, Romania
Servers
6,200+ in 87+ Countries
Price
2.11$/mo
Support
24/7 Live chat
Refund
45 days
  • Uses AES 256 Encryption
  • Supports OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP
  • DNS & IP Leak Protection
  • Uses 2048 Key & MD5 Authentication
  • Zero log keeping policy of internet activities
  • Up to 7 Simultaneous Connections
Get 84% off CybberGhostVPN (drops the price down to $2.11 per month)
(Discount is applied automatically)
(See the CybberGhostVPN review for more test results and analysis.)

5. Private Internet Access

VPN
Private Internet Access
Location
United States
Servers
3,320+ in 30+ Countries
Price
2.03$/mo
Support
24/7 Live chat
Refund
7 days
  • Offers all Protocols PPTP, OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec including SOCKS5 Proxy
  • IPv6 Leak Protection & DNS Leak Protection
  • Kill-Switch functionality
  • Encrypted Wi-Fi Protection
  • Zero log keeping policy of internet activities
  • 10 simultaneous connections
Get 83% off PIA (drops the price down to $2.03 per month)
(Discount is applied automatically)
(See the PIA review for more test results and analysis.)

Evade Geo Restriction On Plex Via A VPN

In an experiment, we attempted to access CBS on Plex from the outside USA. However, we were instantly implied with following error message:

best-plex-vpn

After connecting to the US server of a VPN:

best-plex-vpn

 

As soon as we connected to the US server of Plex VPN; we gained immediate access to CBS. Also, we streamed CBS 60 Minutes with no pauses or buffering.

 

Moreover, we recommend viewers prefer a VPN that proposes an abundance of servers to circumvent network bottlenecks. That said, Plex VPN services named above offer numbers of servers scattered across central regions of the world. They will guarantee a cutting-edge streaming experience to contributors while they access Plex through VPN.

Why Do You Need Plex VPN?

Nothing is more gratifying than seeing favorite channels on a wonderful video-platform. However, with freemium services like Plex come to some restrictions. To circumvent such limitations securely, subscribers find Plex VPN as a proper and cost-effective solution. (also check, How to Watch French TV Outside France)

Benefits of using Plex VPN

Advantages that you obtain by using VPN and Plex together:

  • One-touch access to top-rated channels (ESPN, CBS, Fox GO, HBO Now & more)
  • Bypass geo-blockings inflicted on exclusive TV shows (House of Cards, Game of Thrones, Orange is the New Black and much more)
  • Evade state-sponsored censorships
  • Get rid of ISP bandwidth throttling and obtain high-speed media streaming
  • High security against cyber perils when accessing untested and beta plugin

In addition to this, Plex VPN serves as a gateway to the world of an on-demand movie with zero barriers and restrictions. For years, streaming aficionadi had to arbitrate on favorite shows, due to the forced geo-blocks.

But with the perfect union of Plex and VPN, viewers have a chance to endure the leading-edge entertainment services without restrictions. (also see, Best Kodi Builds for Krypton 17 in 2017 and How to Install These)

How to Use Plex With VPN

Plex VPN configuration is an easy four-step method that doesn’t need any manual configuration. To start using Plex with VPN, pick from one of the named Plex VPN services, download, and install its software on your device. Upon complete installation, follow the steps below.

  • Access the VPN and snap on the settings icon found at top right corner of the window.

1

 

  • In settings, type-in your credentials

2

  • Now, click on Dashboard from the left pane and choose the location of United States.

3

  • Finally, click connect!

4

Once connected successfully, you will be capable of enjoying hours of non-stop entertainment on Plex without bothering about geo-restrictions. Also, fast streaming, secure connection, and restriction-free access are the combined advantage of using Plex VPN.

VPN Bypass for Plex Media Server

A VPN is beneficial in various conditions, but can also have its shortcomings. One of the difficulties linked with a VPN over Plex is its problem of fetching content while streaming. It seeks to route the data via the VPN IP address rather than your original IP address. However, you can readily avoid this issue.

Thankfulness to XFlak, one of the users on Plex forum, you can remotely access content even outdoing a VPN connection. He made a script and uploaded on Plex panels so that you can circumvent VPN to access Plex Media Server. Just download the batch file and follow the steps below. (the following steps for Windows 7 or higher):

Launch Run menu on Windows (press Windows key + R)

  1. Enter ‘Taskschd.msc’ in the run command
  2. Click ‘Create Task’
  3. Name the task and click ‘Ok.’
  4. Now head over to ‘Triggers’ tab and click ‘New.’
  5. Under the ‘Begin the task’ drop-down menu, select ‘At startup.’
  6. Also, choose the checkbox of ‘Repeat task every 1 hour’ and pick the duration to ‘Indefinitely.’
  7. Now move to ‘Action’ tab and click ‘New.’
  8. Browse to where you downloaded the batch file, select the file, and hit ‘Ok.’
  9. When you see the file under the ‘Actions’ tab, click ‘Ok.’
  10. Access Plex Media Server behind a VPN!

Plex Remote Access VPN

To remotely access VPN with Plex, you have two possibilities. The method illustrated in the section ‘Plex VPN Bypass for Plex Media Server’ should also enable you to access Plex remotely. Just be sure that on your router, the port is forwarded to ‘32400’, identical internal port as Plex Server.

On the other hand, you can also remotely access Plex by using a VPN GUI. To do this, here is a step-by-step guide:

  1. Download a VPN software
  2. Install the VPN GUI on your system
  3. Also, download the OpenVPN config file from your VPN provider’s website
  4. Load the OpenVPN config files to VPN software and .’ your VPN
  5. Now configure your router for port forwarding to your Windows machine
  6. Also, designate another port for Plex through the server settings
  7. Once this is done, you should view a green checkmark under Plex Remote Access VPN settings.

How to Use Plex with OpenVPN

Plex can be connected to a VPN once Remote Access is permitted. You can use any VPN provider as long as you are using OpenVPN.

This method does not go through Port-forwarding so make sure your Plex does connect when VPN is not running.

Step 1: On your Windows, search for Command Prompt > Run the following command ipconfig | find “Default Gateway” and hit Enter > Note the IP Address as this is your Gateway.

How-to-Use-Plex-with-OpenVPN-Step-1

For OSX users run the following command netstat -nr | grep ‘^default’ > Note your IP Address as this is your Gateway

Step 2: Now this step will be similar for all users. Run the following command nslookup my.plexapp.com and note all the IP addresses that appear on your screen.

How-to-Use-Plex-with-OpenVPN-Step-2

Step 3: Now append all the numbers in a format described below:

route [Plex addresses] 255.255.255.255 [Your Gateway] Just like the following for my IP:

route 52.48.208.249 255.255.255.255 192.168.65.1

route 52.212.16.88 255.255.255.255 192.168.65.1

route 54.72.10.166 255.255.255.255 192.168.65.1

route 52.16.200.112 255.255.255.255 192.168.65.1

route 52.17.42.37 255.255.255.255 192.168.65.1

route 52.18.201.205 255.255.255.255 192.168.65.1

Step 4: Now you require to add these addresses to the OpenVPN Configuration file. Then you require to restart your connection and also, try connecting Plex to remote access. Consider changing the manual port to 32400 and click on Apply.

Step 5: Plex would need Port Forwarding before it can support VPN to bypass. Since you’re assigned to random ports, it can complex situation. You may need a normal router or a Firewall for the VPN to circumvent.

How to Add Channels on Plex

For adding channels into your Plex, there is a requirement for installing Plex Plugins for a special channel. For example, if you want to add MTV channel you need an MTV Plex Plugin. Follow the steps highlighted below:

Step 1: Github Plex Plug-ins

How-to-Add-Channels-on-Plex-Step-1

Step 2: Locate and Click on MTV Plex Pugin

How-to-Add-Channels-on-Plex-Step-2

Next, Step 3: Click on ‘Clone or Download’ option > Then click on Download Zip.

How-to-Add-Channels-on-Plex-Step-3
Step 4: Save the file > Right click on the file and select Extract Here

How-to-Add-Channels-on-Plex-Step-4

Step 5: A new folder will appear > Change the name of the folder, i.e., MTV-Music-Videos.bundle-master to MTV-Music-Videos.bundle thereby removing ‘-master.’

How-to-Add-Channels-on-Plex-Step-5

 

Step 6: Now copy the same folder

How-to-Add-Channels-on-Plex-Step-6

Next, Step 7: Now open Plex Plug-ins Folder and paste the MTV Plex Plugin (extracted folder)

How-to-Add-Channels-on-Plex-Step-7

Step 8: Open Plex Media Server > Go to Channels option > Here you will observe your MTV Channel arrive on the screen.

How-to-Add-Channels-on-Plex-Step-8

Platform Availability:

These platforms cover Windows, Mac OS X, Linux (Desktop); iOS, Android, Windows Phone (Mobile), Android TV, Roku, Chromecast, Xbox, PlayStation (Others). (also read, How to Watch Stranger Things 2 Online?)

Price

You can avail both free and paid version; the paid version will cost you only $ 4.99/month with added features.

Conclusion:

In this guide, we have uncovered how to access Plex through VPN; why should you access Plex with VPN and the advantages of using Plex and VPN. With that said, you’re all free to search internet like never before. Make sure to leave us a comment about your views or question us any query that you might have about Plex VPN!

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