Plex Playback Error: Causes & How to Fix it

Clear the Plex Media Server data to troubleshoot the issue

5 min. read

Updated onJune 6, 2024

updated onJune 6, 2024

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Key notes

Plex users across different platforms have complained about a playback error when opening a media file. This prevents access to streaming or accessing the content of the media file.

However, the challenge remains how to overcome and resolve the playback error in Plex. Hence, this guide will provide you with detailed steps to fix it.

What does not available for playback mean on Plex?

In short, the playback error content is unavailable on the Plex Media Server, or the Plex app.

What are the common playback errors on Plex?

Why does playback error occur?

Nonetheless, you can resolve the error using the troubleshooting steps discussed in the next section of this article.

How do I fix the Plex playback error?

We recommend you observe the following preliminary checks:

In case these preliminary checks can’t fix the error, proceed with the solutions highlighted below:

1. Change video quality in the Plex app or web

The above steps are the most confirmed to be effective for fixing the playback error in Plex. This option plays the video in its original quality without any transcoding. Check what to do if thePlex app is not workingon your device.

2. Clear the Plex Media Server data

Clearing the cache would help resolve playback issues and free up storage space used by cached data. Also, it deletes corrupted data interfering with its processing.

3. Change Plex player Transcoder quality

Note that the steps to change transcoding quality may vary depending on the Plex app (e.g., Android, iOS, Smart TV, etc.). However, the general idea is to find the app’s settings and look for a section related to video quality or transcoding.

Playback errors are common and can also occur on your Stremio app. Lucky for you, we’ve already addressed various ways to combat such issues.

Alternatively, read our article discussing what to do if thePlex app doesn’t work with Windows 10or how tostart it without logging in.

Should you have further questions or suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments section.

Plex Playback Error: Causes & How to Fix it#

How do I fix the Plex playback error?#

1. Change video quality in the Plex app or web#

2. Clear the Plex Media Server data#

3. Change Plex player Transcoder quality#

Plex Playback Error: Causes & How to Fix it

How do I fix the Plex playback error?

1. Change video quality in the Plex app or web

2. Clear the Plex Media Server data

3. Change Plex player Transcoder quality