For offline access, you just need to configure that once with the CIDR of your local network(s), and then the next time you're offline the server will allow auth-less use: you'll still be you, but the server itself won't attempt to authenticate you through the internet.

Settings -> <server name> -> Network -> Show Advanced -> List of IP addresses and networks that are allowed without auth

You can also toggle off some of the extra crap they are pushing:

Settings -> <your username> -> Online Media Sources

> Plex no longer worked offline at all.

In Plex settings you need to the IP addresses of devices you will allow to connect to your server without authentication. The setting is listed as "List of IP addresses and networks that are allowed without auth". That way, if Plex or your internet is down, those devices will bypass a check for credentials and have access.

>Plex also doesn’t let me pay for one premium subscription for the server so my family can watch old family guy episodes

Set them up as managed accounts. You can have 15 users on one Plex pass subscription.

You can share the Plex Pass benefit of the mobile apps by adding those users to your Plex Home. The apps also have a one-time purchase option that's like $5, they don't need the full Plex Pass subscription.

https://support.plex.tv/articles/203815766-what-is-plex-home...

I had a somewhat similar experience.

I moved to a new server, installed plex, tried to set everything up under my existing account. It was impossible to move my account to a new server, it seemed to just expect my old one to still be there.

After creating new accounts, removing the old server, etcetc. I just gave up and moved to Jellyfin. It’s been mostly equally good. Better in the sense that it stutters less on my TV (Could be TV app too). Worse in the sense that my parent cannot figure it out.

I hit that the first time I moved servers. Turns out you need to backup and restore the configs on disk for there to be continuation. Doesn't make much sense honestly but whatever.

Well nevermind! The HN community just literally solved my complaints!

I’ll set up my users as managed and pay for them, that’s really perfect. Since all users are accessing via a vps I control I can just whitelist that and my home networks CIDR and might be back in business!

Thanks for the help folks!

I have a plex server with plexpass and not a single person user my server has ever seen ads streaming my content.

I’ve never seen ads thank god, I sincerely hope they never take that step.

Plex free + Tailscale is a surprisingly good solid solution.

I have tails ale with jellyfin only problem I have is I can't cast to Chromecast caus of no https (no domain other then name resolving by tailscale) tailscale recently came out with auto https on reverse proxy with caddy but haven't been able to get it running