Last updated on September 21st, 2022 at 06:17 pm
Alexa, a virtual assistant technology, has been known to do many things, such as; playing music, connecting to a TV, calling, and even setting a reminder. There is a wide range of things it can do.
However, you might wonder if you can play music from Plex with Alexa, given that Alexa doesn’t allow you to upload your music for playback anymore.
In this article, I’ll explain how you can play music from Plex with Alexa or Alexa-enabled devices.
Yes, you can play music from Plex with Alexa. First, however, you must ensure that you have a gadget that can work with Alexa, such as an Echo Dot, Echo, etc. Then, you only need to add the Plex skill to Alexa, launch it, and start playing music with Alexa from Plex. Finally, ask Plex to play music.
Can You Play Music from Plex on Alexa?
Yes! You can play music on Plex using your voice on Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, and other Alexa-enabled devices. Just say Alexa, play, and follow with a song title or artist name.
However, before playing Plex music with Alexa, you must ensure that you are using the updated version of Plex Media Server.
Another thing to note is that Plex skills are only available in some countries. So check to see if it’s available in your region before proceeding.
Let’s see how to use Alexa with your Plex library. First, you must set up Alexa for voice commands if you haven’t already. Enable remote access to Alexa from the Plex Media server.
To do that, follow the steps below:
- First, access your Plex server from Plex Web App.
- Select the settings icon
- Click on “Remote access.”
- Finally, select Enable Remote Access.
With those steps, you can set up remote access to your Plex, and Alexa can get access to it to play music.
Now that you have remote access, the next thing to do is link Plex to Alexa. Next, you need the Alexa app for mobile devices or the Alexa web app.
If you don’t have it, you can download it. Follow the steps below to link Plex to Alexa:
- Open Alexa app
- Click on the menu button.
- Please scroll down to see browse skills and select it.
- Search for “Plex” and select it.
- Click on launch.
Now that you have successfully linked your Plex account to Alexa. You select a media server to use with your voice. There, your setup is complete.
You can then tell Alexa to play music from Plex and get started on playing music from Plex. Just say Alexa, tell Plex to play music.
How Do I Get My Alexa Playlist to Play on Plex?
You can play your Alexa playlist on Plex by renaming the playlist to something unique. Not a name that Plex wouldn’t be able to differentiate from the generic playlist name.
After renaming the playlist, you can now go ahead to use your voice on your Alexa-enabled device to tell Plex to play the playlist by the new name.
If, for example, you rename the playlist as “Moody playlist,” you tell Alexa to open Plex. After opening, ask it to play “moody playlist.”
There, you have it. You can now play your playlist on Plex. Know that you can only do this after linking your Plex account to Alexa.
To create a playlist on Alexa, follow the steps below:
- But, first, ask Alexa to create a playlist.
- Then, give Alexa a name as the playlist name.
- Next, tell Alexa to play a song for you and while the song is playing, tell Alexa to add it to the playlist you just created. It can also be an album you want to add.
How Do I Play Music Through Plex?
If you want to play music on Plex, you must have an account with Plex first. However, you can choose between getting a free or premium version.
Follow these steps to get started:
- So signing up on Plex is the first thing to do.
- Download the Plex app
- Add music or create a playlist in your library.
- Then start streaming music on your device.
It would be best if you had a Plex media server to play music on Plex. In addition, your Plex media server must have a stable internet connection and storage space.
You can use a laptop for your Plex media server or a Raspberry Pi. You do not need to power on your computer every time with a Raspberry Pi.
However, if you intend on using a Raspberry Pi, it would require you to use external storage. So, after setting up your Plex account and media server to host the media files.
You can set up a Plex Media server on a computer by downloading the Plex Media Server, installing it, and then launching it.
Next, you sign in or sign up to create an account if you haven’t already and select where your music files are. That will allow Plex to scan for music files and stream them.
If your music is on external storage, like when using a Raspberry Pi, visit app.plex.tv to set up Plex to scan those files.
Navigate to the Music section, click the vertical “…” button, choose Manage Library > Edit, and add folders.
You should also know that you can play music through Plex on Chromecast devices and Google Home.
To Play Music Through Plex on Google Home
Using Google Home, you can play your music through Plex with a few extra steps.
- First, make sure you install the Plex app on your phone.
- Next, open the app and sign in.
- Then tap the three lines in the top left to open up settings.
- From there, scroll down to Cast and turn that setting on.
Your phone can now control Plex, and you can begin to play music. Open Google Home and say, “Ok Google, ask Plex to play music by…. ”
It will then ask you what music service you want to use or if you want to ask for a specific artist. For instance: “Ok Google, ask plex to play Eminem.”
What Apps Work with Plex Media Server?
There are apps you can use with the Plex Media Server. Below are apps that you can use with the Plex Media Server.
| Apps | How to Use It |
|---|---|
| Roku | Set up Plex with Roku, set it up, and start streaming with the Plex media server. |
| VLC | With VLC, you can view and stream movies and music on a remote device. Connect your VLC this way. |
| Xbox | Connect to your Xbox and sign in to your plex account to use it. |
| Smart TV | Smart TVs can also work with Plex media servers, but not all do, so check the model if yours is compatible. |
Also, other apps work with the Plex media server but do not need to be connected, as they can work alone and add additional features to your Plex Media Server.
Examples of those apps are;
- PlexWatch: PlexWatch sends real-time alerts when Plex Server operations occur. You get information about what’s going on in your Plex Server.
- FileBot: This app organizes and renames music, movies, and TV series. It also downloads subtitles for your media.
- PlexUpdate: PlexUpdate is for Linux Plex Media Server users. It checks for new versions and installs them if allowed. In addition, Plex Pass users can get betas releases using PlexUpdate.
- Kitana: This app offers a web-based interface for adding, managing, and uninstalling Plex plugins.
- Ombi: It lets other people who use your Plex Server ask for new things to watch or listen to. It also informs them when it’s ready or requests for what they asked.
Why Is My Plex Alexa Not Working?
There are several reasons why Alexa on Plex isn’t working, which I’ll explain in the paragraphs below.
- Changed Wi-Fi password
- Outdated device software
- Poor internet connection
- Physical interference
- Improper connection of cables
#1. Wi-Fi Changed Password
If there is a change in your Wi-Fi password, this can result in your Plex Alexa not working. For example, you are using Amazon echo as your Alexa-enabled device.
You connected the echo device to Wi-Fi and recently changed the password. Without the correct password to your device, your Plex Alexa won’t work.
#2. Outdated Device Software
If your Alexa app or Plex is outdated, it can also cause it not to work. So you need to update it regularly to get the latest fix.
#3. Poor Internet Connection
As mentioned earlier in the article, you need a stable internet connection for your Alexa and Plex to work.
If you have a poor internet connection, Alexa won’t be able to connect to the network and, therefore, won’t work.
Check your internet connection or restart your Wi-Fi and confirm if you have a stable connection to use Plex Alexa.
#4. Physical Interference
Devices in your home, such as a microwave or television, distort or block your Wi-Fi. Even thick walls can be a barrier.
These can block your devices from getting signals. So, if that’s your case, check to ensure you take the barrier; else, your Plex Alexa won’t connect.
#5. Improper Connection of Cables
If your cables aren’t connected properly, and you give Alexa a task to play something from Plex, it won’t work and can’t respond.
Check all the cables connected to see if they’re all in place to correct this error.
Conclusion
In summary, you can play music from Plex using Alexa; ensure that you have Alexa-enabled devices to play your music with Alexa.
Remember, access to your Plex account is important. So you give Alexa access to your Plex account and link them together for it to be possible.
Ensure you do everything correctly for you to use your Plex Alexa.