How do I control Plex on my PC from my phone?
Plex HTPC (Plex's TV-style app for Windows and Mac) is built to be driven with arrow keys, Enter and back, so a phone deck that presses those keys works as its remote. With SofaDeck you get those as big buttons for free, plus the PC's volume, a sleep timer and shutdown. Plex's own phone app can also cast to Plex players on your network; use SofaDeck for everything around it.
- Install SofaDeck on your PC (free)
- Scan the QR code with your phone
- Tap
Works on iPhone & Android — no app needed. Scan the QR code on your PC with the phone's camera and the remote opens in its browser. On Android you can also add the optional Google Play app.
Plex HTPC replaced the old Plex Media Player as Plex's "10-foot" app for computers plugged into a TV. It runs fullscreen with a TV interface and expects a remote, a game controller or a keyboard. A phone running SofaDeck covers the keyboard side: tap ↑ ↓ ← →, OK and Back on big buttons, and Play/Pause from the media keys, which Plex follows.
The same buttons work in Plex Web (app.plex.tv) in a browser on the PC, and voice can open it: say "open Plex".
Set it up in 5 steps
- Install SofaDeck on the PC that runs Plex HTPC or the Plex web app.
- Pair your phone: scan the QR code and type the PIN.
- Add Key / hotkey buttons for ↑ ↓ ← →, Enter (OK) and Esc (back).
- Add Play/Pause and the volume keys from the Media remote template, or as Media buttons.
- Add a button that opens Plex HTPC (from the imported Start Menu apps) so the whole evening starts from the phone.
Buttons to add for Plex
| Button | What it sends | What it does | Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| ↑ ↓ ← → | Keys: ↑, ↓, ←, → | Moves around Plex HTPC's screens. | Free |
| OK | Key: Enter | Opens the highlighted show or film, or presses the highlighted button. | Free |
| Back | Key: Esc | Goes back a screen (if your version uses Backspace for back, add that instead). | Free |
| Play / Pause | Media key: Play/Pause | Media key: pauses and resumes what Plex is playing. | Free |
| Play / Pause (key) | Key: Space | Space pauses in the player when Plex is in front. | Free |
| Volume − / + | Media keys: Volume down, Volume up | Changes the Windows volume. | Free |
| Mute | Media key: Mute | Mutes the PC. | Free |
| Open Plex HTPC | App: Plex HTPC (imported from the Start Menu) | Starts Plex HTPC. | Free |
| Plex Web | Website: app.plex.tv | Opens Plex in the PC's browser. | Free |
| Fullscreen (browser) | Key: F11 | Makes the browser fullscreen when you use Plex Web. | Free |
| Screen off | PC power: screen off | Display off, PC still running (handy for music). | Free |
| Sleep | PC power: sleep | Puts the PC to sleep after you confirm on the phone. | Free |
Check Plex HTPC's own settings for its keyboard and remote mappings; Plex changes the app often. The free version holds one page of 12 buttons, so start with the ones you reach for most; Pro removes the limit.
Or just say it
Tap the microphone on the phone (or type in the say-or-type bar) and SofaDeck runs the command on the PC. Any button also runs by saying its label. The full voice command list has the rest.
| Say | What happens |
|---|---|
open Plex | Opens Plex Web in the browser, or your Plex HTPC button if it's on the deck. |
pause / play | Media Play/Pause key. |
volume 35 | Sets the PC's volume. |
sleep in an hour | Sleep timer with a countdown on the phone. |
What's free and what needs Pro
Everything on this page is in the free version. Pro (from $6.99 once, no subscription) adds more pages, hotkey combos, macros and Smart pages that switch the phone to your Plex page when Plex comes to the front (Windows), if you want more later. See Pro.
Limits, honestly
- SofaDeck doesn't show your Plex library, posters or a seek bar on the phone; you browse on the TV with the arrow buttons.
- Arrow keys and Esc go to the window in front. Plex HTPC in fullscreen is in front while you watch.
- SofaDeck controls the PC, not your Plex server's remote access, and it doesn't stream video to the phone.
- Plex on a smart TV, Roku or Fire TV isn't a PC, so SofaDeck can't control it.
SofaDeck runs on Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit). The phone needs only a browser: iPhone or Android, no app to install, on the same Wi-Fi as the PC.
Other ways to control Plex from your phone
Plex's own mobile app can control Plex players on your network (the cast icon), which is the nicest way to pick something from your library on the phone. It depends on the player being visible to Plex on the network. SofaDeck doesn't need any Plex setting, keeps working when you switch to a browser or a game on the same PC, and adds volume, sleep timer and power buttons.
Plex is a trademark of its owner. SofaDeck is made by Dixon App Studio and isn't affiliated with or endorsed by the makers of Plex. Shortcuts listed are the app's defaults at the time of writing and can change.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free remote for Plex HTPC?
SofaDeck's free version covers it: the arrows, Enter and Esc are single keys, and media and volume keys are free. Pro adds extra pages, Smart pages that switch to your Plex page when Plex comes to the front, and macros.
Does this work with Plex for Windows (the desktop app)?
Yes, the same keys and media keys work in the Plex desktop app and in Plex Web. Plex HTPC is the one designed for remote-style arrow navigation.
Do I need Plex Pass?
No. SofaDeck presses keys on the PC; it doesn't use any Plex feature or account.
Can I watch Plex on my phone with this?
No. SofaDeck is a remote. To watch on the phone itself, use Plex's phone app.