Plex Introduces Option to Turn Off 2-Hour Autoplay Timer

Plex's two-hour autoplay timer has long been considered one of its most frustrating features. If you fail to interact with Plex within two hours, it will not automatically load the next episode of your chosen show. Finally, this inconvenience is addressed in the latest Plex update, which allows users to modify or eliminate the autoplay timer altogether. Additionally, Plex is introducing new options for skipping introductions, skipping credits, and enhancing the "up-next" functionality.

By default, Plex still sets the autoplay timer to two hours. To make adjustments or disable the timer, access the Plex settings on your playback device, navigate to the "Player Experience" section, and locate the "Passout Protection" setting. If you wish to disable the timer, simply select "Never Prompt." It is important to note that this particular feature does require a Plex Pass subscription.

This update brings various playback enhancements for Plex Pass members. A new feature called Rewind on Resume ensures that media rewinds up to 30 seconds when playback is resumed. Plex now allows users to automatically skip intros, credits, or advertisements (ad-skipping is only available for DVR content), and credit sequences can remain in full screen when autoplay is active instead of shrinking to a miniplayer. These settings are accessible on your playback device, except for iOS and Apple TV, which will have them in the future.

Furthermore, Plex is expanding on the streaming quality improvements introduced in August 2023. The concept is straightforward – Plex will automatically adjust the streaming quality based on network bandwidth. This primarily impacts remote streaming. If a significant drop in bandwidth is detected during a remote stream (or if the video player buffers three times), a prompt will appear on the screen to reduce streaming quality. Users will also be prompted to increase streaming quality when feasible. Further details can be found on Plex's support page. (It is always recommended to stream at maximum quality if possible, as reducing playback quality requires transcoding, which is resource-intensive and can slow down your server.)

Plex has made several playback improvements that are highly appreciated. Previously, users frequently complained about issues such as the two-hour autoplay timer and the credit sequence miniplayer on the r/Plex subreddit and Plex forum. It is important to update the Plex app to access these enhancements. However, please be aware that certain changes are currently not accessible on iOS or Apple TV devices.

Editor's P/S

As a Plex user, I am thrilled about the recent update that introduces the option to turn off the 2-hour autoplay timer. This has been a long-standing annoyance for many users, and its removal is a welcome change. The ability to customize the autoplay timer or disable it altogether gives users more control over their streaming experience, allowing them to watch content without interruption.

The addition of new options for skipping introductions, credits, and enhancing the "up-next" functionality further improves the overall playback experience. These features make it easier to navigate through content and skip unwanted parts, streamlining the viewing process. The improved "up-next" functionality ensures a smooth transition between episodes, enhancing the overall flow of content.