Manage Plex Server via iPad

Justnotsleeping · 9 Oct 2022 at 16:32

I’ve got my Plex server setup on a small form factor Windows 11 PC in the lounge but rather than using a wireless keyboard and mouse to control and manage, I’d like to use a Remote Desktop setup using my iPad.

Does anyone have any advice on what’s the best and most straightforward to use to achieve this. Would it be the Microsoft Remote Desktop app, or are there better options.

Thanks

Justnotsleeping · 9 Oct 2022 at 18:20

Caged said:
Remote Desktop is going to lock the local session when you use it. Sounds like you'd be better with a virtual keyboard/mouse app for the iPad as you already have the TV as the display.

I’ll have a look at that as an option if Remote Desktop gives me any problems. Any ones that you recommend?

Justnotsleeping · 9 Oct 2022 at 18:47

agw_01 said:
You could use VNC instead of RDP. It won't lock the local session allowing you to control the PC on your iPad without affecting the output on the TV. TightVNC is free.

Alternatively, if a remote control is more preferred as per @Caged's suggestion, I've used Unified Remote in the past with great results.

Thanks will give that a look

Justnotsleeping · 9 Oct 2022 at 18:51

ChrisD. said:
Install it on Debian and manage it via SSH/web browser.

I’ve read how Linux is good for Plex server installs but I’ve had very little experience of Linux installs. I also use the PC as an emulator with a Hyperspin drive, so ideally would like to keep Windows. I would like to look into a Linux install at some point as I know they are getting to be a lot more user friendly nowadays.

Justnotsleeping · 11 Oct 2022 at 18:42

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I found an iPad app I'm trying out, called remoteMouse which connects to the PC via either WIFI or bluetooth.

As I'm using the main TV as the output, I guess all I need is a convenient replacement for a keyboard and mouse and so far this works really well. Allows me to pretty much use the PC as if having a keyboard and mouse connected, for organising Plex libraries, web browsing, etc but without having another bit of kit lying about, apart from an Xbox controller for when I also use it as a retro games emulator. I'll use this for a while and maybe look at other options if I come across problems.

That was the other reason to move it downstairs away from my main PC, feels better to play the retro games on TV, or any other games which are not 'AAA' type as its only got a 5600G so won't be playing Cyberpunk on it!

Justnotsleeping · 13 Oct 2022 at 18:26

Apologies, it was probably the initial title that was misleading to this, should have titled it Plex server PC, or even taken out the Plex reference as that didn't really matter to the use case.

The question should have been titled about the control aspect of the PC, just happened to be that a Plex server is one of the primary uses for it. In terms of a Plex client, I use an Apple TV 4k, as I use this for most of my TV type services....works well enough.