Plex Installing Update Retry Connection Error? Fix It 

Plex has garnered a loyal user base as a robust and intuitive media server platform, providing seamless access to movies, TV shows, music, and more across multiple devices. However, like any software, Plex isn’t immune to issues—one persistent problem users encounter is the frustrating message: “Installing Update: Retry Connection.” This error typically appears when the server is attempting to update but cannot complete the process due to various connection-related reasons.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

The “Installing Update: Retry Connection” error in Plex usually stems from issues like unstable internet, incorrect DNS settings, firewall or antivirus interference, or server permission problems. Users can resolve this by checking network connectivity, setting static DNS servers, whitelisting Plex in firewalls, and manually updating the software. While annoying, this issue is fixable with a series of systematic troubleshooting steps laid out below.

What Causes the “Installing Update: Retry Connection” Error in Plex?

Understanding the root cause of the connection error is the first step in fixing it. The error typically results from:

• Unstable or misconfigured internet connection
• Firewall or antivirus software blocking the connection
• Faulty Plex Media Server settings or corrupt update files
• DNS resolution issues
• Outdated operating system permissions blocking the installer

Each of these causes can interfere with how Plex connects to its servers to download and apply updates. The good news? Each has an effective fix.

Step-by-Step: How to Fix the “Retry Connection” Error

1. Check Internet Connectivity

This may sound basic, but many update errors stem from a temporary loss in internet connection. Follow these steps:

• Restart your router or modem.
• Try opening a web page on the same device running Plex Media Server to verify the internet is active.
• If using Wi-Fi, try switching to a wired connection for better stability.

If you’re on a home server or NAS, verify that the device is allowed internet access through its system settings.

2. Adjust DNS Settings

Sometimes DNS servers provided by your ISP can be slow or unreliable. Switching to a static DNS like Google DNS or Cloudflare improves reliability.

1. Navigate to your network settings.
2. Change your DNS to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google.
3. Alternatively, use 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 for Cloudflare.

After changing DNS settings, restart your Plex Media Server and try the update again.

3. Whitelist Plex in Your Firewall or Antivirus

Security software can often misinterpret Plex’s update process as a threat. To fix this:

• Open your firewall or antivirus settings.
• Add Plex Media Server (typically located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Plex\Plex Media Server) to the whitelist or exceptions list.
• Ensure ports used by Plex—typically 32400 for HTTP—are not blocked.

Reinstalling or refreshing security software can also reset overly aggressive protection rules.

4. Manually Update Plex

If auto-updating fails, manually updating the server is often the best fix.

1. Visit the Plex download page.
2. Download the latest version for your operating system.
3. Run the installer manually and follow on-screen instructions. All settings and libraries will remain unaffected.

If you’re on Linux or using a NAS (like Synology or QNAP), you may need to use terminal commands or the system package manager to apply the update manually.

5. Clear Plex Cache and Temporary Files

Corrupt cache files can stall the update process. To fix:

• Navigate to the cache folder, typically found at:
• Windows: C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server\Cache
• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server/Cache
• Linux: ~/.plex/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server/Cache
• Delete the contents of the Cache folder (do not delete the folder itself).

Then restart Plex and attempt the update again. This often solves update loops caused by outdated cache data.

6. Verify Permissions of the Plex Executable

Operating systems occasionally restrict permissions if the executable has changed or been flagged. To adjust permissions:

• Right-click the Plex executable (Plex Media Server.exe on Windows).
• Select “Properties” then go to the “Security” tab.
• Make sure your user account has full access rights to execute and modify the file.

Restart Plex with administrator privileges after modifying these settings.

7. Reinstall Plex Without Losing Your Library

If all else fails, a reinstall can resolve deep-seated issues. Here’s how to do it without losing content:

1. Back up your Plex library database. This is usually found in:
• Windows: C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server
2. Uninstall Plex via your control panel or system settings.
3. Reinstall the latest version from the official site.
4. Copy the backed-up library files back into the same folder post-install.

This ensures you don’t lose watch history, metadata, or user settings.

Preventing Future Update Errors

To avoid running into this issue again, consider these best practices:

• Set up auto-updates but monitor internet stability when updates are pushed.
• Regularly check firewall and antivirus configurations.
• Schedule Plex server restarts to ensure cache and temp files don’t build up excessively.
• Stay informed about known Plex issues on forums and the official community.

FAQs

• Q: Is it safe to manually update Plex?
  A: Yes, manually updating Plex via the official website is safe. Just ensure you’re downloading from plex.tv.
• Q: Will reinstalling Plex delete my media or library?
  A: Not if you back up your user data folder before reinstalling. Your actual media files are stored separately.
• Q: Why does Plex need DNS to update?
  A: Plex must contact its update servers using domain names, which must be resolved via DNS. Without a functioning DNS server, the update check will fail.
• Q: Can I disable automatic updates to avoid the error?
  A: Technically yes, but this is not recommended as you may miss crucial security patches or feature improvements.
• Q: How do I know if it’s a Plex-side server issue?
  A: Check Plex’s status page to verify if the update servers are down or having connectivity problems.

By following this guide, users can confidently diagnose and fix the “Installing Update: Retry Connection” error and enjoy uninterrupted access to their media libraries on Plex.