Sync is Dead (almost). Long Live Downloads! (Part 2)
Hello All,
Exactly 1 month ago we introduced Downloads, our new replacement to Mobile Sync. This was an opt-in feature only available for Android mobile, [https://forums.plex.tv/t/sync-is-dead-almost-long-live-downloads/725520](https://forums.plex.tv/t/sync-is-dead-almost-long-live-downloads/725520). We are happy to announce that we have opened up this feature for our Plex for iOS app. Some of the main advantages to the new Downloads include:
* Simplicity. Most things can be downloaded with a single tap. No fiddling with settings or item limits. (You can still “subscribe” to TV shows to keep the next few eps on hand.) * Speed. Start downloading right away at full speed in most cases. * Reliability. Downloads are more consistently accessible and playback reliability has been improved whether you’re online or not. * Better format compatibility, less transcoding! Direct download anything your device can play. (You can still choose to limit the quality/size in settings if you like.) * Progressive conversion and simultaneous downloading. Downloads begin even while the source media is being transcoded; no more waiting for the entire transcode to finish before the download can begin. * Simplified management. Everything is visible and managed in the Downloads list on the device where the media was downloaded.
For the time being, you’ll be able to switch back and forth between old-style Sync and Downloads, but content that you have Synced will not be available under Downloads and vice versa. You should (re)Download any content you’d like to keep on your device in the long run. (Sync, along with any synced content, will be removed in a future version of the app – we’ll be sure to warn you before that happens though!)
Note: You will need to be signed into your Plex account with an active Plex Pass subscription or be part of a Plex Home of a user with a Plex Pass to use Downloads.
To start testing:
* Install the latest version, 7.21, of our Plex for iOS app * Open the Plex app and make sure you’re signed in to your Plex account. * Go to Settings > Sync * Check the new `Enable new downloads` opt-in setting (make sure you pay attention to the information in the warning text that gets displayed!)
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Further reading:
FAQ - [Downloads/Sync FAQ | Plex Support](https://support.plex.tv/articles/downloads-sync-faq/)
Downloads Overview - [Downloads Overview | Plex Support](https://support.plex.tv/articles/downloads-overview/)
Downloads for iOS - Coming Soon. The feature is very similar to Android. You can read about it at [Download for Android Mobile | Plex Support](https://support.plex.tv/articles/download-android/)
NOTE: There is a known issue that if your Plex Media Server crashes while a Download is in progress, the app will think the Download is complete but the item will be unplayable. You will need to delete and redownload these items.