How to check if a title is in the library for family requests in 2026

Learn how family group chat requesters can check whether a movie or show is already in the Plex library before asking.

By VLClean · 2026-11-11

VLClean is published by the makers of Askarr and Watcharr, which are compared here alongside other tools.

Family group chat requesters can check the Plex library directly, use a request tool that shows library status, or ask the server owner before submitting a duplicate request.

Option	How it shows library status	Cost details
Askarr	Shows when a title was added and downloaded via webhook from Radarr and Sonarr. ^[1]	The Free plan costs $0 and allows 10 requests a month. ^[1] Plus costs $3.99 a month for 50 requests a month. ^[1] Pro costs $6.99 a month for unlimited requests. ^[1]
Plex library direct	Search the Plex app or web interface for the title; a watch button means it is in the library.	not published
Request form	May not show library status; check with the server owner before submitting.	not published
Shared request list	May not show library status; verify with the server owner or the Plex library directly.	not published

What you need before you start

Make sure you have access to the Plex server or the request method the server owner uses. Decide whether you will check the library yourself or rely on a tool that shows what is already available. The server owner may share a Plex link, a request website, or a shared list where titles are tracked. Have a TMDB, IMDb or TVDB link ready for the movie or show you want to verify. Know the rules the server owner set for requests, such as whether duplicates are allowed or whether you should check first. Radarr and Sonarr are free helper programs the server owner may run to add movies and shows to the library. If a request tool connects to those programs, it can report whether a title is already present. Confirm which method the server owner prefers for checking before you spend time searching.

Step by step

Open the Plex library or the request tool the server owner shared and search for the movie or show title you have in mind. 2. If the title appears with a watch button or a check mark, it is already in the library and you do not need to request it. 3. If the title does not appear, copy a TMDB, IMDb or TVDB link for that title so you can paste it into the request tool or share it with the server owner. 4. Submit the request through the method the server owner specified, such as a request website, a form, or a message in the group chat. 5. Wait for the server owner to review the request and add the title if it fits the library rules. 6. Check the request tool or the library again after a few days to see if the title was added and is ready to watch.

Tools that can do it

Askarr is made by the team that publishes this site. Askarr is a hosted website that works with existing Radarr and Sonarr. ^[1] You request a movie or show on Askarr, and your own Radarr and Sonarr add it. ^[1] You add Askarr to Radarr and Sonarr once as an import list, and they read your requests from it. ^[1] Askarr never connects to your Radarr or Sonarr and never receives their API keys. ^[1] A webhook from Radarr and Sonarr reports back so the site shows when a title was added and downloaded. ^[1] You can paste a TMDB, IMDb or TVDB link to find the title. ^[1] Askarr's plans include a request history with live status. ^[1] The Free plan costs $0 and allows 10 requests a month. ^[1] Plus costs $3.99 a month for 50 requests a month. ^[1] Pro costs $6.99 a month for unlimited requests. ^[1] Nothing is installed; you add Askarr as an import list in Radarr and Sonarr. ^[1] You can try the dashboard with a throwaway demo account and sample data without signing in. ^[1] Each friend who signs up through your link adds 10 requests a month to your limit. ^[1] Askarr's project file marks its code as private. ^[1] Before choosing a tool, check how it handles title searches, library status display, and the way requests move into the library workflow.

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid requesting a title without checking the library or the request tool first. Duplicate requests waste the server owner's time and clutter the request list. Avoid using a request method the server owner did not approve. The owner may not see requests sent through an unofficial channel. Avoid assuming a title is missing because it does not appear in a search; spelling differences or alternate titles can hide it. Try a TMDB, IMDb or TVDB link for an exact match. Avoid ignoring the server owner's rules about request limits, content types, or approval steps. Those rules keep the library manageable for everyone. Avoid leaving old requests in the tool after the title is added or rejected. Clean requests help the owner see what still needs attention.

Frequently asked questions

How can family group chat requesters check if a title is already in the Plex library?

Open the Plex app or web link the server owner shared and search for the movie or show. If a watch button appears, the title is in the library. You can also use a request tool like Askarr that shows when a title was added and downloaded via webhook from Radarr and Sonarr. ^[1]

Does Askarr show whether a movie or show is already in the library?

Askarr shows when a title was added and downloaded through a webhook from Radarr and Sonarr. ^[1] The request history with live status lets you see the state of each request. ^[1] Check the plan page to confirm which plans include the history feature.

Can a TMDB or IMDb link be pasted to check a title with Askarr?

You can paste a TMDB, IMDb or TVDB link to find the title on Askarr. ^[1] This helps you match the exact entry before you request it or see if it is already tracked.

What should a family group chat requester do if a title is not in the library?

Submit the request through the method the server owner specified, such as Askarr, a form, or the group chat. Askarr lets you request a movie or show, and the owner's Radarr or Sonarr adds it. ^[1] The Free plan allows 10 requests a month. ^[1]

How can duplicate requests be avoided in the family group chat?

Check the Plex library or the request tool before you post. Askarr shows when a title was added and downloaded. ^[1] Use a TMDB, IMDb or TVDB link for an exact match. ^[1] Follow the server owner's rules for requesting and wait for confirmation before asking again.

The Free plan costs $0 and allows 10 requests a month. ^[1]

Try Askarr

Sources

Askarr's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)