> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://streamsmanager.gitbook.io/streams-manager/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://streamsmanager.gitbook.io/streams-manager/faq/how-does-streams-manager-select-a-media-server-to-add-a-user.md).

# How does Streams Manager select a media server to add a user?

Streams Manager evaluates servers using the following sequence of rules to select the right media server for a subscriber:

1. **Active Subscribers:**

   If the user is already an active subscriber sharing a media server, check whether their current server accommodates the newly selected plan.

   * If yes: No server change is made; a payment is added to extend their subscription period.
   * If no: Proceed to the next step.
2. **Pending Invitations (Plex only):**

   If the user has an unaccepted invitation to a Plex server, check whether that server accommodates their selected plan.

   * If yes: No server change is made; a payment is added to extend their subscription period, and the user must accept the existing invitation.
   * If no: Proceed to the next step.
3. **Server Filtering:**

   Identify all enabled media servers that currently have available capacity.
4. **Previous Server Re-assignment:**

   If the user previously shared a server that is currently enabled, has available capacity, and supports the selected plan, assign the user to that server.
5. **Trial Plans:**

   If the plan is a trial, select an enabled server that has available capacity, accepts trials, and accommodates the trial plan—giving preference to the user's selected location.

   * *If multiple servers qualify, the server with the lowest number of existing users is selected.*
6. **Standard Plans:**

   If the plan is not a trial, select an enabled server that has available capacity and accommodates the plan—giving preference to the user's selected location.

   * *If multiple servers qualify, the server with the lowest number of existing users is selected.*
7. **Fallback:**

   If no servers meet the requirements, throw an error and notify the administrator.