diff --git a/pychromecast/controllers/plex.py b/pychromecast/controllers/plex.py
index 96089edf5..32913bd2e 100644
--- a/pychromecast/controllers/plex.py
+++ b/pychromecast/controllers/plex.py
@@ -488,7 +488,9 @@ def play_media(self, media: Playable | None = None, **kwargs: Any) -> None:
 
         def app_launched_callback(msg_sent: bool, _response: dict | None) -> None:
             if not msg_sent:
-                raise RequestFailed("PlexController.play_media")
+                self.logger.warning("PlexController.play_media: unable to launch app, device unavailable?")
+                self.play_media_event.set()
+                return
             try:
                 self._send_start_play(media, **kwargs)
             finally: