Claim token never exchanges - Server returns 401 Unauthorized on Mac

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
1

Server Version: 1.43.0.10492-121068a07
Mac OS: MacBook Pro (using bash, older macOS)

I have been unable to claim my Plex Media Server on Mac. The server runs fine and is accessible on port 32400, but I cannot get past the “Not Authorized” screen.

What I have tried:

  • Writing claim tokens to Preferences.xml before launching - the token never gets exchanged and stays as “claim-xxxx” after startup
  • Using the “Open Plex…” menu bar option - redirects to sign-in but returns Not Authorized afterward
  • Disabling local security via enableLocalSecurity=“0” in Preferences.xml - still returns 401
  • Confirmed plex.tv is reachable from the machine
  • DNS is normal (192.168.1.1 and 8.8.8.8)
  • Firewall is off
  • NordVPN is inactive
  • Tried both Safari and Chrome
  • Multiple clean installs with full data wipe each time

The curl command “curl http://localhost:32400/library/sections” always returns 401 Unauthorized regardless of what token or settings I use.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

2

As far as I know, Plex Media Server doesn’t use Preferences.xml on macOS (that’s FreeBSD/Linux/NAS device thing). PMS on macOS uses a ‘plist’ file like most apps on the platform.

To claim a macOS-based PMS server, you should simply need to:

  • Start Plex Media Server from your Applications folder;
  • Verify the Plex icon > appears in the menu bar;
  • Click the Plex icon and select “Open Plex.”

This should open the Plex web app in your default browser and guide you through the claim process.

See this post for more details: