Local clients not finding server unless internet is up

[kcaps]

Server Version#: 4.100.1
Player Version#: 9.30.0

Everything works fine when the internet is working. But when there’s a network outage, I can’t stream in my own house. I had no idea I was even using the internet at all for any of my local streaming.

I tried changing the server to wifi or ethernet, in preferred network interface, and I also tried setting the lost of clients who can connect without auth, to 192.168.0.0/16, as well as 192.168.1.0/8.
The PMS runs on 192.168.1.x with a static IP on the router.
I also tried restaring the server after changing the setting.

I’m a Plex lifetime user, so it’s a real bummer that jellyfin just works to stream locally while Plex requires me to trawl through forums and reddit posts, and still doesnt work. I dont WANT to use another software, I want to use the app I paid for. Would really appreciate help setting this up.
Thanks.

[tom80H]

You probably might want to have a look at this thread from the tips & tricks section.

[HowTo] Use Plex with No Internet

I’ve seen far too many posts regarding “can’t connect to Plex with no internet”, and an uprising/outcry always ensues. It eventually settles down, but the lack of single point resources can be frustrating. I’ve been there, no internet - can’t google anything from a computer so a phone will have to do, but navigating through results and trying “solutions” can be daunting. I’m creating this How-To to help alleviate those posts and help everyone access their servers when the net is down. Couple of …

[kcaps]

@sekthree

• Certain Plex Apps
  In some cases, certain apps may require an internet connection to use. Some, like game consoles, rely on the corresponding game service to be available. Others have components of the app itself that have to be loaded dynamically from an internet location. Affected apps:
• Alexa Voice Control
• Android TV*
• Apple TV*
• Chromecast
• Fire TV*
• Most “Smart TV” apps

So basically… no matter what I do I will never have offline Plex on my smart TV or Chromecast streamer. Wow. Simply Amazing.
I think it’s
A) Patently absurd that this is even an issue in the first place
B) extremely unprofessional that users need to be directed to a 3rd party blog post to even attempt solving the issue
C) INSANE that there’s actually no solution.

This whole thing is ridiculous, and if this had come up during my trial, I would never have paid for a license of any kind.

Bitterly disappointed rant aside, this really isn’t such a big issue since the internet is OK most of the time, and it works well enough for the moment to keep me on plex and not some other software.
But, what DO the experts here suggest doing when the internet flakes? I’m not able to unplug my server and connect it with an HDMI to the TV…

[ChuckPa]

My reply is going to sound patronizing but it is FAR from it.

I live in an area where, when the internet goes down (someone took out a telephone pole), it’s out for quite a while (maybe a day).

When that happens, I open a good book or put a few records on the turntable, and settle in for a good listen / read like the good old days.

I planned ahead from the beginning because of where I live.

[VTron21]

@kcaps

But, what DO the experts here suggest doing when the internet flakes? I’m not able to unplug my server and connect it with an HDMI to the TV…

Personally, I will connect a laptop to our TV when the internet has been down long enough that we cannot open the Plex app on our Chromecast with Google TV devices.

Alot of the Plex won’t work on the device without internet stems from the device itself, Not Plex. At least that has been my experience.