Persistent Indirect Connection in macOS Plex App Despite Correct Configuration

Plex Players Desktop Players
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1

I’m reaching out for assistance regarding an issue where my Plex Media Server consistently shows an “Indirect” connection in the macOS Plex app, even though all the relevant settings appear to be correctly configured. I’ve taken numerous steps to resolve this but the issue persists.

Problem:

  • My Plex Media Server is accessible both locally and remotely.
  • From the web interface, I see: “Fully accessible outside your network.”
  • However, in the macOS Plex app, the server always shows as an indirect connection, which results in forced transcoding, even when local playback should be possible.
  • In some cases, the server disappears entirely from the app and has to be rediscovered.
  • The iOS app works correctly on the same local network and plays media directly without any issues.

System Information:

  • macOS Device: MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023)
  • macOS Version: 15.4.1 (24E263)
  • Plex macOS App Version: 1.108.1.307-dd5b87aa
  • Plex Media Server Version: 1.41.6.9685

Steps Already Taken:

  1. Confirmed all software is up to date (Plex Server and macOS app).
  2. Ensured Remote Access is fully configured with correct port forwarding.
  3. Verified the server is listed as “Fully accessible outside your network.”
  4. Confirmed all devices are on the same local subnet.
  5. Verified that the hostname (e.g., cyberdyne.plex.direct) is resolvable locally and added to the system’s hosts file if needed.
  6. Allowed local subnet in Settings → Network → List of IPs and networks that are allowed without auth.
  7. Tested with IPv6 support toggled on/off.
  8. Reinstalled the macOS Plex app and re-logged into the same Plex account used on the server.
  9. Attempted to manually add the server, though the option was not available in the UI.

Additional Observations:

  • The macOS Plex app always uses an indirect connection, leading to unnecessary transcoding.
  • If transcoding is disabled on the server, the macOS app displays:
    “This server is not powerful enough to convert video.” — even when transcoding should not be necessary.

Despite these efforts, the indirect connection persists on macOS.

2

You are not supposed to use the plex.direct domain with your own hostnames.
Better use some other domain or rely on the hostname that is assigned to your server automatically.

I’ve recently learned that MacOS is now restricting network access by default even to locally running apps. For the standalone player app, you need to grant local network (LAN) access and internet (WAN) access.
This might even get reset occasionally after OS updates or something.

3

I´ve the same problem. I tried also with LAN and WLAN connection. I´ve a MacBook Pro mid 2014 with MACOS 15.4.1.
When using the web UI it´s fine but the MAC OS App is always remote connected.

4

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