Plex for Mac hangs during offline launch

Plex Players
1

Server Version: 1.43.3.10861
Player Version: 1.112.0.359-0d79a49f
Operating System: macOS 26.6.1, Apple Silicon M4
Server: Remote Plex Media Server; no regular Plex Media Server is installed on this Mac

When Plex for Mac is launched without an active network connection, the application remains indefinitely on its loading screen. The entire interface is inaccessible, including Settings and Downloads.

If internet connectivity is restored while Plex is stuck, the application immediately finishes loading and works normally. Leaving Wi-Fi enabled but disconnected from a network does not help; an actual internet connection is required.

This prevents access to media downloaded specifically for offline use.

Steps to reproduce:

  1. While online, sign in to Plex for Mac and download media.

  2. Confirm the download is complete.

  3. Quit Plex completely with Command-Q.

  4. Disable Wi-Fi.

  5. Launch Plex.

  6. Observe that Plex remains on the loading screen indefinitely.

  7. Re-enable Wi-Fi and connect to the internet.

  8. Observe that Plex immediately finishes launching.

Expected result:

Plex should enter offline mode, connect to its bundled local Downloads service, and show downloaded media without requiring internet access.

Actual result:

Startup waits indefinitely for requests to plex.tv. The application does not connect its web interface to the already-running local Downloads service until internet connectivity returns.

Frequency:

Reproducible on every offline launch.

Troubleshooting already attempted:

  • Cleared ~/Library/Caches/Plex

  • Cleared ~/Library/Caches/tv.plex.desktop

  • Reinstalled the application with brew reinstall --cask plex

  • Tested with Wi-Fi enabled but not connected to a network

  • Confirmed that bringing the Mac online while Plex is stuck immediately releases the startup process

Perhaps relevant log sequence:

21:22:44.032 Starting Plex version: 1.112.0.359-0d79a49f
21:22:44.441 HttpServer: Listening on port 32700.
21:22:44.450 Opening 5 database sessions to library.sync
21:22:44.458 Database fix-ups completed in 0.0 seconds.
21:22:44.459 Detected primary interface: 0.0.0.0
21:22:44.469 HTTP requesting GET https://plex.tv/api/v2/features
21:22:44.469 HTTP requesting GET https://plex.tv/api/v2/user/privacy
21:22:46.408 myPlexAccessToken is not in BasicVolatileStorage
21:22:46.446 Waiting for initial servers = [Loopback], plex.tv
21:22:46.447 Waiting for the last primary server to connect

When internet connectivity returns:

21:23:13.759 HTTP requesting GET https://plex.tv/api/v2/features
21:23:14.188 200 response from GET https://plex.tv/api/v2/features
21:23:14.230 Populating identity of embedded server at:
             http://127.0.0.1:32700
21:23:14.533 [Embedded] connected at:
             http://127.0.0.1:32700/media/providers
21:23:16.805 Token promise succeeded
21:23:17.174 userPromise succeeded

I can provide complete logs privately if required.

2

Just updated to 1.115.0.426-4e960a1d - bug still persists.