Plex Web thinks my local connection is remote

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
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Server Version#: Version 1.41.7.9823
Player Version#: Version 4.147.0
Plex Media Server.log (166.2 KB)

My Plex setup has been working for many many years without issue. Even after the introduction of restrictions around remote streaming it continued to work without issue.

Then, around a week ago, it stop working correctly:
With a laptop on the SAME NETWORK as the server, Plex Web refuses to play anything without popping up the Remote Watch Pass pop-up.

So Plex Web believes the connection is remote even when it is not!

I access the server through https://app.plex.tv/desktop/#!

As I said, local play worked fine after the remote streaming policy changes but just stopped working very recently.

The Plex app on my Android phone works correctly whilst on my local network - it plays without any issues. It is just the web player.

One possibly useful bit of information is that just prior to this change in behaviour, I was visiting my mum where I tried the remote play and in this case it [correctly] prevented me playing anything.

I don’t have a Plex Pass or Remote Watch Pass.

Any idea why it is doing this and what I need to do to fix it?

Thanks,
Richard.

1 Like
2
  1. when using virtualization/containers for the server, use “Host networking”. If you use “Bridge” instead, a layer of NAT will be inserted, which moves your server into a different network than your local clients are. The server being in a different network is considered “remote access”.
  2. Verify that you are not affected by “DNS rebinding protection”. Because if you are, clients are not able to use secure connections in your local network. https://support.plex.tv/articles/206225077-how-to-use-secure-server-connections#toc-4
  3. Check for other network components which could cause a split of your network. More than one “router”-type device, wireless bridges, a separate Mesh router, coax network bridges etc. could all be configured to perform NAT. NAT should only be performed in your main internet router, and nowhere else in your home network.
  4. Ensure that your home network address is in one of the ranges, which are explicitly designated for private use: Private network - Wikipedia
  5. When using the web app, check browser features or plugins which could obscure/hide a device’s IP address (e.g. iOS WLAN settings, Safari preferences)
6

plex are going to lose all the people who use plex on a local network, (with extenders etc) Jellyfin works just fine.

7

Almost everything I’ve listed as potential problems is avoidable with proper configuration. You just need to configure your home network is a way that it’s not split.

8

I agree. except i don’t want to. CBA and most people wont either. and the average user may not understand or know how to change their network. Its the end of plex for me after 15 years.

9

May I see some of the network address ranges and netmasks ?

e.g.

  • Host: 192.168.0.10/24
  • Workstation: 192.168.0.13/24
  • VM 1: 192.168.0.65/24 ( VM is on same net as everything else )
  • Shield player: 192.168.1.42/24 (DHCP assigned)

If possible, I would like to see the Server’s DEBUG logs ZIP file, captured 3 minutes after startup (having accessed it via Plex/web).

This will show the server’s networking being setup and show Plex/web accessing it.

10

Hi,

I have the same issue which happened simultaneously/just after an upgrade to 4.147.1.

Chronology and facts are the following

  • I’ve seen part of a movie this morning without a problem
  • I made the upgrade on my Synology Nas as recommanded by Plex.
  • After I tried to continue to see the same movie on PC (W11 with firefox - Cookies are cleaned when I close it) and it’s no longer possible : I have the message that I need now a plex pass (for info, I’ve also restarted my PC).

My IP Range is 192.168.xxx, adresse given through DHCP (with adress reservation to continue to use the same IP address), My NAS (synology) is also in the same range and my Panasonic TV connected too.

What is interesting is that I can continue to see my movie through my connected TV (Panasonic with an app Plex) but no longer with the PC.

It seems to be a bug in the Plex Apps.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Brgds

11

Peruse this thread: Client says it won't play from "remote server", although the server is local
Most likely it is something DNS-related.

12

Additional information : it’s working fine also while using the plex apps on my iPhone when connected to my local network.

13

Hi,

thanks for your reply. Nevertheless,it was working fine prior to the upgrade and I’ve only updated the apps : I made no modification on my PC (incl DNS).

One fact to consider is also that I have 2 NAS : one local and one distant and I have a look on the distant one for configuration purposes during the upgrade. So is it possible that a bug in the webapps consider both NAS as distants ?

14

Additional information : I have access to the movies through the file browser in the local network area without a problem.