Server offline or unreachable on all apps except web browser

Plex Players
1

Server Version#: 1.43.1.10611
Player Version#: 5.94.1

Hi,

I’m new to Plex, but I set the server up on my laptop and it shows as connected when on my laptop, but when I try to access it through either of the TVs in my home, the apps (Plex for Samsung) keep saying it is offline or unreachable.

I’ve tried the usual, off and on again, but it just won’t show as online, and I can’t figure out why.

2

I assume your laptop is running on Windows.
If so, verify that

  1. there is only one network connection active. Wired is preferable for a server. You need to stop (use the Plex icon in the Windows task tray) and restart the server after changing network connections.
  2. Look at the properties of this network connection in Windows. It has to be “private”, not “public”.
  3. your router comes into play as well. In most typical home networks, it provides “DNS resolver” functionality for the whole network. With default settings, it might interfere with regular operation of Plex: https://support.plex.tv/articles/206225077-how-to-use-secure-server-connections/
3

Hi,

There is only one connection active, from laptop to home wifi. It is a private network.

I looked at the link you sent me, and whilst it went over my head a little, I downloaded cloudflare one (https://1.1.1.1/) and connected via “Traffic and DNS (UDP)” and now the app shows the server as “indirect” so I can see what is on it, but cannot play anything (just a spinning circle) when using the samsung tv app.

The router is a BT Smart Hub 2, if that helps anything?

4

There was no instruction to download anything.

5

Hi,

I had assumed that by sending a link, you intended for me to read the information on that page. In doing so, I got to the section on "Why isn’t it working? (DNS Rebinding), and it advises that

“In some cases, your ISP itself may provide rebinding protection when using their DNS services. In this case, you can switch to using a different DNS service. Depending on your personal setup, you may need to update either your router’s configuration, the configuration on your computer(s), or both.”

So I switched to an alternative DNS service, as it said I can, and used the top one listed on that page.

So, now I have the server showing as “Indirect” instead of Offline and Unavailable. which seems a step closer.

6

It’s a setting in your router, (or alternatively in your client devices). There is no download involved.

7

There are four listed alternative DNS services on the page you sent me. I am confused as to what the issue is. Is the page outdated or wrong for listing them for alternatives?