Server unreachable over webUI, PlexAMP works

Plex Media Server Remote Access
1

Server Version#: 1.41.8.9834
Player Version#: 4.148.0

Lately I’ve had problems with long loading times of app.plex.tv outside my network. On local LAN everything works OK.

Playing around with things (clearing cache and rebuilding the database) I have come to the following situation:
-app.plex.tv works on my mobile phone (mobile network, no VPN), loads slowly
-app.plex.tv works quickly on my mobile phone with a VPN (to LAN) turned on
-app.plex.tv loaded slowly on my work PC and reported no libraries, worked (slowly) after a few reloads, streaming was fine after it loaded
-app.plex.tv now does NOT load on my work PC (unable to connect to server securely) while the mobile phone works
-PlexAMP works without problems on my work PC (where server is unreachable in web player).
-Friends server is reachable on my work PC

Server shows that it is fully accessible from the outside network (port forwarding taken care of).

Next steps regarding troubleshooting?

2

I think I found part of the problem: pfBlockerNG.

3

In DNS Resolver, do you have

server:
private-domain: "plex.direct"

as one of the Custom Options ?

4

I do.

If I’m not mistaken that’s needed for local operation, not remote access?

5

Is the “Work PC” equipment provided by your employer and running Windows?

6

Yes, but I have the ability to install apps (hence plexamp). There has been some network blocking going on lately (IT closing down tte hatches), but as noted, friends server works in the browser.

7

@PrimozR

Just looking at your plex.tv account.

You’re using port 32400 as your public port

32400 is very well known now (something IT-types could mess with)

Have you tried changing the WAN port to something more obscure and higher (e.g. 50000-65000 range)?

8

Tried two alternatives, no difference. Same behaviour.

I did see I had a non ideal firewall rule (besides the NAT setting) in my pfsense but taking care of that detail didn’t change anything. Disabling pfblocker also doesn’t change things. I get long loading on mobile and no content available on my work pc for about 10 to 20 seconds, then the library loads.

9

I need to see your server DEBUG logs.

This might easily be a case of a fragmented database.
(sometimes they get damaged too)

Best server logs for me are:

  1. Confirm server DEBUG logging is enabled. VERBOSE is disabled.
  2. Restart PMS
  3. Wait 3 minutes for it to stabilize
  4. Recreate the problem
  5. Settings - server - Troubleshooting - Download Logs
  6. Attach the ZIP file it gives you here.
10

Logs attached.

FWIW, MY server that is giving ME problems loads without much issues (faster than it does for me) for a friend of mine.
Plex Media Server Logs_2025-07-13_10-17-05.zip (2.9 MB)

11

Any comments?

12

Jellyfin+Navidrome are starting to look more and more attractive these days…

13

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