Unable to access local media server locally without VPN

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
1

Server Version#: 1.41.5.9522
Player Version#: 4.145.1

I have a mac mini set up as media server directly connected to my router via ethernet. I can access the media server from my laptop (PlexApp, Browser) and my AppleTV without any problems.
With my desktop mac (Sequia, Safari) I get an “app.plex.tv is unable to connect to “SERVER” securely” error.

However if I use a VPN on that machine I can access the media server, as soon as I turn it off I don’t have access anymore.

To be clear I am not talking about remote access. I am talking about accessing the media server from within my network. All machines are connected to the same and only network via WiFi.

2

anyone?

3

I faced something similar and reported on Server missing / Cannot Claim / Setup Server / Not authorized.

4

Can you provide a screenshot of your Plex server Network settings?

5

Yes, of course

plex_01
plex_01689×725 97.5 KB

plex_02
plex_02831×602 98.5 KB

6

I tried it in different browsers as well (I know i should have done this earlier). The problem only occurs with Safari. I can access my server with FF or Chrome.

7

Nothing?

8

i really wish someone would answer

9

Stop using that VPN.

OR

Get a VPN which allows you to do “split-tunneling”, where Plex Server alone is excempt from going through the VPN.

10

but it only works when I use the VPN …

11

Are you using a VPN software on your router, or on your Mac?

12

Occasionally on the mac. I can only access the Plex Media Server in Safari when I use the VPN on the consuming machine …

13

To me it looks almost like the VPN is always active, thus forcing all traffic to your server to pass only through the VPN.

Is the client in the same local network as the server? Or is it remote?

14

Same network, not remote. VPN is not always on.

15

Verify that MacOS has granted Plex Server the privilege to communicate with the local network. Some other mac user have recently reported that this restriction was either newly introduced, or the already granted privilege got revoked on its own.

16

As I mentioned before it works on three other machines in the same network

17

Maybe the network settings of the machine in question are not properly configured?

Or maybe it uses a network connection that is causing it to be separated (network-wise) from the other machines?
Some kind of WiFi extender or coax cable adapter could cause this, by inserting another layer of NAT.

18

I don’t use a wifi extender or a cable. all machines use wifi, the same wifi. only the server is connected directly to the router via ether. As I mentioned when I turn on the VPN it works and remote access is turned off/not configured.

19

There has to be some difference between those machines that do work and the one that doesn’t.

Any 3rd-party internet filters, security software, or web browser extensions?
Any custom DNS server settings?

20

i use adguard for safari. turning it off didn’t change a thing. no custom dns setting for that machine.
Plus it works in different browsers like brave & firefox.