Server Version#:1.18.2.2058-e67a4e892 (Synology)
Player Version#:6.5 (iOS)
Hi,
I am attempting to connect to my plex media on my iOS device. However i cannot connect unless i am on the same wifi network.
Some additional info:-
this has never worked so i dont think it is related to the software versions i am using. I have however updated to latest versions on then nas and iPhone,
i spent some time setting up my nas to ensure it was secure, i assume some config settings i made (or didn’t make) at that point have used the connection issues.
First step should be to double-check the configuration of the PMS remote access settings and your router.
If you’re using UPnP to automatically open a port for your server in the router, Manually specify public port should be unchecked…
If you use a manual port forward instead, make sure this is checked and the public port in your router configuration matches the port in the remote access settings
Also check if the public port of your home network matches that visible in your router and that you have a static local IP assigned to the NAS/PMS (which matches the manual port forward)
Next you should check if that port is available from outside your home network.
You can use a service such as canyouseeme.org in order to confirm the public IP of your router can be pinged using the given manual port (port forward) or port 32400 (UPnP).
If you get a positive response, this means the issue should be between your router and the NAS/PMS. Otherwise you might want to double-check your router configuration (if you’re using UPnP you could try switching to a manual port forward)… if it still doesn’t work the issue could be with your ISP (e.g. if they block the port used by Plex or handle their network like a home network using CGNAT)
I have fixed the initial issue, but now have a further one - let me note the actions i have taken below your comments: -
double-check the configuration of the PMS remote access settings.
The setting show “Fully accessible outside your network. You can access this server from signed-in Plex apps or in a browser at https://plex.tv/web.”
“Manually specify public port” is unchecked
Router settings
“Enable UPnP” is checked
Also check if the public port of your home network matches that visible in your router and that you have a static local IP assigned to the NAS/PMS (which matches the manual port forward)
Not sure how to do this. Where do i find which port is the public port? How do i check if the ip assigned to the NAS is static?
Next you should check if that port is available from outside your home network. You can use a service such as canyouseeme.org in order to confirm the public IP of your router can be pinged using the given manual port (port forward) or port 32400 (UPnP).
Since i think i am using UPnP, i have entered 32400 in canyouseeme.org , “Error: I could not see your service on xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx on port (32400)”
…if you’re using UPnP you could try switching to a manual port.
I have added enabled port forwarding and set up a rule to send 32400 to the ip address of my nas. canyouseeme.org now says “Success: I can see your service on xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx on port (32400)” Yay !
But… i know get a message on plex “video quality limited a direct connection to the server is not available”. The help article referred to “double nat”. The ip address shown in the router status and whatismyip.host match. The help also mentions “IPs Being Blocked“. My router is using near standard settings so i dont think this is the issue, but dont know what is - any ideas?
Mod-Edit: removing your public IP address – you shouldn’t post those publicly.
regarding your question in #3:
It’ll depend on your particular router make and model.
An IP reservation / static IP address will ensure a device is always assigned the same IP address within your home network.
You should be able to find that in the DHCP settings of your router. Some routers don’t call it that but provide you an option to “edit” the devices and their assigned IP addresses (or at least to check/uncheck some kind of “always assign the same IPv4 address to this device” configuration).
The “indirect connection” you experience usually results from the client not being able to access your home network through a known IP address. Therefore it’ll try to route the traffic through a server of Plex… which will only provide you with a limited bandwidth (I believe it’s 1 Mbit/s for regular users and 2Mbit for Plex Pass users)
The related support article provides some information and a link to help troubleshooting the remote access.
Before going there you might however try to disable remote access in your Plex Media Server settings and switch it back on after a few seconds in order to verify your issue is not based on some outdated connection details shared with your clients.
