Use Plex without internet connection on Home Network

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
1

I have looked at this post (https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/articles/200288666-Opening-Plex-Web-App), and it says to do exactly what we did. Our ISP had maintenance that took us offline for about 12 hours, and even though my server is directly connected into my network as is my Roku AND the laptop (connected to a projector). Both stated that they couldn’t access the Plex server because there was no internet connection. They’re all connected to a router that is connected to the modem. I could still access all the devices through ping and FTP, but I couldn’t get further than launching the Plex page and getting the internet error.

Is there potentially a configuration that I’ve missed? It seems weird that I wouldn’t be able to access my own content on my own physical server from my own network without an internet connection. Kinda defeats the purpose…

As a side note, we’re going to be travelling soon (RV), and won’t always have reliable internet access (if at all), but want to be able to access our Plex on our local network we’ll have set up.

Thanks!

2

To use Plex on your home (or mobile) network, simply open it by the host IP address or, for those apps which permit it, create a “Manual Connection”.

If authentication is not always available when you travel, you will want to consider Settings - Server - Network and Allowing your local LAN / hosts to connect without authentication. After you have signed out of Plex.tv (Settings - Server - General) and your apps, the server will be properly preconfigured to work. This is something you can easily perform and test prior to departure.

3

We have just moved and do not have internet yet. Apparently I have not turned of authentication. Is there any way to do this without internet connectivity. I have a linux install

4

If you follow this guide
https://support.plex.tv/articles/204281528-why-am-i-locked-out-of-server-settings-and-how-do-i-get-in/
you can do it even without a working web app.

Obviously, omit those last two steps:

  • Sign in to Plex Web App
  • Sign Your Server in to Your Plex Account
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