Remote Access stopped working (Android)

[KTRBG83 2]

I'm using Synology DS920+ as emby server and mainly I use my Galaxy S23 Ultra (android) to access remotely my library. 

It could be a coincidence, but since the last update few days ago, the remote access stopped working.

I have updated to the latest version from the play store 3.3.29 and on the next day when I tried to access my library it showed me a screen woth the 4x options (1st screenshot attached)

- DS920 (local IP)

- Add Server (+)

- Sign in with Emby Connect

- Downloads

As I'm not home connected via my local network, I press on "Sign in with Emby Connect" which gives me the 2nd screenshot attached. I use the correct email and pass to login, but when I press on "login" it goes back to the first screen with the 4 options.

No error messages, or warnings. Just goes back to the previous screen with the 4 options. I tried many times with the same negative result.

The remote access was working great before that update. Can you please advise, if I have to do something to make it work again.

Thank you.

P.S. When connected to my local home wifi, it loads directly my home screen of my library.

[Luke 42077]

Hi, try doing a direct connection to your server by entering the ip address manually. Please see if that helps.

[KTRBG83 2]

Hi Luke,

thank you for the prompt response. 

If you are referring to the IP address for remote access, I also tried it.

I confirm that this is my actual ISP public IP address + the port (8096)

I tried the "remote (WAN) access" link from the attached screenshot, but it didn't work. The most possible reason for this particular way to work is, if port 8096 is open at my router.

Currently this port is not open.

From bad past experience (attempted unauthorised access) I don't like much to open ports to my home network. 

With "emby connect" login only, I was able to access my emby server via my Samsung mobile, without having that port open.

Apparently something has changed 1-2 days ago, as it is not letting me now.

Also my ISP public IP address is dynamic as most of people and if I chose the path to access my nas via the ip address, I have to think also for DDNS service. 

Your assistance is highly appreciated. 

[pwhodges 2012]

1 hour ago, KTRBG83 said:

Currently this port is not open.  From bad past experience (attempted unauthorised access) I don't like much to open ports to my home network. 

With "emby connect" login only, I was able to access my emby server via my Samsung mobile, without having that port open.

You can't get in without the port being open - what else do you expect?

As for the Samsung experience, was your phone connected to your wifi at the time?  Emby Connect only passes back an IP address - unlike Plex, it doesn't offer an alternative data path.

If your external IP is changeable, then yes, you need to subscribe to a DDNS service to avoid difficulties.

Paul

[Luke 42077]

Exactly. Emby apps connect directly to your server. Nothing in between, so you need to ensure the direct connection is possible.

[KTRBG83 2]

Dear Both,

Thank you for the provided advices.

Really appreciate it.

 

"pwhodges" - Paul

As I have previously stated, I did NOT have the port 8096 open on my router and I was able to access my library via mobile Internet (out of my home network) 

If this was not normal...maybe  it was a glitch, I don't  know. Still I was able to access via "emby connect" without opening that port.

I just open port 8096 in the router and it work again. 

ones again, I don't know how I was able to connect without  the open port. I thought is some sort of "way" via emby connect. After I updated my app on my phone, the problem appeared.

I appreciate your time and thank you for it.

So to summarise: 

Even with emby connect, I still need the port 8096 to be open?

Kind Regards,

Valentin 

1 hour ago, pwhodges said:

You can't get in without the port being open - what else do you expect?

As for the Samsung experience, was your phone connected to your wifi at the time?  Emby Connect only passes back an IP address - unlike Plex, it doesn't offer an alternative data path.

If your external IP is changeable, then yes, you need to subscribe to a DDNS service to avoid difficulties.

Paul

 

[pwhodges 2012]

Yes, you do.

As for what happened with the phone... do you, for instance, have another port (e.g. 80) set up to forward to Emby's 8096, which you might have forgotten about?  Because you can only access from outside through some open port or another. If you still have a server log from a time that you made that connection, it would tell us what was actually happening.

Plex plays tricks to get around this, which Emby doesn't - the downside of Plex's approach is that your communication and streams end up going via their servers which you might see as a privacy issue, and possibly a performance and reliability issue (also Plex must have invested in hardware and bandwidth for it to be possible, while Emby uses its money for development and support).

Paul

[KTRBG83 2]

Hi Paul,

Thank you ones again for your reply and for your suggestions. 

I have checked my router for open ports and I can confirm that I had only port 5000 open for the synology nas. Maybe somehow this was related to work previously without 8096 to be open...I don't know and that's why I asked here.

Anyway, as we established here.

In oreder to use my remote access from now on, port 8096 has to be open.

 

In regards to Plex...

When I got my NAS everyone around me advised me to install Plex and I did. But I couldn't like it + tooo many problems. Then I heard about emby and me and my wife love it sins then. Without hesitation I paid for the "Emby Lifetime Premier" plan. It is near perfect for our needs, with few minor issues. I am impressed from the support and when I find some time, will make some screens and ask if these minor issues are fixable.

Thanks again to you and Luke

 

Regards, 

Valentin

Edited September 12, 2023 by KTRBG83

[Luke 42077]

Thanks for the feedback !