Remote User Can't Connect

[jake0077 4]

So, I bought Emby Premier, enabled remote connections, set network to private, had my remote user set up Emby connect, entered their email in my server, and they can't connect.

They can see my server but get the screen : Server unavailable. The server "XXX Server" cannot be reached. It may no longer be available. Would you like to try to wake or remove it?" There is also a big server icon with my server name on it.

What do I need to do to get it working?

I don't have much hope in getting it working as I have read countless forum posts and tried everything except port-forwarding. For the port-forwarding I am new to that and would need a little help.

[ebr 16184]

Hi.  I didn't see in your list where you configured port forwarding on your network.

[jake0077 4]

I didn't configure port forwarding yet as I would need a little help.

Do you think that might be my problem?

Also, if I send you a screenshot of my routers port forwarding page, could you help me with the values I need to input?

[Luke 42078]

Quote

Also, if I send you a screenshot of my routers port forwarding page, could you help me with the values I need to input?

Hi, yes you can do that. Also please check out our Remote setup Guide:

Connecting from Client Apps

[jake0077 4]

Thanks for the info above.

I forgot to mention I'm using NordVPN.

I read the info about how to enter the proper ip addresses to cover a range of addresses but I don't really know where to enter that info.

Also, I only have about 2 hours a day where I can test things as it's my sister who is trying to access remotely and I have to wait until her evening time because she works. Also, I have a severe speech impediment so I have to use text and email to communicate so even just getting her to test if it's working can take a while.

[jake0077 4]

Here's a screenshot of my port-forwarding page on my router.

[Luke 42078]

OK so looks like you forwarded 8096. Are you sure that is the correct LAN ip address?

[jake0077 4]

That is In-Home (LAN) access address listed on my server page.

When I do a port check, it shows 8096 is open but not when connected to vpn.

[Luke 42078]

Have you tried disabling the VPN for testing purposes?

[jake0077 4]

Yes, I did disable my vpn and asked her to check and it still wasn't working.

I'm thinking I may have to add the local network subnet used by the vpn to the LAN Networks server Network setting.

Or, I may have a CORS Mixed Content Block.

If that's my case, I will need your help and I won't even be able to test for another 7hrs so I hope you have a lot of patience.

I've read dozens and dozens of your posts so I know if anyone can help me, you can.

[Luke 42078]

Quote

I'm thinking I may have to add the local network subnet used by the vpn to the LAN Networks server Network setting.

Maybe not. I wouldn't use those unless you have to. If the server displays the correct LAN address, then you don't need to.

[Luke 42078]

Quote

Yes, I did disable my vpn and asked her to check and it still wasn't working.

I would keep it disabled to reduce the number of variables that you're dealing with. Then once you can remote connect without the VPN , then try turning it back on.

[jake0077 4]

OK, so tonight when I get ahold of her I will disable my vpn, reboot my system, and ask her to connect again (should I ask her to uninstall/reinstall Emby app, clear cache, etc?). Also, which Emby app should she install? She's using Fire Stick. Also, my server is running on my daily PC, not a dedicated PC so running without my vpn active is not an option. I did set up a split tunnel for emby server and emby tray.

I want to have a list of things to try quickly so I don't lose her attention and have to wait a full day to try again.

[BillOatman 596]

Silly question probably, but does the port number on the Emby server page show 8096?

And your remote user is trying to connect HTTP not HTTPS?

Also, I have had issues with firewall on the PC causing this, you might want to try with it off just as a debug step.

Edited March 19, 2025 by BillOatman

[jake0077 4]

Server shows "Running on http port 8096".

She's trying to connect using the Emby app on a Fire Stick.

I don't know about HTTP or HTTPS. I know what the protocols are but I don't know which one is being used or how to tell.

I will add enabling/disabling firewall to my list.

[Neminem 1519]

Is this windows os, if check if the network is set to private.

If set to public change it to private.

And try again.

[jake0077 4]

Yes, as stated in original post.

[jake0077 4]

So, I just checked with my sister and she now has access to my server.

I had turned off auto-connect on NordVPN, rebooted my PC, and had my firewall turned off for private network. I was going to reenable my firewall before she tried it but she beat me to it so I don't know if it was the vpn or the firewall. Just for kicks I reenabled both and she still had access. I'm thinking she might lose it again if I reboot my PC with both enabled.

She's having dinner now so I'll have to wait a couple hours for her to get back to me again.

[Luke 42078]

OK please keep us posted. Thanks for the update.

[jake0077 4]

I'm going to let her play with it tonight and will see if she experiences any issues I can deal with.

Tomorrow I will reboot with the vpn enabled. I think that should isolate the issue to the vpn.

I will keep you posted.

 

[jake0077 4]

OK. I had my sister check if she had server access and she said no and I had my vpn and firewall enabled. I disabled vpn only, rebooted, and she had server access again so I guess it's my vpn.

Is there a solution for me to be able to run my vpn? I guess my setting up a split-tunnel in my vpn didn't make any difference. Probably because my vpn changes my ip address.

[Luke 42078]

Would a ddns help?

[jake0077 4]

I only have a vague idea of what that is so I truly don't know if it would help.

I have no network training so this is new to me. The only way I learn is by extensive reading and trial and error.

 

[jake0077 4]

I guess the best thing for me to do right now is not renew my monthly and hold off buying lifetime until there is a solution for being able to run my vpn.

[Neminem 1519]

Guess that will never happen.

Your issue is that you use a VPN that's not working correctly with split tunneling.

NOT a Emby problem, its a you problem that you introduced with your use of VPN.

Since VPN connection's is altering you network connection from the original connection.

But again you do you.