some downloaded audiobooks not playing

[Bleak 4]

I was on a long flight last week and wanted to listen to my audiobook so I had downloaded a few in preparation but on the flight it would not play.
Just one played fine but when I tried the one I actually wanted to listen to it would not play the file. No error message nothing, just hit play/resume and nothing happened.

I have since then tried to download it in original via the settings but this does not help the only differences I see is that one is a single file and the other has it split up in chapters and that one is in mono and the other in stereo. both files play fine while streaming and always direct play without transcoding.

So just to make it clear when downloaded:
The mono single file plays fine the stereo multiple file does not play.

What I have found in the logs myself is this

Mon Sep 08 20:54:25 GMT+02:00 2025 file:///android_asset/www/index.html#!/item?id=local%3A1206055&serverId=679c4d44ad594ab1ac76cb0f236620c4: Line 0 : The resource file:///android_asset/www/modules/fonts/material-icons/mi_2024_05.woff2 was preloaded using link preload but not used within a few seconds from the window's load event. Please make sure it has an appropriate `as` value and it is preloaded intentionally.

I think this shows up when I spam the button because it shows up multiple times in the log.

I have included two screenshots showing the details for the working and not working file and the logs from the app.

Emby for android 3.4.74
Emby server Version 4.9.1.27 beta

 

emby_android_1757357542005.txt

[Bleak 4]

Forgot to mention that when i follow the download path from my phone so not the path showed in the two pictures above. It plays all files fine when i open them from the file browser.

Edited September 8, 2025 by Bleak

[Luke 42077]

Hi @Bleakare you still seeing this with Emby for android 3.5.12 ?

[Bleak 4]

Yes it is still an issue with the 3.5.12 version.

[Luke 42077]

Hi, can you please try Emby for Android 3.5.13 and see if that helps:

Thanks.

[seway 0]

Just wanted to mentione here that i have experienced same issue. I have the latest version 3.5.16. 

Did some testing and figured out that that it seems to be an issue either with the file numbers or size. Downloaded a audiobook. When the file number was below 74 files i was able to start the tracks. Once it got higher i could not play anymore in the downlod folder. Independend of having still internet or being offline.

 

Tested with different books. Always the same. While downloading able to start tracks, then once downlosd folder hits a number higher than 75 or so none of the files work anymore. Could also be a size limit and not a file number. Not a pro. Tested this on my android phone.

Edited November 29, 2025 by seway

[seway 0]

Installed newest version 3.5.17 on my Samsung S25 hoping this solves my issue with offline/downloaded audiobooks. but just tested it and still problem is not solved.

Issue description: Listening to an audiobook online works perfectly fine. but once it's downloaded i cannot start any track of the book. downloaded a audiobook with roughly 110 chapters and regularly checked. while at low number downloaded i can play the tracks in my download folder. once the total number of files downloaded exceeds 70 or so (cannot tell the exact number) i can not start any tracks any more. 112 tracks downloaded, not a single one can be startet.

i am the only one with this problem or do others have the same issue?

[seway 0]

adding info that 3.5.17 did not solve this issue

[seway 0]

Adding some more information. I have Android 16 and just tested. 

 

Downloaded more and more chapters. Worked with 75. Downloaded 5 more. Did not work anymore. Deleted one file. Worked again. Downloaded 1 chapter. Did not work again. Deleted one and it worked.

WTF? 79 files and it works. 80 files, does not work anymore?

 

Edited December 9, 2025 by seway

[seway 0]

adding more information: Changed the download location to external. Then installed the app "Smart Audiobook player" and added the folder location. i am able to play the audiobooks in the player app. But still not able to play the tracks inside emby app. 

So it must be an issue with the Emby app

[Luke 42077]

HI, have you updated to Emby for android 3.5.28? has that helped?