Download access over Tailscale

[mausfield 2]

Hello,

After setting my server (Win 11) to advertise the subnet that Emby is on (192...) within Tailscale settings, I can now access the server but can only download files through the webapp, not through Emby apps on macOS or iOS. My guess is that this is due to a config oversight on my part, does anyone know off hand how to remedy this?

[Luke 42077]

Hi there, what exactly happens?

[mausfield 2]

I connect remotely to a Windows 11 server from macOS via Tailscale. Both machines are on the 100.*.*.* Tailscale ranges, so in Tailscale console I set the Windows server to advertise its local 192.*.*.* lan subnet so I can access Emby. I can now access both from the macOS Emby app and the web interface, but on the app the download interface shows up with no options (ie quality, etc) and the green button is greyed out. Attached is a picture of this. In the web interface, selected the "Download" option from the ••• button on a file immediately begins the download in the browser. When I connect via Wireguard, the interface in the macOS appears as normal. My guess is this is a port issue, and the web interface is using TCP 8096 to download while the app is perhaps using something different?

 

 

[Luke 42077]

Hi, that's strange. can you please try uninstalling and then reinstalling the app and seeing it that helps? Thanks.

[Luke 42077]

@mausfield?

[mausfield 2]

Hi, sorry did not see the reply. Yes I uninstalled and reinstalled both Tailscale and Emby on both machines, the issue remained. I have been using the web interface to download when needed and am not having other issues so did not continue troubleshooting. Downloading continues to work from Wireguard.

Edited November 17, 2025 by mausfield

[Luke 42077]

OK Thanks for the update.

[mausfield 2]

Update: download no longer works over Wireguard, on Server version v4.9.1.90, macOS Sequoia Emby app v2.2.39. I don't know if this is diagnostically useful but the blue "?" button to the right of "Downloads" in the download pane doesn't do anything either.

[Luke 42077]

Hi @mausfieldare you still having an issue with this? Did you figure anything out?

[mausfield 2]

I stopped troubleshooting, I just use the web app for downloads. Playback works fine over any VPN. My guess is that its a port issue but I can't find any documentation of how the macOS Emby app handles downloads. Tailscale's general default is to allow all access within the private network, so it's a bit confusing tbh.

[Luke 42077]

OK please let us know if you find anything, thanks.