Emby Theater with Emby Server without Network Connection

[mtk143089 2]

Forgive me if this has been answered, but I haven't found it.

Here's my use case:  I'm starting to travel a lot more for work and I wanted a portable emby instance that I could just plug into a hotel TV.     I set up emby theater on a Raseberry PI 4 from the downloadable image.  I then added an installation of emby server.  Emby theater connects to this server manually using 127.0.0.1.  It runs great, especially with a FLIRC receiver for the remote.

Here's the issue:  Emby instance will not initiate after boot without an attached network cord or WiFi connection.  After boot, I just get a blank screen with a notification to attach a network connection on the top right corner.  The entire point of this build is for it to run local only.  Is there any way to prevent it from seeking a network connection?

[Luke 42409]

Quote

Emby instance will not initiate after boot without an attached network cord or WiFi connection

hi, do you mean the server or the client app?

[mtk143089 2]

The client app.  On boot, all I get a black screen and a mouse pointer.  But connect networking, and it works fine.

[mtk143089 2]

On 4/13/2026 at 2:33 PM, Luke said:

hi, do you mean the server or the client app?

The client app.  On boot, all I get a black screen and a mouse pointer.  But connect networking, and it works fine.

[Neminem 1691]

Emby Premiere Feature Matrix

10 minutes ago, mtk143089 said:

But connect networking, and it works fine.

The App is Premiere and need internet to confirm license.

[mtk143089 2]

13 minutes ago, Neminem said:

Emby Premiere Feature Matrix

The App is Premiere and need internet to confirm license.

Ah, didn't know there was a license confirmation involved.  I'll try a tether to my cell phone

[Neminem 1691]

TBH the server will need to confirm also from time to time.

Usually 1 time a week.

But as you Server and client is running on the same device, you should be fine, if you can tether or hotspot it.

Edited April 16 by Neminem

[Lessaj 496]

Emby Theater utilizes online resources, whereas the new app has everything bundled in. So without internet Emby Theater cannot load any elements - that's even before premiere validation, you can still use the app without premiere for navigation and playback, you just may not have access to premiere features. For example playback is limited to 1 minute.