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 42312]

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 1638]

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 1638]

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 1 hour ago by Neminem