Overseerr Shows Wrong User & ETA Issues? Here's The Fix!

by Omar Yusuf 57 views

Hey guys! Having a weird issue with Overseerr? Seeing all requests lumped under your username, even when others make them? Plus, those ETA requests are failing? You're not alone! This article dives into why this happens and, more importantly, how to fix it. We'll break down the common causes, focusing on situations where multiple users are involved and internal IP addresses are in play. Let's get those requests showing up correctly and those ETAs working!

The Mystery of the Misattributed Requests

So, you're rocking Overseerr to manage your movie and TV show requests, which is awesome. But, here's the snag: when someone else in your household (or whoever shares your setup) makes a request, it pops up in Overseerr as if you were the one who asked for it. Super confusing, right? This misattribution makes it tough to track who wants what and can generally throw a wrench in your media management workflow.

Why is this happening? The root cause often lies in how Overseerr identifies users. If the app isn't correctly differentiating between users, it will default to assigning requests to a single user – often the one who initially set up the integration or the Overseerr instance itself. This is particularly common in setups where a shared account or a single sign-on method is being used across multiple devices or users.

The Impact: Imagine the chaos! You might end up downloading movies you didn't even want, miss out on requests from family members, or generally lose track of your media library's direction. Accurately tracking requests is not just about convenience; it's about ensuring everyone gets the content they're looking forward to. Think of it as the golden rule of media servers: request unto others as you would have them request unto you.

ETA Troubles and the Internal IP Address Conundrum

Okay, let's tackle the second part of the puzzle: ETA requests not working. You click that button, expecting to see an estimated time for when your desired content will be available, but… nothing. Nada. Zip. This is incredibly frustrating, especially when anticipation is building for that new blockbuster or the next episode of your favorite series.

The Internal IP Culprit: The most likely suspect in this case is your Radarr (or Sonarr) instance using an internal IP address (something like 192.168.x.x). This is a common setup, especially for home servers, as it keeps traffic within your local network. However, here's the catch: if Overseerr (or the app you're using to make requests) is trying to access Radarr from outside your local network, it won't be able to reach that internal IP address. It's like trying to call a phone number that only works inside a specific office building – if you're not in the building, you can't connect.

Why This Matters: ETA requests are a fantastic feature, giving you a heads-up on when your requested media will be available. When they don't work, it leaves you in the dark, constantly checking and refreshing. Solving this issue is about regaining control and visibility over your media acquisition process. We want those ETAs lighting up like Christmas trees, letting you know exactly when to get the popcorn ready!

Troubleshooting Steps: Fixing the User Identity Crisis

Alright, let's roll up our sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty of fixing these issues. First up: the misattributed requests. We need to ensure Overseerr knows who's who.

1. User Mapping and Authentication:

The first place to look is your user mapping within Overseerr. This is crucial. Overseerr needs a way to connect the requests coming in from different users to their actual accounts. Are you using Plex authentication? Local Overseerr accounts? Whatever your setup, double-check that each user has a unique and properly configured account within Overseerr.

Detailed Steps:

  • Verify User Accounts: Log into Overseerr as an administrator. Navigate to the "Users" section. Ensure each person using the app has their own dedicated account. If not, create accounts for them.
  • Authentication Method: If you're using Plex authentication, confirm that each user has linked their Plex account to their Overseerr profile. This linkage is what allows Overseerr to correctly identify the user making the request.
  • Local Accounts: If you're using local Overseerr accounts, make sure each user is logging in with their specific credentials. Shared logins will, naturally, lead to all requests being attributed to the shared account.
  • API Keys (If Applicable): If you're using any API keys or other authentication methods, verify that these are correctly configured and not being shared across multiple users.

2. Check the Requesting App's Settings:

Next, take a peek at the settings within the app your users are using to make requests. Is it configured to send the correct user information to Overseerr? Sometimes, the app might have a default setting that's causing the problem.

What to Look For:

  • User Selection/Login: Within the app, there should be a way for each user to log in or identify themselves. Ensure they are doing so correctly.
  • Overseerr Integration Settings: Look for any settings related to Overseerr integration. There might be options to specify the user account or authentication method. Make sure these settings align with your Overseerr configuration.
  • App Updates: Is the app up-to-date? Sometimes, older versions can have bugs that cause incorrect user identification. Updating to the latest version might resolve the issue.

3. Overseerr Logs – Your Detective Tool:

Overseerr's logs can be invaluable in pinpointing the problem. They often contain clues about why requests are being misattributed. Think of them as the detective's notes in this mystery of the missing user identities.

How to Use the Logs:

  • Access the Logs: Log into Overseerr as an administrator and find the section for logs (usually under "Settings" or "System").
  • Filter by Request Time: Look for log entries around the time a misattributed request was made. This will help you narrow down the relevant entries.
  • Search for Usernames/IDs: Try searching for usernames, user IDs, or other identifying information. This might reveal where the misidentification is occurring.
  • Error Messages: Pay close attention to any error messages. These can provide direct insights into the problem. For example, you might see an error related to authentication or user mapping.

Solving the ETA Enigma: Making Internal IPs Play Nice

Now, let's get those ETA requests working! The challenge here is making your internal IP address accessible to Overseerr, even when requests are coming from outside your local network.

1. The Reverse Proxy Route:

This is often the most robust and secure solution. A reverse proxy acts as an intermediary between the outside world and your internal network. It allows Overseerr to access Radarr (or Sonarr) without directly exposing your internal IP address.

How It Works (Simplified):

  1. External requests go to your reverse proxy (e.g., Nginx, Apache, Caddy).
  2. The reverse proxy forwards the request to your Radarr instance on its internal IP address.
  3. Radarr responds to the reverse proxy, which then sends the response back to the requester.

Key Advantages:

  • Security: Hides your internal IP address from the internet.
  • SSL/TLS: Enables secure HTTPS connections.
  • Flexibility: Allows you to host multiple services behind a single public IP address.

Configuration (General Steps):

  1. Set up a reverse proxy server (Nginx, Apache, Caddy are popular choices).
  2. Configure the reverse proxy to forward requests to your Radarr instance's internal IP address and port.
  3. Update your Overseerr settings to point to the reverse proxy's address (your public IP or domain name).

2. The VPN Option:

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure tunnel between your device and your home network. This effectively puts your device inside your network, allowing it to access internal IP addresses as if it were on the same local network.

When This Makes Sense:

  • If you already use a VPN for other purposes.
  • If you prefer a simpler setup compared to a reverse proxy.

Considerations:

  • Performance: VPNs can sometimes introduce a slight performance overhead.
  • VPN Server Setup: You'll need to set up a VPN server on your home network (many routers have this functionality built-in, or you can use software like OpenVPN).

3. Firewall Tweaks (Use with Caution!):

This is the least recommended option, as it involves opening up your firewall to allow external access to your internal IP address. This can create significant security risks if not done carefully.

Why It's Risky:

  • Directly exposing internal IPs makes your network vulnerable to attacks.
  • Requires a deep understanding of firewall rules and network security.

If You Must:

  • Only open the specific port that Radarr uses.
  • Use strong passwords and authentication for Radarr.
  • Consider using IP whitelisting to restrict access to only trusted IP addresses.

Wrapping Up: A Smooth Overseerr Experience Awaits!

Guys, dealing with misattributed requests and failing ETAs can be a real headache, but hopefully, this guide has given you the tools and knowledge to tackle these issues head-on. Remember, the key is to ensure Overseerr can correctly identify users and that it can access your Radarr (or Sonarr) instance, even if it's behind an internal IP address.

By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you'll be well on your way to a smooth and frustration-free Overseerr experience. Happy requesting, and may your media server always deliver!