Just recently, my Mac Mini refuses to connect to my HA server. It has worked fine for years. Not any more. Weirdly, it works fine on both phone and iPad using companion app( which is what I was using on mac mini also). I thought trying to use a Mac browser would work, but no, it too refuses to load. I’ve tried refreshing cache and ARP via terminal, but it has absolutely no effect. At this point, I’m so far over my level of understanding, I have no idea what to do. Is there a simple way out of this debacle, or should I switch to something simpler to control my home devices? I know I’ll get mostly mean comments, but I would appreciate any newbie help if available.
Thank you…Scott
PS. I have no idea what category this should be under, besides newbie error?
Hi Scott, have you tried another browser on the Mac? I had problems with Safari on Mac that was very slow when connecting to my HA server, when I switched to Chrome the problem was solved.
Actually, I tried both Safari and Chrome, as Chrome is actually what I normally use on Mac. Both absolutely refuse to connect. I am not sure which end is broken, as I have been using the macOS betas for about 2 months? and it used to work fine until two app updates ago. When the app first broke, I was able to use the browser for a short while, then the browser started giving me the same error. I wouldn’t worry about it so much, as the other methods connect fine, but I usually do all my updates from the Mac, since it is plugged in. I guess that method is kaput, so will have to use mobile from here on out. Anyway, thanks for the response. appreciate that.
I don’t know if the location for this nuisance setting has moved in the new OS betas, but the usual gotcha on MacOS is a setting switch for some apps not being enabled in Settings | Privacy & Security | Local Network. The switch for each app determines whether or not that app can directly access devices (like your HA server) on your local subnet…
Don’t know about your situation, Scott (OP), but this worked for me. When I got my new Mac Mini I could not even get into my wireless router (nor anything on my LAN)… turned out to be one little thing that Apple did by default.
I just wanted to thank you all for your thoughts and ideas. Accidentally, today I installed the latest Beta this afternoon, and…….. lo and behold…….it all works now! I apologize if I have stepped on any toes with the HA folks for casting any shade on HA having any fault in this debacle. It was obviously some bit flipped in macOS 27 beta 4. Curiously, however…..it wasn’t until the HA companion app update recently that triggered the ‘unable to connect to server’ error. Again, I am far too clueless of either macOS inner workings and obviously very awkward with HA at the same time. Honestly, I fiddle around a bit with all the HACS and other bits of HA, and sometimes…..it really works! Again thanks to Mats and all of the respondents who offered help. I can’t say enough about the community you all have fostered. All I can say….is a humble Thank you!
