Fixing AudioBooth 'Not Found' Errors: NPM & Audiobookshelf Guide

Hey There, Audio Enthusiasts! Tackling That Annoying 'Not Found' Error

Hey guys, ever been in that frustrating spot where you're all set to dive into your favorite audiobook using AudioBooth and Audiobookshelf through your trusty Nginx Proxy Manager (NPM), only to be met with a soul-crushing 'Not Found' page when you try to hit 'Read'? Trust me, you're not alone! This specific 'Not Found' error is a common headache for many self-hosting enthusiasts, and it can feel like you're banging your head against a wall. The good news is, we're going to break down exactly what's happening and, more importantly, how to fix it, so you can get back to enjoying your digital library without a hitch. This isn't just about clicking a button; it's about understanding the intricate dance between your applications and how they communicate. When you see that dreaded 'Not Found' message, especially after successfully logging in and browsing your library, it indicates that the initial connection and authentication are likely fine. The problem usually lies in how the AudioBooth app, specifically when trying to access the actual media file for playback, communicates the request through your Nginx Proxy Manager to your Audiobookshelf server. It's often a misconfiguration in how paths or specific assets are being requested or resolved. We'll explore everything from the basic NPM proxy host settings to advanced Nginx directives and even your Audiobookshelf's base URL configuration. We're talking about making sure every piece of this awesome self-hosted puzzle fits perfectly. Our goal today is to empower you with the knowledge to diagnose and resolve these issues, turning that frown upside down and getting those stories flowing. So, grab a coffee, and let's dive deep into troubleshooting this peculiar 'Not Found' issue step-by-step, ensuring your Audiobookshelf experience via AudioBooth behind NPM is as seamless as it should be.

Understanding Your Setup: Audiobookshelf, AudioBooth, and Nginx Proxy Manager

Before we jump into fixing things, let's make sure we're all on the same page about what these fantastic tools are and how they're supposed to interact. Understanding the roles of Audiobookshelf, AudioBooth, and Nginx Proxy Manager is absolutely crucial for effective troubleshooting. First up, we have Audiobookshelf. This open-source, self-hosted audiobook and podcast server is the heart of your personal audio library. It's where all your precious audio files live, and it's responsible for serving them up to clients. Audiobookshelf handles everything from metadata to user management, and critically, it dictates how those audio files are exposed over your network. Next, there's AudioBooth, your iOS client. This is the app you're using on your iPhone (like your 13pro running on 26.1, perhaps with TestFlight 1.3) to connect to your Audiobookshelf instance. AudioBooth sends requests to your server to browse your library, display book details, and, most importantly for our 'Not Found' problem, fetch the actual audio streams. Finally, we have Nginx Proxy Manager (NPM). This is a brilliant tool that acts as a reverse proxy. In simple terms, it sits between the internet and your Audiobookshelf server, securely routing incoming requests to the correct internal service. NPM is super popular because it makes setting up SSL certificates (those lovely green padlocks in your browser) and managing multiple services on a single public IP address incredibly easy. When you access Audiobookshelf via a custom domain (e.g., audiobooks.yourdomain.com), NPM is the gatekeeper. It listens for requests on port 80/443, decrypts SSL traffic, and then forwards those requests to the internal IP address and port where your Audiobookshelf server is actually running. The 'Not Found' issue often arises because there's a miscommunication in this chain, especially in how NPM is told to handle the specific paths AudioBooth uses to request audio files from Audiobookshelf. It's a critical component for remote access, but if not configured perfectly, it becomes the bottleneck. Getting these three components to play nicely together requires careful configuration, and any hiccup in the routing or URL rewriting can lead to that frustrating 'Not Found' error. We'll examine each component's settings in detail to ensure they're all aligned for a smooth audio experience.

Diving Deep into the 'Not Found' Mystery: Why It Happens

Alright, let's cut to the chase and understand why you're seeing that pesky 'Not Found' message when you click 'Read' in AudioBooth. This specific 'Not Found' problem is almost always related to an incorrect path resolution or an asset not being correctly served from your Audiobookshelf server through your Nginx Proxy Manager. Think of it like this: AudioBooth knows where your Audiobookshelf server is (because you can log in and browse), but when it asks for the specific audio file for playback, NPM isn't forwarding that request correctly, or Audiobookshelf isn't receiving it with the right path. The most common culprit in this scenario is how NPM handles the forwarding of the request for the actual audio stream. While the initial API calls for library browsing might work perfectly fine, the paths for streaming media are often different and can trip up a misconfigured reverse proxy. For instance, if Audiobookshelf is configured to serve content at /audiobooks/ but NPM is only forwarding requests to / without properly rewriting the paths, the server won't find the requested file at the expected location, hence the 'Not Found' error. Another significant factor is the Audiobookshelf base URL setting. If this isn't configured to match the public URL that NPM is exposing, Audiobookshelf might generate incorrect internal links or redirects for its media files, causing AudioBooth to request a non-existent path. SSL issues can also play a role; if your SSL certificate isn't correctly configured in NPM, or if there's a mixed content warning, it can sometimes interfere with the secure delivery of content, although this usually manifests as a connection error rather than a 'Not Found'. Furthermore, sometimes a firewall or network blocking between NPM and your Audiobookshelf container/server can silently drop specific requests, making it seem like the file isn't there. Lastly, while less common for this specific symptom, outdated AudioBooth app versions or caching issues within the app (especially with TestFlight builds like 1.3) could theoretically play a minor role by making malformed requests. However, the vast majority of these 'Not Found' errors point directly back to the Nginx Proxy Manager configuration and how it interacts with the Audiobookshelf server's internal paths. We need to ensure that the request that leaves AudioBooth makes it through NPM and lands exactly where Audiobookshelf expects it, without any missing pieces or incorrect redirections. Pinpointing this exact break in the chain is our mission, and we'll start by meticulously checking each part of your setup.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting: Your Guide to Getting AudioBooth Working

Now for the good stuff! Let's walk through the actual troubleshooting steps. We'll systematically check each component, from your Nginx Proxy Manager to Audiobookshelf, to iron out that 'Not Found' error and get your AudioBooth app purring like a kitten. Remember, patience is key here, guys. This is all about methodical checking and testing. Don't skip steps, even if you think you've already checked something – a fresh look often reveals subtle misconfigurations. The goal is to ensure that the path AudioBooth requests for the audio file is correctly translated and forwarded by Nginx Proxy Manager to the Audiobookshelf server, and that Audiobookshelf then serves that file correctly. We will tackle the most probable culprits first, which primarily reside in your reverse proxy setup, then move onto the backend server, and finally, consider the client application itself.

Nginx Proxy Manager (NPM) Configuration Deep Dive

Your Nginx Proxy Manager is often the source of these 'Not Found' errors because it's the gateway for all external traffic. A small misstep here can completely block specific requests. Let's meticulously check your NPM proxy host settings. First, navigate to your Proxy Hosts in NPM. Make sure your Domain Names are correct and include any www subdomains if you use them. For the Scheme, ensure it's http or https based on how your Audiobookshelf container/server is internally configured. Usually, it's http if Audiobookshelf is on your local network and not directly exposed with its own SSL. Now, the absolutely critical part: Forward Hostname / IP and Forward Port. The Forward Hostname / IP should be the internal IP address or container name of your Audiobookshelf instance, not its external domain. For example, if Audiobookshelf is running on 192.168.1.100 and listening on port 1337, then these fields should be 192.168.1.100 and 1337 respectively. Do not use localhost or 127.0.0.1 unless Audiobookshelf is running directly on the same machine as NPM and is accessible via those IPs from NPM's perspective. The Forward Port must exactly match the port Audiobookshelf is listening on. Next, move to the SSL tab. Ensure Force SSL is enabled for security and that you have a valid Let's Encrypt certificate issued and active. If your certificate is expired or not properly set up, it could cause issues. Now, for advanced users, let's look at the Advanced tab in your NPM Proxy Host settings. Sometimes, custom Nginx directives are needed. However, for a standard Audiobookshelf setup, you generally shouldn't need complex proxy_set_header or rewrite rules here. Audiobookshelf typically expects to be served from the root path / if its base URL is also /, and NPM should simply pass requests through. If you do have custom Nginx configuration, verify there aren't any location blocks that might be inadvertently blocking or redirecting requests for specific file types (like .mp3, .m4a, etc.) or API endpoints that AudioBooth uses for streaming. For example, some users add proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Proto $scheme; which can sometimes help, but often this is handled automatically. If you're trying to use a subpath (e.g., yourdomain.com/audio/), you'll need to carefully configure NPM to rewrite paths and tell Audiobookshelf its base URL is /audio/. However, for the most straightforward setup, it's best to use a subdomain (e.g., audio.yourdomain.com) and have NPM forward requests from that subdomain to the root path of Audiobookshelf. Incorrectly setting the proxy_pass directive (which NPM handles automatically but is good to understand) can be a source of errors. When NPM sends a request to Audiobookshelf, it needs to ensure the original requested path is preserved or correctly rewritten so Audiobookshelf can find the content. Any discrepancy, such as NPM dropping a subpath that Audiobookshelf expects, will result in the infamous 'Not Found' message. Make sure you save and restart your NPM proxy host after any changes, and ideally, clear your browser cache or try a new incognito window if testing with a browser. The most common NPM Proxy Manager configuration issue leading to this specific 'Not Found' error is usually the mismatch between the public URL requested by AudioBooth and the internal path Audiobookshelf expects, which NPM fails to reconcile. Carefully reviewing the Proxy Host Setup is your first and most critical step.

Verifying Your Audiobookshelf Settings

Once you're confident your Nginx Proxy Manager is set up correctly, the next place to look is your Audiobookshelf server's internal configuration. This is another critical area where misconfigurations can lead to those pesky 'Not Found' errors, even if NPM is doing its job perfectly. The most important setting here, by far, is the Base URL within Audiobookshelf. To find this, you'll need to log into your Audiobookshelf web UI (preferably directly, not through NPM for initial testing, if possible, to isolate the problem) and navigate to the settings. The Base URL should be set to the full external URL that you use to access Audiobookshelf through your Nginx Proxy Manager. For example, if you access Audiobookshelf via https://audio.yourdomain.com, then the Base URL in Audiobookshelf's settings absolutely must be https://audio.yourdomain.com. If you're using a subpath, like https://yourdomain.com/audiobooks/, then your Audiobookshelf Base URL should reflect that exact path. A common mistake is to leave this blank or set it to an internal IP, which will cause Audiobookshelf to generate incorrect URLs for its assets (including audio files), leading to AudioBooth trying to fetch content from non-existent locations, and thus, a 'Not Found' error. When Audiobookshelf creates links for streaming, it uses this Base URL to construct the full path. If it constructs a path like http://192.168.1.100:1337/api/items/123/stream, but AudioBooth is trying to access https://audio.yourdomain.com/api/items/123/stream, and NPM isn't correctly translating or redirecting these, you'll hit a wall. So, ensuring this Base URL is precise is paramount. While not directly related to a 'Not Found' error, it's also worth checking your Transcoding settings. If Audiobookshelf is struggling to transcode a file for a specific client (which AudioBooth might request), it could manifest as a playback error that feels like a 'Not Found' if the transcoded stream simply isn't delivered. However, this is less likely to be the root cause of a genuine 'Not Found' page. The key here is verifying that Audiobookshelf is aware of its public-facing identity as presented by Nginx Proxy Manager. Finally, don't forget to check your server logs for Audiobookshelf. Most Docker deployments allow you to run docker logs [container_name] to see what's happening. Look for any errors related to serving files, unexpected requests, or anything that pops up around the time you try to play a book. These logs are incredibly valuable debugging tools and can sometimes pinpoint exactly why Audiobookshelf is failing to serve a file, even if it seems like an NPM issue. Ensuring your Audiobookshelf server is correctly configured to respond to the requests coming through the proxy is fundamental. If the Base URL is off, Audiobookshelf will simply tell NPM that the requested resource doesn't exist, leading to that frustrating 'Not Found' page.

AudioBooth App and Network Considerations

So, you've meticulously checked your Nginx Proxy Manager and confirmed your Audiobookshelf settings are pristine. What's next? Let's turn our attention to the client side – your AudioBooth app – and the broader network environment. While the app itself is less likely to be the primary cause of a 'Not Found' error (especially if browsing works), it's still worth ruling out. First, let's address the specific details you mentioned: 13pro, 26.1, and TestFlight 1.3. If you're running a TestFlight build of AudioBooth, there's always a slight chance of encountering bugs that might affect how it constructs requests or handles responses. Ensure you're on the latest available TestFlight version for 1.3 (or the general release, if available). Sometimes, simply clearing the app's cache or even removing and re-adding your Audiobookshelf server within the AudioBooth app can resolve minor glitches or outdated cached information that might be leading to malformed requests. This is a quick and easy step that's often overlooked. On your iOS device, try going to the app settings, finding AudioBooth, and clearing any cached data or reinstalling the app if a clean slate is needed. Beyond the app, let's consider the broader network environment. Are there any firewalls or security groups in play that might be selectively blocking specific types of traffic? For example, if you have a firewall between your NPM instance and your Audiobookshelf server (e.g., if they are on different internal networks or VMs), ensure that all necessary ports are open. While NPM usually handles the external ports (80/443), the internal connection to Audiobookshelf (e.g., port 1337) must also be open. Similarly, check any client-side firewalls or VPNs on your iPhone. Sometimes, a VPN or corporate network setting can interfere with how your device resolves DNS or connects to external resources, potentially causing AudioBooth to struggle. Temporarily disabling a VPN (if you use one) to test the connection can help rule this out. Remember that AudioBooth will be making direct HTTPS requests to the domain managed by NPM. If your device can't properly resolve that domain name, or if there's an SSL certificate trust issue on the client side (though less common with Let's Encrypt), it can lead to connection failures that might appear as a 'Not Found' if the app can't even initiate the request correctly. While less frequent, issues related to the AudioBooth client, the specific TestFlight build, or network obstructions between your device and NPM can sometimes be the hidden culprits behind a 'Not Found' message. Always keep your AudioBooth app updated, clear its caches when troubleshooting, and ensure your network path from your device to your Nginx Proxy Manager is clear and unobstructed.

Advanced Debugging and What's Next

If you've gone through all the previous steps and you're still hitting that dreaded 'Not Found' page, it's time to pull out the big guns and dive into some advanced debugging techniques. This phase requires a bit more technical comfort, but it's where you'll often find the definitive answer to your problem. First up, and one of the most powerful tools at your disposal, is your browser's Developer Tools. Even though you're using AudioBooth, you can often replicate the issue (or at least related symptoms) by trying to access your Audiobookshelf instance directly through a web browser using the exact same URL that AudioBooth would use. Open your browser, hit F12 (or right-click and select Inspect), and go to the Network tab. Now, try to play a book. Watch the network requests that fly by. Look for any requests that return a 404 Not Found status code. Pay close attention to the URL of that 404 request. Does it look correct? Is it trying to access a path that truly doesn't exist on your Audiobookshelf server, or is it a malformed URL? Also, check for 301 or 302 redirects – sometimes Audiobookshelf or NPM might be redirecting to an incorrect path, which ultimately leads to a 404. Next, and equally important, are server logs. You need to check the logs for both your Nginx Proxy Manager and your Audiobookshelf instance. For NPM (especially if it's a Docker container), you can usually view logs with docker logs [nginx_proxy_manager_container_name]. Look for any error or warn messages related to your Audiobookshelf proxy host. You might see errors indicating NPM couldn't connect to Audiobookshelf internally, or that Nginx itself is reporting a 404 before even reaching Audiobookshelf. Similarly, check the logs for your Audiobookshelf server (again, docker logs [audiobookshelf_container_name] for Docker users). These logs will tell you what requests Audiobookshelf is actually receiving and how it's responding. Is it receiving the request at all? If so, is it complaining about a missing file, an incorrect path, or an authorization issue? Comparing the NPM logs with the Audiobookshelf logs can help you pinpoint exactly where the request is breaking down. For example, if NPM logs show it's successfully forwarding a request but Audiobookshelf logs show no corresponding incoming request, then the problem is likely between NPM and Audiobookshelf (e.g., firewall, incorrect internal IP/port). If Audiobookshelf logs show it received the request but then returned a 404, the problem is within Audiobookshelf's understanding of the path. A crucial diagnostic step is direct access testing. Can you access Audiobookshelf directly from inside your network (bypassing NPM entirely) using its internal IP address and port (e.g., http://192.168.1.100:1337)? If you can play books successfully this way, it definitively tells you the problem lies with NPM or how it's configured. If you still get a 'Not Found' even with direct access, then the problem is internal to Audiobookshelf's configuration or its file paths. Finally, don't hesitate to leverage the community. The Audiobookshelf and Nginx Proxy Manager communities (often found on GitHub, Reddit, or Discord) are incredibly helpful. Share your NPM proxy host settings (excluding sensitive info), your Audiobookshelf Base URL, and any relevant log snippets. Chances are, someone else has faced and solved this exact 'Not Found' issue before. Remember, the key to advanced debugging is isolation: eliminate possibilities one by one until you've narrowed down the exact point of failure. Don't be afraid to experiment with your NPM settings (making backups first!), restart services, and carefully observe the results in your logs and network inspector. This systematic approach will inevitably lead you to the solution, transforming you into a true troubleshooting guru.

Wrapping It Up: Conquering the 'Not Found' Monster!

Alright, folks, we've covered a ton of ground, haven't we? Tackling that stubborn 'Not Found' error when trying to stream audio from Audiobookshelf via AudioBooth behind Nginx Proxy Manager can feel like a real battle, but with the right approach, it's absolutely conquerable. The main takeaway here is that most of these issues boil down to a mismatch in how your Nginx Proxy Manager is forwarding requests and how your Audiobookshelf server is configured to receive them, especially concerning the Base URL and specific asset paths. We've walked through the crucial steps: meticulously checking your NPM Proxy Host settings, paying close attention to the Forward Hostname/IP and Forward Port, and ensuring your SSL certificate is solid. Then, we moved on to the backend, stressing the critical importance of a correctly configured Audiobookshelf Base URL that perfectly matches the domain NPM exposes. We also touched upon the client side, suggesting you check your AudioBooth app version (especially if you're on a TestFlight build like 1.3), clear its cache, and rule out any external network or firewall impediments. And when all else fails, we armed you with advanced debugging techniques, including leveraging browser developer tools to inspect network requests and, most importantly, diving deep into server logs for both NPM and Audiobookshelf. Remember, the journey to a perfectly stable self-hosted setup is often paved with these kinds of troubleshooting quests. Every problem you solve makes you more knowledgeable and your system more robust. Don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries; that's just part of the fun of self-hosting! The satisfaction of finally seeing that audiobook play flawlessly is totally worth the effort. Keep experimenting, keep learning, and keep enjoying your incredible self-hosted audio library. You've got this, and that 'Not Found' monster doesn't stand a chance against a determined audio enthusiast like you! Happy listening, everyone!