Post

Aprotim
@aprotim.com

I'm on a United flight. My kid has sensibly downloaded content to watch offline on Disney+. They open the app, and it forces them to log back in, but it can't reach log in servers. Why is it trying? Because tablet auto-connected to the inflight wifi, but doesn't have an actual internet connection.

Aprotim
@aprotim.com

So, child locked out of local content they are authorized to view. I'm fancy, so I splurged the $8 to get "full" Wi-Fi (no streaming) on my laptop. I use the captive wifi portal on their tablet to switch full internet to their device temporarily. Try to log into Disney+… "no network connection".

0 reposts0 likes

Aprotim
@aprotim.com

Seems that "no streaming" means "no connections to streaming sites, even login". No problem, I'll just connect them to my tailnet. Of course, need to install @tailscale.com. Go to app store… no connection (no installing/updating apps either). Shit. No prob, just Quick Share the APK from my phone…

Aprotim
@aprotim.com

"Can't install, app does not support this device." Hmph. Go to Tailscale download page to directly download Android client… just a link to Play Store. Fuck. Scroll downdowndown to find official Tailscale GitHub APK page below a number of sketchy apk mirrors. Download universal apk, install, connect…

Aprotim
@aprotim.com

Still can't log in. State at things for way too long before remembering I have to actually set the thing to use my exit node on the ground. Finally open Disney+ app, log in, open up downloads page and disconnect all network. Child is finally able to watch their stories.

Aprotim
@aprotim.com

Other child... had wifi off, no problems whatsoever. I'm trying to decide who fucked up, and I'm pretty sure it's Disney+ for assuming wifi connection means "online". Pretty much breaks the point of offline downloads if you can get locked out by a network error.