Jellyfin 10.11.3: No Progress Bar For Single Library Scan

Are you experiencing the frustration of a missing progress bar when performing single library scans in Jellyfin 10.11.3? You're not alone! Since upgrading to this version, many users have reported the absence of the progress bar, which makes it difficult to monitor the scan's progress and can lead to accidental re-triggering of the scan. This article will delve into this Jellyfin bug, its symptoms, reproduction steps, and expected behavior, offering a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Understanding the Jellyfin Single Library Scan Bug

This Jellyfin issue specifically affects users who have upgraded to version 10.11.3, particularly those using Docker installations. The core problem lies in the missing visual feedback during a single library scan. In previous versions, Jellyfin would display a progress bar both within the thumbnail of the selected library and in the administrative overview page, providing users with real-time updates on the scan's progress. However, in 10.11.3, this progress bar is absent, leaving users in the dark about the scan's status.

The Impact of the Missing Progress Bar

The absence of a progress bar can lead to several issues. Firstly, users may unknowingly re-initiate the scan multiple times, assuming the first attempt didn't register due to the lack of feedback. This can put unnecessary strain on the server and potentially lead to data inconsistencies. Secondly, without a visual indicator, it's difficult to gauge how long the scan will take, making it challenging to plan other server-related tasks. Finally, the lack of feedback creates a general sense of uncertainty and can be frustrating for users who are accustomed to monitoring the scan's progress.

Symptoms of the Jellyfin Progress Bar Bug

The primary symptom of this bug is the absence of a progress bar when initiating a single library scan in Jellyfin 10.11.3. This means you won't see any visual indication of the scan's progress, either within the library's thumbnail or in the administrative dashboard. While the scan itself seems to function correctly – updating the total item count in the library – the lack of feedback makes it difficult to confirm its status. This issue is specific to single library scans; full library scans appear to function as expected, with the progress bar displaying correctly.

Key Indicators of the Issue:

• No progress bar visible during single library scans.
• Scan seems to complete successfully, updating item counts.
• Full library scans display progress bars correctly.
• Potential for accidental re-triggering of scans due to lack of feedback.

Reproducing the Jellyfin Bug: Step-by-Step

To reproduce this Jellyfin bug, follow these simple steps:

1. Upgrade to Jellyfin 10.11.3: Ensure your Jellyfin server is running version 10.11.3, especially if you're using a Docker installation.
2. Select a Single Library: Navigate to your Jellyfin library and select a specific library for scanning. You can do this by clicking the three dots (ellipsis) associated with the library.
3. Initiate "Update Library": From the options menu, select "Update Library" to start a scan of the chosen library.
4. Observe the Lack of Progress Bar: You should notice that no progress bar appears, either within the library's thumbnail or in the administrative overview page. This indicates the presence of the bug.

Expected vs. Current Behavior

Expected Behavior: In previous versions of Jellyfin, initiating a single library scan would display a progress bar in two locations: on top of the scanning library's thumbnail and in the main settings page. This visual feedback allowed users to monitor the scan's progress and ensure it was running smoothly.

Current (Bugged) Behavior: In Jellyfin 10.11.3, the progress bar is missing during single library scans. While the scan appears to function in the background, updating item counts, the absence of visual feedback creates uncertainty and potential for errors.

Technical Details: Environment and Logs

This bug has been reported in various environments, but it seems to be prevalent in Docker installations. Here's a sample environment configuration where the issue has been observed:

• OS: Debian Trixie (Docker Host)
• Linux Kernel: 6.1.0-41-amd64
• Virtualization: Docker
• Client OS: Windows 11 Pro 25H2
• Browser: Google Chrome (latest version)
• Jellyfin Version: 10.11.3

Log Analysis

Interestingly, users have reported that Jellyfin logs don't show any relevant errors or warnings related to this bug. This makes it challenging to diagnose the issue from the server-side logs alone. Similarly, FFmpeg logs and client/browser logs haven't revealed any specific clues about the cause of the missing progress bar.

Why Logs Matter

Logs are a treasure trove of information when troubleshooting software issues. They record events, errors, warnings, and other messages that can help developers and users pinpoint the root cause of a problem. In the case of Jellyfin, server logs, FFmpeg logs, and client/browser logs can provide valuable insights into various aspects of the system's operation. However, when logs don't reveal anything specific, it can indicate that the issue lies in an area that isn't actively generating log messages, such as the user interface or a specific component's interaction with the UI.

Possible Causes and Workarounds

While the exact cause of this bug is still under investigation, several possibilities exist. It could be related to a change in the user interface code, a problem with the communication between the backend and frontend, or a specific interaction with the Docker environment. Until a proper fix is released, users can consider the following workarounds:

Workarounds for the Missing Progress Bar

1. Use Full Library Scans: As a temporary workaround, consider using full library scans instead of single library scans. Full scans appear to display the progress bar correctly, providing the necessary feedback.
2. Monitor Server Activity: If you're comfortable with server administration, you can monitor server activity using tools like top or htop to get a general sense of the scan's progress. This won't provide a visual progress bar, but it can give you an idea of CPU and I/O usage.
3. Wait for Scan Completion: Exercise patience and avoid re-triggering the scan. Allow sufficient time for the scan to complete based on the size of your library. You can check the library's item count to see if it has been updated.
4. Check Jellyfin Forums and GitHub: Keep an eye on the Jellyfin forums and GitHub issue tracker for updates on this bug. Developers and other users may share temporary solutions or workarounds.

The Importance of Community Feedback

In open-source projects like Jellyfin, community feedback is invaluable. When users report bugs, share their experiences, and contribute to discussions, it helps developers prioritize issues and find solutions more efficiently. If you're experiencing this progress bar bug, consider reporting it on the Jellyfin forums or GitHub. The more information developers have, the better they can understand and address the problem.

Conclusion: Staying Informed and Awaiting a Fix

The missing progress bar during single library scans in Jellyfin 10.11.3 is a frustrating issue, but understanding its symptoms, reproduction steps, and potential workarounds can help you manage the problem until a fix is released. By staying informed and participating in the Jellyfin community, you can contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable media server experience.

Remember to keep an eye on the Jellyfin release notes and community forums for updates on this bug and its resolution. Your patience and feedback are crucial in making Jellyfin the best media server it can be.

For more information on Jellyfin and its features, you can visit the official Jellyfin website. You can also find helpful resources and community discussions on the Jellyfin GitHub repository. Keeping up-to-date with the latest information will help you troubleshoot any issues and make the most of your Jellyfin experience.