Soulseek Not Connecting--Port Forwarding Issue?
167 views
Skip to first unread message
Stephen Altobello
Dec 27, 2025, 2:50:06 AM12/27/25
to Soulseek Technical Discussion
SoulseekQT build 2024.6.30. Mac Sonoma 14.8.1.
Hi…I’ve been using SSX for 20 years and I think it’s great. I’ve rarely had problems with it, but as of tonight I’m stumped. Here’s a few details, and hopefully someone here can offer some insight.
I have a Mac mini 2018 in my office in Queens, NY. I used this Mac mini there until 10/2024, when I retired it and got a new Mac mini 2024.
Meanwhile, at my folks' place upstate, I have an Mac mini 2014.
In both locations, on all 3 Mac minis SSx has been working very well. And I’ve never had to set port forwarding. I haven’t have to do that since around 2007, a few computers ago.
Today, upstate, I retired the 2014 and took the 2018 out of mothballs. I set it up, upgraded the OS, and generally speaking, it’s been going smoothly. Except for SSX, where I now am unable to download anything. I can find files in others’ libraries, but when I try to download, it goes straight to “aborted.”
I immediately plugged the old 2014 mini in, to see if there were settings I should change, to account for what worked in Queens in 2024 vs upstate in 2025. I went to the Options tab, where my listening port was set to 2235. On my 2018 mini, it was set to 80 (I think). I changed it to 2235 and had no luck. Also, I could no longer download on the 2014 mini.
I went down that rabbit hole of doubt we all go down every now and then. I’ve been Googling Port Forwarding and testing things this way and that, to no avail.
Currently, the SSX app’s listening port is 80. And on my Spectrum app, for my router, I’ve set up port fowarding for my computer for ports 80 and 81. And when I check ports on SSX, I get “Port: 81/tcp open. Your router and Soulseek client is configured correctly.”
However, I still get “aborted” for anything I try to download. I’ve played with variations for the last 2 hours, but without success: I can’t download anything.
First, if you’ve made it this far, that hopefully means you have a suggestion.
Two, if you’ve made it this far, kudos to you! This is a data-packed post. I understand why most of you would bail (and that includes me, more or less). But sometimes it helps to write it out. At least it helps me and a few others a chance at a little redemption.
Third, apropos of nothing, are there any Yes fans out there? Chime in! And tell me why you think of "Going for the One" and
Hi…I’ve been using SSX for 20 years and I think it’s great. I’ve rarely had problems with it, but as of tonight I’m stumped. Here’s a few details, and hopefully someone here can offer some insight.
I have a Mac mini 2018 in my office in Queens, NY. I used this Mac mini there until 10/2024, when I retired it and got a new Mac mini 2024.
Meanwhile, at my folks' place upstate, I have an Mac mini 2014.
In both locations, on all 3 Mac minis SSx has been working very well. And I’ve never had to set port forwarding. I haven’t have to do that since around 2007, a few computers ago.
Today, upstate, I retired the 2014 and took the 2018 out of mothballs. I set it up, upgraded the OS, and generally speaking, it’s been going smoothly. Except for SSX, where I now am unable to download anything. I can find files in others’ libraries, but when I try to download, it goes straight to “aborted.”
I immediately plugged the old 2014 mini in, to see if there were settings I should change, to account for what worked in Queens in 2024 vs upstate in 2025. I went to the Options tab, where my listening port was set to 2235. On my 2018 mini, it was set to 80 (I think). I changed it to 2235 and had no luck. Also, I could no longer download on the 2014 mini.
I went down that rabbit hole of doubt we all go down every now and then. I’ve been Googling Port Forwarding and testing things this way and that, to no avail.
Currently, the SSX app’s listening port is 80. And on my Spectrum app, for my router, I’ve set up port fowarding for my computer for ports 80 and 81. And when I check ports on SSX, I get “Port: 81/tcp open. Your router and Soulseek client is configured correctly.”
However, I still get “aborted” for anything I try to download. I’ve played with variations for the last 2 hours, but without success: I can’t download anything.
First, if you’ve made it this far, that hopefully means you have a suggestion.
Two, if you’ve made it this far, kudos to you! This is a data-packed post. I understand why most of you would bail (and that includes me, more or less). But sometimes it helps to write it out. At least it helps me and a few others a chance at a little redemption.
Third, apropos of nothing, are there any Yes fans out there? Chime in! And tell me why you think of "Going for the One" and
Nir Arbel
Dec 27, 2025, 4:07:08 AM12/27/25
to Soulseek Technical Discussion
Try changing the download folder by going to Options->File Sharing and using the set download folder button on the top button bar. Sometimes the client has a problem writing files to the selected folder.
Guy Wigmore
Dec 27, 2025, 7:51:03 AM12/27/25
to Soulseek Technical Discussion
I'm having a very similar problem today, but I'm not able to search anything. When I check ports I get the same Closed message. Never had a problem until today. Any ideas if this is a wider problem?
Stephen Altobello
Dec 27, 2025, 11:16:25 AM12/27/25
to Soulseek Technical Discussion
Hi! Nir, thanks for the swift response--and the quick answer! Yes, resetting the download drives was the solution for me.
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages