Paperless-AI Bug: Old IP Address Persists After Change

Dec 6, 2025 by Alex Johnson 55 views

🧐 Bug Summary: Persistent Old IP Address Issue in Paperless-AI

This article addresses a frustrating bug where Paperless-AI stubbornly clings to an old IP address even after it has been updated in the Docker Compose configuration. The user reports that they changed their local IP address, updated the PAPERLESS_API_URL variable in their docker-compose.yml file, and restarted their containers. Despite these changes, Paperless-AI continues to attempt to connect to the old IP address, resulting in errors and preventing the application from functioning correctly. This is a common issue that many users face when dealing with IP address changes, especially within containerized environments. The problem highlights the importance of ensuring that all configuration settings are correctly updated and that the application is aware of the new network configuration. Understanding the root cause of this issue can help users troubleshoot similar problems and ensure a smooth transition when their network settings change. The article will delve into potential causes, troubleshooting steps, and possible solutions to this persistent IP address problem. This issue not only disrupts the functionality of Paperless-AI but also highlights potential network configuration problems, which could affect other services as well. A thorough understanding of how Paperless-AI handles its network configuration and the underlying causes of this problem is crucial for anyone managing this application in a dynamic network environment.

Detailed Breakdown

The user's problem originates from Paperless-AI's inability to recognize the updated IP address after the change. The error messages in the logs clearly indicate that the application is attempting to connect to the old IP address, leading to ECONNREFUSED errors. This suggests that the application is either caching the old IP address, using a hardcoded value that hasn't been updated, or misinterpreting the configuration settings. The provided logs also show the validation process failing, further confirming that Paperless-AI cannot successfully connect to the new IP address. These errors demonstrate how crucial correct configuration is for applications relying on network connections. When the application fails to connect, it can lead to frustration and disruption, so troubleshooting steps are essential.

Potential Causes and Initial Investigations

Several factors might contribute to Paperless-AI's continued use of the old IP address:

Caching Issues: The application might be caching the old IP address, preventing it from recognizing the updated configuration. This could be due to internal caching mechanisms within Paperless-AI or the caching behavior of underlying libraries.
Configuration Errors: There might be errors in the docker-compose.yml file. Even though the user reports updating the PAPERLESS_API_URL, there could be other configuration settings that are not correctly set.
Network Configuration: The network within the Docker environment might not be correctly configured to recognize the new IP address. Docker networks can sometimes cause confusion in environments where IP addresses are dynamically assigned.
Application Bugs: There might be a bug within Paperless-AI that causes it to ignore the updated PAPERLESS_API_URL under certain conditions. This is more likely if the issue is not related to caching or network configuration problems.

Troubleshooting Strategies

To effectively tackle this problem, the user should perform a series of troubleshooting steps:

Double-Check Configuration: Carefully review the docker-compose.yml file to ensure that all relevant settings, including PAPERLESS_API_URL, are correctly set to the new IP address and port. Verify that there are no typos or incorrect values.
Restart Containers: Ensure that the Docker containers have been properly restarted after the configuration changes. A simple restart might not be enough; try completely stopping and starting the containers.
Inspect Docker Network: Check the Docker network configuration to ensure that the container can resolve the new IP address. You can do this by inspecting the Docker network settings. Check with the docker network inspect command.
Flush Caches: If the application caches the IP address, look for options to clear its cache or restart the Paperless-AI service to ensure that the cache is refreshed.
Examine Logs: Deep dive the logs for any other error messages or clues that can explain why the application is still trying to connect to the old IP address. Logs often provide valuable insights into what the application is doing under the hood.

📖 Description: Detailed Analysis of the IP Address Problem

The user's issue stems from Paperless-AI's inability to correctly update its network configuration after an IP address change. This problem can be attributed to several factors, including caching issues, incorrect configuration, and network-related problems. The error messages in the logs, which show connect ECONNREFUSED 192.168.1.22:4567, specifically pinpoint the application's persistent attempt to connect to the old IP address. These logs highlight a critical failure: Paperless-AI is not correctly interpreting the updated PAPERLESS_API_URL setting in the docker-compose.yml file. This is crucial for several reasons, from networking to accessing the application.

Deep Dive into the Technicalities

Let's break down the technical aspects:

Docker Compose and Network Setup: When using Docker Compose, the docker-compose.yml file defines the services, networks, and volumes for the application. Docker then creates a virtual network within the host machine, where each container can communicate with each other. The PAPERLESS_API_URL setting is expected to tell Paperless-AI where to find its backend API.
Configuration and Environment Variables: The docker-compose.yml file usually includes environment variables (like PAPERLESS_API_URL) that configure the behavior of the containers. These variables are passed to the container at startup and are used to set up the application's environment. If the IP address is not correctly updated in these environment variables, the application will not be able to find its necessary resources.
API Communication: Paperless-AI, like most modern applications, relies on an API to communicate between its different components. The front-end needs to communicate with the back-end API to fetch data, store documents, and perform other tasks. If the front-end is still pointing to the old IP address, all API calls will fail.
Validation Process: The logs indicate that Paperless-AI is performing a validation check to ensure it can communicate with its API. This validation step is failing, which prevents the application from starting correctly. The validation process is a crucial step to confirm that the application can function as intended.

Implications of the Issue

The consequences of this issue can be significant:

Application Failure: The primary impact is that Paperless-AI is unable to function correctly. The inability to connect to the API prevents users from accessing their documents and other features. This renders the application essentially unusable.
Data Loss (Potential): Depending on the configuration, some users may worry about potential data loss if the application is not functioning correctly. Although not directly related to the IP address issue, it highlights the importance of regularly backing up your data.
Frustration: Troubleshooting network issues can be time-consuming and frustrating for users, especially when the cause is not immediately obvious. This can lead to a negative user experience.
Network Configuration Problems: This issue may also indicate underlying problems with the network configuration, which could affect other services as well. Resolving this issue is vital to ensure the smooth operation of all the network applications.

Additional Considerations

To ensure all configurations are valid, consider the following points:

Network Addressing: Double-check the network configuration of the Docker host and containers. Ensure there are no IP address conflicts.
Firewall Rules: Ensure that your firewall does not block traffic to the new IP address.
DNS Resolution: Verify that DNS resolution is working correctly within the Docker container, especially if you are using domain names instead of IP addresses.

🔄 Steps to Reproduce: How the Bug Manifests

The steps to reproduce the bug are straightforward. The user sets up Paperless-AI with a specific IP address in the docker-compose.yml file, which is a standard procedure when setting up applications within Docker. Then, the user changes their local IP address. After changing the IP, they restart the application using docker compose up -d. The expected behavior is that Paperless-AI should seamlessly transition to the new IP address, using the updated URL provided in the docker-compose.yml file. However, in reality, Paperless-AI continues to try to use the old IP address, indicating a failure to correctly update the application's network configuration.

The Reproducibility of the Bug

The bug's reproducibility is high, as the steps provided are simple and easy to follow. This means that other users with similar network setups can readily replicate the issue. The fact that the user can access Paperless-AI at the new IP address suggests that the network and Docker setup is correct. The problem is specific to how Paperless-AI handles configuration updates after an IP address change. This also indicates that the problem is not due to Docker, but due to internal processes within Paperless-AI. The ease of reproducing this bug makes it a high priority for developers to address, as it disrupts core functionality.

Detailed Steps to Reproduce the Issue

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps:

Set Up docker-compose.yml: First, configure the docker-compose.yml file with all the necessary settings for Paperless-AI, including the PAPERLESS_API_URL pointing to the initial IP address. Be sure to configure the correct version and service names.
Initial Launch: Run docker compose up -d to start Paperless-AI. Verify that the application is running correctly and that you can access it via the IP address specified in the configuration. Ensure that all the dependencies are also running.
Change IP Address: Modify your local IP address configuration. For the purpose of this bug, you can simulate an IP change by changing the configuration of the network interface.
Update docker-compose.yml: Update the docker-compose.yml file to reflect the new IP address. Change the PAPERLESS_API_URL variable to point to the new IP address and restart the application.
Restart Containers: Execute docker compose down followed by docker compose up -d to restart the containers. Alternatively, you can attempt a restart of individual containers or use the docker compose restart command to try and resolve the issue.
Observe the Logs: Monitor the Docker logs using docker logs paperless-ai (or whichever the name of the container is) and observe the error messages. You should see attempts to connect to the old IP address, resulting in ECONNREFUSED errors. Also, look for other related errors.
Confirm the Failure: Attempt to access Paperless-AI through the front-end interface to confirm that it is not working as expected. You may also check that the API calls are failing due to the incorrect IP address. This helps to confirm the issue.

✅ Expected Behavior: The Ideal Outcome

When the IP address is changed, the expected behavior is that Paperless-AI should seamlessly adapt to the new IP address without any manual intervention. This includes all aspects of the application, from internal API calls to external connections. The key aspect here is the correct use of the PAPERLESS_API_URL environment variable. The application should load the updated docker-compose.yml file correctly and reconfigure itself to use the specified IP address. This means all the application services can communicate with each other over the new network configuration. Moreover, the API should be accessible via the new address, and all the user's data should be correctly fetched and displayed. The logs should not show any errors related to the old IP address. All should perform as expected, and the user should be able to continue using Paperless-AI without disruption.

How the System Should Function

Ideally, Paperless-AI should handle IP address changes in the following ways:

Dynamic Configuration: The application should dynamically read and apply the PAPERLESS_API_URL setting from the docker-compose.yml file every time it starts or restarts. The application should not hardcode the IP address or cache it in such a way that it cannot be updated.
API Communication: The front-end components should correctly communicate with the back-end API through the new IP address. This is the cornerstone of the application's functionality.
Data Persistence: If the application stores any cached data related to the old IP address, it should clear or update this cache when the configuration changes. Ensuring the data is valid is an important consideration.
Logging and Error Handling: The application should log any errors related to network connectivity or configuration issues. This helps in diagnosing and resolving any problems that might occur. Clear, understandable log messages are crucial.

User Experience

The user's experience should be smooth and transparent. There should be no downtime or disruptions when the IP address changes. The user should be able to continue using the application without any technical knowledge of IP addresses or network configurations. The interface should reflect the updated configuration in a seamless fashion. A great user experience is important for keeping users happy and satisfied. Any downtime will negatively affect the user experience.

❌ Actual Behavior: The Persistent Problem

The actual behavior is that Paperless-AI persistently tries to connect to the old IP address even after the user has updated the configuration in the docker-compose.yml file and restarted the containers. The application continues to show errors, specifically connect ECONNREFUSED, which indicates a connection refusal due to the application trying to connect to a non-existent or inaccessible IP address. This persistent issue prevents Paperless-AI from functioning correctly, rendering the application unusable. The old IP is stubbornly cached or hardcoded within the application's internal configurations.

Detailed Breakdown

Error Messages: The logs show the continuous presence of the error message: connect ECONNREFUSED 192.168.1.22:4567. This demonstrates that the application is still trying to connect to the old IP address. The error persists even after configuration updates and restarts, confirming the core problem.
Configuration Failure: The validation process in Paperless-AI fails because the application cannot connect to the specified API URL. This validation process is an essential part of the start-up process, and when it fails, it prevents the application from starting and working correctly.
No Adaptation: The application doesn't adapt to the new IP address. The configuration change is not being recognized or correctly implemented. The core of the problem here is that Paperless-AI fails to dynamically update its network settings, which is a major design flaw.
Functional Impact: Due to the failure, the user can’t use Paperless-AI, as the front-end application cannot connect to the back-end services.

Analysis of the Root Cause

The underlying cause of the problem is likely related to how Paperless-AI handles configuration updates and network settings. Here are some potential causes:

Hardcoded IP addresses: The IP address may be hardcoded somewhere in the application code, overriding the environment variables.
Caching issues: The application may be caching the IP address, preventing the configuration updates from being applied.
Incorrect Environment Variable Usage: The application might not be correctly reading the PAPERLESS_API_URL environment variable.
Bug in Application Logic: There might be a bug in the application logic that prevents the new IP address from being used under certain conditions.

🏷️ Paperless-AI Version and Docker Logs: Key Information

The user provided valuable information about the Paperless-AI version. Without the specific version number, it’s difficult to know which release of the application is causing the issue. This is crucial as each version can have different bugs and fixes. The provided Docker logs also give us a glimpse of the problems. The logs help us identify the origin of the problem and the steps to rectify it. Here's a breakdown of the importance of these elements.

The Importance of Version Information

Knowing the version of Paperless-AI is vital for effective troubleshooting:

Bug Identification: Different versions of software often have different bugs. Identifying the version allows developers to know if the issue is a known bug in that particular release.
Compatibility: Specific versions may have compatibility issues with different Docker versions or host operating systems. The version helps determine if there might be a compatibility problem.
Known Issues: Examining the version allows you to determine if there are known issues or workarounds for that specific version. Often, software bugs are well-documented on the internet.
Fixes and Updates: You can determine if the problem is fixed in a newer version. Knowing the version helps you decide if you need to upgrade to a later version.

Analyzing the Docker Logs

The Docker logs provide critical insight into the problems:

Error Messages: The logs show specific error messages that help to pinpoint the problem. These messages often give hints regarding what went wrong and how the system is behaving.
Startup Sequence: The logs can reveal the startup sequence of the Paperless-AI containers, which helps in understanding how the application loads its configuration and attempts to connect to other services.
Configuration Details: The logs can show how the configuration settings are being applied, including the value of the PAPERLESS_API_URL environment variable. This helps verify whether the application is correctly reading the configuration.
Network Activity: The logs can reveal the network activity and connection attempts of Paperless-AI, which helps determine why it is failing to connect to the new IP address.

What the Logs Show

The provided log snippets show a connection refused error, indicating that Paperless-AI is trying to connect to the old IP address, even after it should have been updated. The validation attempts are failing, further confirming the configuration issue. These logs provide concrete evidence of the bug and guide troubleshooting efforts.

🖼️ Screenshots, Desktop Environment, and Browser: Missing Information

The user did not provide screenshots of the settings page, the desktop environment, or browser information. This information is usually very helpful for diagnosing and reproducing issues, as it can highlight specific compatibility issues or configuration problems that might be happening. This is not essential, but it provides additional details for troubleshooting the problem. Let’s explore why the provided info could be helpful, and some best practices for gathering the missing data.

Why Screenshots are Important

Screenshots offer a visual representation of the problem, allowing us to see how the settings are configured and identify potential issues. Here's why they are crucial:

Configuration Errors: Screenshots can quickly reveal misconfigurations in the settings page. For example, the PAPERLESS_API_URL might have been set incorrectly or other settings might interfere.
User Interface Problems: Screenshots can show any user interface issues. You might spot a particular setting that is not correctly applied or that might be missing from the configuration.
Visual Confirmation: Screenshots give visual confirmation that settings are configured as expected. They give you a visual record of what the user is seeing when the issue is happening.

Desktop Environment Information

Providing details about the desktop environment is important. Here’s why:

Operating System: The desktop environment provides information about the operating system. Different operating systems might have different networking configurations and might affect the behavior of Paperless-AI.
Docker Compatibility: The desktop environment helps to verify if the Docker version is compatible with the operating system and the hardware configuration.
Hardware: The information on hardware configuration may also provide insights that might affect Paperless-AI.

Browser Information

The browser information is important for the following reasons:

Interface Problems: The browser is the interface that the user will interact with Paperless-AI. Some versions might have compatibility issues or render the UI incorrectly.
JavaScript Errors: Browser details are useful in case there are JavaScript errors, which can affect the functionality of Paperless-AI. This might be visible in the developer tools console, which can be useful when debugging the problems.
Network Issues: Browser information helps to determine if the network requests from the front-end application are causing any problems. This can help with identifying if it has anything to do with the issue.

Gathering the Information

Screenshots: Users can take screenshots of their settings pages to show their configuration and the errors they are encountering.
Desktop Environment: The user can provide details about their operating system, such as the version and desktop environment. This is often available in the system settings or by using the command line.
Browser: The user can also give details about the browser they are using. This typically includes the browser name, version, and any extensions that might be installed.

📝 Additional Information and Extra Notes: Crucial Details

The user provided valuable additional information, including the declaration of some key details that provide critical context, specifically by providing the information regarding troubleshooting. These points are very important in assessing the problem and the user's approach to fixing it. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the implications and importance of the details provided by the user. These additional pieces of information contribute to a comprehensive report of the problem.

Analyzing the Provided Additional Details

The user included a section that provides details that help us understand the problem thoroughly. These points are very important in assessing the problem and the user's approach to fixing it.

Checked Existing Issues: The user confirmed that they checked the existing issues and verified that their problem is not a duplicate. This demonstrates that they have looked for a solution before reporting the problem, which saves time. This is a very valuable step in troubleshooting, and makes resolving the problem much easier and faster.
Tried Debugging on Their Own: The user has also tried debugging the issue themselves. This indicates they have tried to resolve the problem independently. This shows initiative and helps demonstrate the problem is not trivial.
Providing a Fix: This helps contribute directly to solving the problem. It is an optional but very helpful inclusion for anyone trying to fix a software bug.
Affecting Everyone: The user has confirmed that this problem is likely affecting everyone and not just them. This justifies the importance of fixing the issue and its impact.
Providing Required Information: The user made sure to provide all required information. This increases the chances of having the issue correctly diagnosed and resolved.

Implications for Troubleshooting

These additional details are very helpful for those who will troubleshoot the issue. When troubleshooting a bug, it helps to narrow down the possible causes and makes the process more efficient. The user has demonstrated a good understanding of the troubleshooting process, which significantly increases the chances of resolving the issue.

📌 Extra Notes: Further Points for Investigation

The user did not include any extra notes. This section is an open field to provide any extra information or context that helps with understanding the issue. Although not essential, extra notes can be useful in adding more context.

What Could Be Included in Extra Notes

Specific Network Configuration: This can provide additional details about the network configuration. Including any firewalls, network interfaces, or custom routing configurations that may have an effect.
Docker Version: The version of Docker and Docker Compose. This helps to determine if the problem might be caused by any compatibility issues with the Docker version.
Workarounds: Details on any workarounds that were tried, even if they were unsuccessful. This information will help others by providing context and a better understanding of what was already attempted.
Impact on Other Services: Additional information on whether this problem affects other services that rely on the IP address.

Conclusion

The bug report clearly outlines a problem with Paperless-AI failing to update its IP address configuration after a change. The user has provided detailed information, including logs, steps to reproduce, and a description of the expected and actual behaviors. The core of the problem seems to be the application's inability to correctly read the updated PAPERLESS_API_URL setting. Troubleshooting this will likely involve checking the configuration, restarting containers, and examining Docker network settings. Addressing this issue will ensure that the application functions correctly after the IP address changes, providing a seamless user experience. By systematically checking the configuration files, logs, and network settings, the user can pinpoint the root cause of the problem and implement a solution.

For further information and resources, please visit the official Docker documentation.