P: Local mode shows blank or empty when not connected to internet

[alluring_code7376]

Hi everyone,

I've used Lightroom Classic for many years and made the switch to Lightroom (CC) as soon as I could edit local files without having to import them (around v.7 I believe). 

Up until very recently I've had no issues whatsoever and really enjoyed the updated interface and how fast it runs. 

However I've encountered an issue recently while travelling. 
If I'm connected via a VPN or simply offline, I cannot access my local files whatsoever, the files simply do not show up and I'm left with an empty page. 

From searching the community I understand the software sometimes has to connect to check license etc... But I still should be able to every now and then edit my local files offline.

I've tried:

Uninstall everything Adobe from my Mac, used Adobe cleaning tool, reinstalled it, same issue. 

Are there any other users having a similar issue, are you able to work offline at all?

Thanks for the help!

[Muskego.Ed]

My internet connection went out today, so I intended to work on a few pictures in Lightroom (LR) that were stored locally (not in the cloud). Surprisingly, LR didn’t display any local resources to open locally stored files. After my internet connection restored, I was able to access the local files again (after shutting down and restarting LR). I could have used Lightroom Classic (LRC) to access the files, but I’ve been trying to fully commit to LR. Although this situation isn’t common, I would have expected to be able to work on my local files even when not connected to the internet.  Thoughts?

[Claire H.]

Hi @Muskego.Ed, that sounds pretty frustrating! Let's try a few things to resolve this issue:

1. Store Albums Locally: Before going offline, double-check and store the albums locally. You can do this while you still have an internet connection.

2. Check Sync Status: Verify that the images are fully uploaded and synced to the Adobe Cloud. You can check this by visiting Adobe Lightroom and ensuring the images are visible and synced.

3. Rebuild Previews: In Lightroom Classic, try rebuilding the previews by selecting the images and choosing Library > Previews > Build Standard-Sized Previews.
4. Clear Cache: Although you have already tried clearing the cache, it might be worth doing it again after logging out and logging back in.

5. Check Smart Previews: Ensure the smart previews are correctly generated and synced. Issues with smart previews can cause thumbnails not to display correctly.

Please let us know if these steps don't resolve the issue, and we can explore further solutions. If so, can you send your system info so we can try replicating it? You can find this by going to Help > System Info, copying and pasting it into a text file, and attaching it here. Thanks! ^CH

[Muskego.Ed]

That was not the issue…when not connected to the Internet Lightroom Desktop (LR) would not show any of the local devices when I was offline…my local internal and HDDs were not listed or shown under the local tab.

Ed Horwath

[MisterMog]

Hallo,

wenn mein MacBook offline ist, also ohne Internetverbindung, und ich Lightroom starte, liest das Programm keine lokal gespeicherten Ordner, Bilder oder Favoriten ein. Das Öffnen der Bilder, die lokal auf der Festplatte meines Rechners gespeichert sind, zum Bearbeiten ist mittels des links in Lightroom befindlichen "Dateibrowser" nicht möglich.

Ich kann also nicht damit arbeiten.

Bei bestehender Internetverbindung funktioniert es. Nur ist man ab und an halt auch mal ohne Internet unterwegs.

Bitte behebt diesen Bug!

Danke

[Rikk Flohr: Photography]

Thank you for the reports - we are investigating. 

Workaround:

1.  While Offline: Switch LrD to Cloud Mode
2.  Close LrD
3.  Reopen LrD
4.  Switch back to Local

[Sannerah]

Thumbnails no longer appear.  Please add me to the list of users experiencing this problem.  Thankfully, I see that Adobe is investigating this bug. Meanwhile, I followed Rikk Flohr's instructions as a temporary workaround, which was only effective while offline; however, turning my internet on again, creates the same image problem. 

I am unable to see my Local images in grid or detail modes - only a blank screen. However, in the Cloud Mode, I can see outlines of my images, but no actual image.  Clicking on an outlined area in Cloud does bring the image up to screen size.

(I am using LR 5.3.1 on a Mac Mini running Mac OS 15.5 via a VPN wifi router.)

[Sannerah]

Just checking for update on your investigation. It has been a month since your kind workaround; has a permanent solution been developed yet? Thank you.

[brianmatiash]

A fix has been identified and will be included in the next update. This thread will also be updated when the fix has been rolled out. I appreciate your patience!

[jc8654]

When using Lightroom when travelling, I don't always have access to internet. I expect to be able to use the program locally, and often can. However, sometimes I just getting a spinning wheel, and the program just continues on this interface indefinitely.

Version: 8.2
Build: 20250201-0700-1b12095

OS: Windows 11

[CMass]

Hey @Stephen309785660e1l, 

Welcome to the community! I’m happy to help you understand what’s going on and get you back on track. It seems like you’re trying to access your local file while the system is syncing. Thank you for sharing the screenshot; it really helps narrow down the possible issues. Could you please let me know if this only works when you are online?

^CM

[jc8654]

Yes, this only works when I'm online (with full internet connectivity).

[Rikk Flohr: Photography]

Greetings all, 

A new update for the Adobe Photography products has been released.  The June update contains an update for this issue. 

If you do not see the update in your Creative Cloud Application, you can refresh it by hitting [Ctrl/Cmd]+[Alt/Opt]+[ R ].

Note: It may take up to 24 hours for your update to be available in your Creative Cloud app.

Thank you for being so patient.