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How to configure SABnzbd

This guide shows you how to configure SABnzbd as your download client in Cinephage.

Prerequisites​

  • SABnzbd installed and running
  • Usenet provider configured in SABnzbd
  • SABnzbd Web UI accessible
  • Cinephage installed and running
  • Network connectivity between Cinephage and SABnzbd

Step 1: Get your SABnzbd API key​

  1. Open the SABnzbd Web UI (typically http://localhost:8080)
  2. Go to Config (wrench icon) > General
  3. Scroll to the API Key section
  4. Copy the API Key (not the NZB Key)

Note: The API key is used for Cinephage to communicate with SABnzbd. Keep it secure.

Step 2: Add SABnzbd to Cinephage​

  1. In Cinephage, go to Settings > Integrations > Download Clients
  2. Click Add Download Client
  3. Select SABnzbd from the dropdown
  4. Configure the connection settings:

Connection settings​

FieldDescriptionExample
NameDescriptive name for this clientSABnzbd
HostSABnzbd IP or hostnamelocalhost, 192.168.1.100, or sabnzbd (Docker)
PortWeb UI port8080
API KeyYour SABnzbd API keya1b2c3d4...
UsernameSABnzbd usernameOnly if authentication enabled
PasswordSABnzbd passwordOnly if authentication enabled
Use SSLEnable for HTTPSCheck if using HTTPS

Host configuration guide:

  • Same machine: localhost or 127.0.0.1
  • Docker on same host: Use host IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
  • Separate machine: Use that machine's IP address
  • Docker container name: sabnzbd (if on same network)

Options​

FieldDescriptionExample
CategoryOrganizes downloadsmovies or tv

Categories in SABnzbd help separate downloads by type and can trigger different post-processing scripts.

Step 3: Test and save​

  1. Click Test to verify the connection works
  2. If successful, click Save to add the download client

If the test fails:

  • Verify the API key is correct (copy it again from SABnzbd)
  • Check that the host and port are correct
  • Ensure SABnzbd is running and accessible
  • If using authentication, verify username and password
  • Check firewall rules if connecting across networks

Testing your configuration​

  1. Add a movie or series to your Cinephage library with monitoring enabled
  2. Go to the item and click Search
  3. Cinephage should find releases and send an NZB to SABnzbd
  4. Check Activity > Queue to see the download
  5. Verify the download appears in the SABnzbd Web UI

Common issues​

API key rejected​

Problem: Test connection fails with API key error.

Solutions:

  • Copy the API key again from SABnzbd Config > General
  • Ensure you are using the API Key, not the NZB Key
  • Check that the API key has not been regenerated
  • Verify there are no extra spaces when pasting the key

Connection refused​

Problem: Cannot connect to SABnzbd.

Solutions:

  • Verify SABnzbd is running
  • Check the port is correct (default is 8080)
  • Ensure SABnzbd Web UI is accessible from your browser
  • Check firewall rules allow the connection

Downloads not importing​

Problem: Downloads complete in SABnzbd but do not appear in Cinephage library.

Solutions:

  • Check path mappings if Cinephage and SABnzbd use different paths
  • Verify Cinephage can access the completed download folder
  • Check Cinephage logs in Settings > Logs
  • Ensure the download category is correct

Slow download speeds​

Problem: Download speeds are slower than expected.

Solutions:

  • Check your usenet provider's connection limits
  • Verify you have sufficient connections configured in SABnzbd
  • Test speed directly in SABnzbd to isolate the issue
  • Check for ISP throttling or network congestion

Category configuration (optional)​

To set up categories in SABnzbd:

  1. Go to Config > Categories
  2. Add categories like movies and tv
  3. Configure post-processing per category if desired
  4. Use these category names in Cinephage settings

See also​