Skip to content

Add libnm dependency for chromium DRM compatibility#5442

Closed
imanubdesigner wants to merge 1 commit intobasecamp:masterfrom
imanubdesigner:master
Closed

Add libnm dependency for chromium DRM compatibility#5442
imanubdesigner wants to merge 1 commit intobasecamp:masterfrom
imanubdesigner:master

Conversation

@imanubdesigner
Copy link
Copy Markdown

Include libnm to resolve issues with Widevine/DRM playback in Chromium-based browsers. This ensures that media streaming services function correctly regardless of the system's actual network manager.

This PR adds libnm to the default package list. While many minimalist installations might opt for alternative network managers (such as iwd or systemd-networkd), the chromium package and its derivatives on Arch Linux are compiled with a hard dependency on libnm for specific functionalities.

Most notably, the Widevine Content Decryption Module (CDM)—used by platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and Disney+—requires the presence of libnm to correctly initialize the network stack and verify device integrity. Without this library, users encounter playback errors on encrypted streams, despite having a functional internet connection. Including libnm ensures seamless multimedia compatibility without requiring the full NetworkManager daemon to be active.

Include libnm to resolve issues with Widevine/DRM playback in Chromium-based browsers. This ensures that media streaming services function correctly regardless of the system's actual network manager.
Copilot AI review requested due to automatic review settings April 25, 2026 07:04
Copy link
Copy Markdown
Contributor

Copilot AI left a comment

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

The reason will be displayed to describe this comment to others. Learn more.

Pull request overview

This PR updates Omarchy’s core package set to include libnm, ensuring Chromium-based browsers can initialize Widevine/DRM components reliably even when NetworkManager isn’t the active network stack.

Changes:

  • Add libnm to the default/base package list (install/omarchy-base.packages) for Chromium DRM compatibility.

💡 Add Copilot custom instructions for smarter, more guided reviews. Learn how to get started.

@dhh
Copy link
Copy Markdown
Member

dhh commented Apr 25, 2026

I can't replicate the problem. On a new Omarchy install, Netflix playback works fine?

@imanubdesigner
Copy link
Copy Markdown
Author

imanubdesigner commented Apr 25, 2026

Hi, DHH. I had Omarchy 3.5.1 installed, and right after the first run (after Mako's notifications), I went to Spotify Web to listen to some music while I finished fixing the system. I noticed that even though I had DRM enabled in Chromium, it wouldn't start.

So I went to Netflix, and it didn't work there either. I kept getting this error:
Please visit chrome://settings/content/protectedcontent and make sure "sites can play protected content" is enabled
error 07702-1003

I should try again with the new ISO 3.6.0

@imanubdesigner
Copy link
Copy Markdown
Author

Technical Update: Netflix & Widevine on Omarchy 3.6.0

I just did a fresh install with Omarchy 3.6.0. As soon as I logged into my Google account on Chromium to sync my bookmarks and extensions, I tried opening Netflix, but I ran into the same old issue.
Thinking I had the solution, I installed libnm and restarted Chromium, but to my surprise, it didn't work. I then uninstalled libnm and tried a different approach:

  1. I went into Chromium settings and disabled the option for sites to play protected content.

  2. I restarted the browser.

  3. I re-enabled the protected content setting and restarted Chromium once more.

It’s working now! I noticed that right after the format, the WidevineCdm folder was completely empty, but now it’s finally populated. It seems like the browser just needed a moment (or a nudge) to actually download the plugin.

I’m sorry for the confusion earlier! I was convinced libnm was the fix because, by pure coincidence, it started working immediately after I installed it back on Omarchy 3.5.1. My apologies for the mix-up!

A Quick Note on why that happened:

You're likely right—it was a timing issue. Chromium often triggers the Widevine CDM (Content Decryption Module) download shortly after the first launch or when a DRM-protected site (like Netflix) requests it. Toggling the setting likely forced the browser to check for updates and "wake up" the download manager.

@imanubdesigner
Copy link
Copy Markdown
Author

I can confirm, DHH, that the libnm package is completely unnecessary.
After formatting my system and installing Omarchy 3.6.0, I opened:

~/.config/chromium/WidevineCdm

And it was empty. I logged into my Google account and waited — without visiting Netflix or Spotify Web — and the folder populated shortly after.

I don't understand why it takes a while.
I probably have (or had) a problem with my connection to that particular address

Sorry again for the confusion, and I take this opportunity to wish you a nice day and a wonderful Sunday!

Sign up for free to join this conversation on GitHub. Already have an account? Sign in to comment

Labels

None yet

Projects

None yet

Development

Successfully merging this pull request may close these issues.

3 participants