Immich is the project behind this setup. Immich can become the easiest way to browse your photos. It must never become the only place those photos exist.
- Recommended method
- Docker Compose
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Typical time
- 30–60 minutes
What you need
- A current Docker Engine and Docker Compose installation
- Enough storage for the photo library and its growth
- A separate backup destination
- An Android or iPhone for the upload test
Set it up
Create the Immich folder
Download the current Compose and environment files from the latest release, not an old blog post.
mkdir immich-app && cd immich-app wget -O docker-compose.yml https://github.com/immich-app/immich/releases/latest/download/docker-compose.yml wget -O .env https://github.com/immich-app/immich/releases/latest/download/example.envEdit the environment file
Set the upload location, database location, timezone and a new database password. Do not place the PostgreSQL data directory on a network share.
Start Immich
Launch the stack and wait for every service to become healthy.
docker compose up -dCreate the first account
Open the local web address immediately, create the administrator and review storage settings.
Test the mobile app
Connect the app, choose a tiny test album and confirm that backup and deletion behavior match your expectations.
Reserved for launch
Verify it works
Do not call the setup finished until these small tests pass:
- Every container reports healthy
- The web timeline opens
- A test photo uploads from the phone
- The original file exists in the configured library location
- A separate backup captures both assets and database data
Protect the service
- Immich is not a backup by itself
- Do not bulk-delete phone photos until restores are tested
- Use HTTPS for access outside the home
- Read release notes before upgrades
Official resources
Videos are supplemental. Use the official documentation for current commands, versions and security guidance.