How LocalNode Works
Everything you need to know about setting up and using your new home server.
5-Step Setup
Unbox your LocalNode
Take the device and the included power supply out of the box.
Connect to your router
Use the included ethernet cable to connect LocalNode directly to a free port on your home internet router.
Plug into power
Connect the power supply. The device will turn on automatically and configure itself to your network.
Wait 3 minutes
Grab a coffee while the system runs its initial self-setup and starts your applications.
Open your browser
On any phone or computer connected to your home Wi-Fi, go to http://localnode.local. You'll see your dashboard.
Your Apps, Explained
Jellyfin (Media Server)
Jellyfin is your personal Netflix. You put your movie and TV show files on the LocalNode, and Jellyfin organizes them with posters, descriptions, and cast info. You can then download the Jellyfin app on your Smart TV, phone, or tablet to stream your media anywhere in the house.
Immich (Photo Backup)
Immich is a high-performance Google Photos replacement. Download the Immich app on your iOS or Android phone, and it will automatically back up your camera roll to your LocalNode in full, uncompressed quality. It includes AI search, facial recognition, and albums.
WireGuard (Travel VPN)
WireGuard is a secure tunnel to your home network. When you are traveling or at a coffee shop, you turn on the WireGuard app on your phone. This encrypts your traffic and makes your phone act exactly as if you were sitting on your couch at home, allowing you to access Jellyfin and Immich securely.
Care Plan: Remote Access
How we fix things remotely
If you are a Care Plan member and you run into an issue, we can log in to fix it. However, because LocalNode has no backdoor telemetry, we cannot access it without your permission.
Go to your localnode dashboard and click "Request Support". This generates a unique, one-time SSH token.
Paste the code into our support chat. This temporarily opens an encrypted tunnel just for our support team.
Once the fix is confirmed, click "Revoke Access" on your dashboard. The tunnel immediately closes, and the key is destroyed.