I’m a total Linux noob, and I followed the directions on the Immich and docker sites, and it worked easily. Then I followed your instructions for setting up external access, and now I have replaced Google photos completely!
If you follow my WireGuard docker tutorial, that is one effective and secure way to have remote access. You'd just need to activate the VPN on your phone whenever you want to sync.
Thanks so much. I had struggled so much with other tutorials and never got this to work, but you presented it so logically and with simple instructions and I got it working in no time.
Just set this up on my Windows 10 PC. I'll be using Tailscale as an easy way to connect whenever I need to access anything remotely. Looking forward to more videos on this!
Great video! I set everything up according to it. Thanks! Immich update came today, tell me how to update this program? (the instructions on the mich website for docker compose are not suitable, PowerShell swears at the "&" symbol).
Are you talking about this command `docker compose pull && docker compose up -d`? Just run those two separately. So first do a `docker compose pull`, then follow it with `docker compose up -d`. Make sure to check the releases if there are any "breaking changes" i.e. changes you need to make to docker-compose.yml. I will release a video detailing this process as well as performing backups of your database prior to the upgrade.
firstly I would like to thank you for the tutorial and I have sucessfully up and running immich on windows but now I would like to ask if you can make a video about how to backup and restore another windows pc
Hey, first of all, thank you for taking the time to make this tutorial video. Would you mind creating a video that explains how I can connect my device from a different network after completing this step? I also want to share my photo backup with my friends and family who are outside. They just need to connect to the IP address to view all the photos from different devices and networks, and there’s no need for my computer or router to always be on. Additionally, I want to ensure that my photos and videos are secure and not accessible to any unauthorized persons.
I understand that you want to connect to your Immich from outsite of your network, as well as your family. However, you said there's no need for your computer or router to always be on. So I'm a little confused. Are you hosting the Immich app on a Windows computer on your home network? If so, the computer and router will definitely need to remain on if you want to connect to Immich. If you want to access Immich at any time you need a device that is always on, whether it's on your network or in a virtual provide server (VPS). If your router isn't always on, you'll probably need a VPS. This will dictate how I answer your question. There are various options for hardening your server hosting Immich. One simple method is to set up WireGuard in another docker container. I have a tutorial for this (th-cam.com/video/RktXcwwaYr0/w-d-xo.html). This is an OK methodology, probably best suited for a couple close family members who you are ok with giving VPN access to. Another secure method is installing a CloudFlare tunnel with Zero Trust. I am about to release a video on how to set this up with Immich. Then you can require MFA through a provider like Google. Tell me a little bit more about your setting and how your other users would use the app. Do they need a sign in? Or would you just share albums with them and they would use the share links you create?
@@ThomasWildeTech Thanks for the quick reply! I have a VPS (Hetzner), and installing the Immich software on it is much easier. I already followed your video, and it took exactly 5 minutes to deploy. However, I am concerned that the storage on the VPS may be accessible by the company or others, as I don’t want to share my family or private photos with outsiders. That’s why I’m hesitant to upload photos to VPS storage. Lastly, I want to create an Immich server, set up an admin panel, create user accounts from the admin account, and then share photos with my family and friends so they can access them from anywhere.
If you do not trust the privacy of the VPS storage then you may want to look for another solution (or a vps you trust). I don't think immich supports using S3 buckets for example. How were you hoping to store the photos? Have you considered self hosting? For example, you could get yourself a raspberry pi and a couple of hard drives for a mirrored backup.
@@ThomasWildeTech Sorry for the late reply; I’ve been busy with my personal life. Anyway, I really want to set up an Immich server to host and store my photos and share them with my friends and family. However, I’m concerned that after uploading my photos, they might be stored or accessed by the storage provider. That's why I haven’t set up the Immich server yet, and I don’t have a Raspberry Pi or NAS. What should I do? I’ve been thinking about it, but I haven’t come up with a solution.
The .env file is not opening for me. Im on Windows 10 and when I click the .env nothing happens. Been searching for a while on how to fix it and nothing is working so I would appreciate it very much if you could instruct me on how to open the .env file. All the best
You should be able to right click on it and hit edit. If there is not an edit option then I'd recommend downloading notepad++, would then have a right click option for "Edit in Notepad++"
@@ThomasWildeTechThank you so much for the quick reply, I got it working. Although not with Notepad++ but with Visual Studio Code. Immich is up and running.
@@ThomasWildeTech No bro it was fresh install, ig the problem is with my system with windows 10 because i tried on my friend's laptop and it works like a charm there. Btw is their any way to remote access it outside of home network where i can use like 5-10gb of uploading per month?
Try mounting the database image to a different path. To access outside, either self host WireGuard in another container (see my video for install with docker), or you can download TailScale and keep your phone connected to your Tailnet. Both are pretty straightforward.
@@ThomasWildeTech I'm having exactly the same thing, immich_postgres exited with code 1 on a loop. Brand new install of docker (because I've never done anything like this before but want to use Immich) - struggling now to understand what you mean by mounting the database image to a different path though. I also don't have immich_microserv in my list, even though I genuinely followed along step by step. Very odd.
Double check the following: 1. Phone is connect to the same network (probably is) 2. Verify the IP address of the Windows machine assigned by the router (look at your router settings to find the device). 3. Verify you opened the firewall port to 2283 on Windows. 4. Verify your connection string in the android app: `:2283
Thank you for the tutorial. Pretty neat. I will say for anyone else who is struggling: it is tough and needs a bit of prior knowledge or research into things that you might not be familiar with (as I was not) such as Notepad++ and working in a terminal (Windows PowerShell in this video). I know this is probably a cakewalk for CS folks but MY LORD does it look like Chinese to someone outside of the field. A question for Thomas (or anyone with a good answer): My phone does not upload when on a different network than the "server" (the PC I'm hosting on). Is this how it is supposed to work or should I be able to upload from different networks (say like when I am outside on my 4G or connected to a friend's WiFi)?
Thank you very much for the feedback. Indeed, I breezed over tools such as using notepad++ or Powershell. Each of these could have been substituted with a regular text editor or CMD window. If you are doing this one Windows you only really have two options for outside of network access. 1. Use a VPN such as WireGuard to remain on your network even when using 4g etc. 2. Open and forward a port on your router to 2283. You could then connect by replacing localhost with your router IP address. As I alluded to in the video using the VPN is a viable solution. Otherwise, once you're ready to take Immich outside the network, I would definitely recommend you install the app on a Linux machine with an Nginx web server. If you do not have any other device running a Linux distro, you could do this within VirtualBox as well. Windows server is, well, not free. Running an actual web server like Nginx beefs up your security rather than just opening and forwarding a port. I'll post a link in the description to my Immich on Linux tutorial. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Great video! I set everything up according to it. Thanks! Immich update came today, tell me how to update this program? (the instructions on the mich website for docker compose are not suitable, PowerShell swears at the "&" symbol).
You just want to do the `docker compose pull` followed by `docker compose up -d` on two separate lines. I'm going to post another video on my general updating process, including creating a backup of your database before upgrading.
Easily connect to this local instance anywhere with a self-hosted VPN. Instructions HERE -> th-cam.com/video/RktXcwwaYr0/w-d-xo.html
I’m a total Linux noob, and I followed the directions on the Immich and docker sites, and it worked easily. Then I followed your instructions for setting up external access, and now I have replaced Google photos completely!
Glad to hear I could help! Thanks for your input!
thank you! i was wondering why i couldnt connect to my phone until i saw your port setup. im going to learn how to do remote access next
If you follow my WireGuard docker tutorial, that is one effective and secure way to have remote access. You'd just need to activate the VPN on your phone whenever you want to sync.
Thanks so much. I had struggled so much with other tutorials and never got this to work, but you presented it so logically and with simple instructions and I got it working in no time.
Great to hear!
Just set this up on my Windows 10 PC. I'll be using Tailscale as an easy way to connect whenever I need to access anything remotely. Looking forward to more videos on this!
Nice! That's a great idea!
Great video! I set everything up according to it. Thanks! Immich update came today, tell me how to update this program? (the instructions on the mich website for docker compose are not suitable, PowerShell swears at the "&" symbol).
Are you talking about this command `docker compose pull && docker compose up -d`? Just run those two separately. So first do a `docker compose pull`, then follow it with `docker compose up -d`. Make sure to check the releases if there are any "breaking changes" i.e. changes you need to make to docker-compose.yml.
I will release a video detailing this process as well as performing backups of your database prior to the upgrade.
firstly I would like to thank you for the tutorial and I have sucessfully up and running immich on windows but now I would like to ask if you can make a video about how to backup and restore another windows pc
Backup and restore Immich to another PC? Yes, I can certainly do that!
Hey, first of all, thank you for taking the time to make this tutorial video. Would you mind creating a video that explains how I can connect my device from a different network after completing this step? I also want to share my photo backup with my friends and family who are outside. They just need to connect to the IP address to view all the photos from different devices and networks, and there’s no need for my computer or router to always be on. Additionally, I want to ensure that my photos and videos are secure and not accessible to any unauthorized persons.
I understand that you want to connect to your Immich from outsite of your network, as well as your family. However, you said there's no need for your computer or router to always be on. So I'm a little confused. Are you hosting the Immich app on a Windows computer on your home network? If so, the computer and router will definitely need to remain on if you want to connect to Immich. If you want to access Immich at any time you need a device that is always on, whether it's on your network or in a virtual provide server (VPS). If your router isn't always on, you'll probably need a VPS. This will dictate how I answer your question.
There are various options for hardening your server hosting Immich.
One simple method is to set up WireGuard in another docker container. I have a tutorial for this (th-cam.com/video/RktXcwwaYr0/w-d-xo.html). This is an OK methodology, probably best suited for a couple close family members who you are ok with giving VPN access to.
Another secure method is installing a CloudFlare tunnel with Zero Trust. I am about to release a video on how to set this up with Immich. Then you can require MFA through a provider like Google.
Tell me a little bit more about your setting and how your other users would use the app. Do they need a sign in? Or would you just share albums with them and they would use the share links you create?
@@ThomasWildeTech Thanks for the quick reply! I have a VPS (Hetzner), and installing the Immich software on it is much easier. I already followed your video, and it took exactly 5 minutes to deploy. However, I am concerned that the storage on the VPS may be accessible by the company or others, as I don’t want to share my family or private photos with outsiders. That’s why I’m hesitant to upload photos to VPS storage. Lastly, I want to create an Immich server, set up an admin panel, create user accounts from the admin account, and then share photos with my family and friends so they can access them from anywhere.
If you do not trust the privacy of the VPS storage then you may want to look for another solution (or a vps you trust). I don't think immich supports using S3 buckets for example. How were you hoping to store the photos?
Have you considered self hosting? For example, you could get yourself a raspberry pi and a couple of hard drives for a mirrored backup.
@@ThomasWildeTech Sorry for the late reply; I’ve been busy with my personal life. Anyway, I really want to set up an Immich server to host and store my photos and share them with my friends and family. However, I’m concerned that after uploading my photos, they might be stored or accessed by the storage provider. That's why I haven’t set up the Immich server yet, and I don’t have a Raspberry Pi or NAS.
What should I do? I’ve been thinking about it, but I haven’t come up with a solution.
The .env file is not opening for me. Im on Windows 10 and when I click the .env nothing happens. Been searching for a while on how to fix it and nothing is working so I would appreciate it very much if you could instruct me on how to open the .env file. All the best
You should be able to right click on it and hit edit. If there is not an edit option then I'd recommend downloading notepad++, would then have a right click option for "Edit in Notepad++"
@@ThomasWildeTechThank you so much for the quick reply, I got it working. Although not with Notepad++ but with Visual Studio Code. Immich is up and running.
Hey thomas i am getting into issues mainly with immich_postgres and redis restarting again and again, what should i do. Advice is much appreciated
Did you recently perform an update or was this a fresh install?
@@ThomasWildeTech No bro it was fresh install, ig the problem is with my system with windows 10 because i tried on my friend's laptop and it works like a charm there. Btw is their any way to remote access it outside of home network where i can use like 5-10gb of uploading per month?
Try mounting the database image to a different path. To access outside, either self host WireGuard in another container (see my video for install with docker), or you can download TailScale and keep your phone connected to your Tailnet. Both are pretty straightforward.
@@ThomasWildeTech I'm having exactly the same thing, immich_postgres exited with code 1 on a loop. Brand new install of docker (because I've never done anything like this before but want to use Immich) - struggling now to understand what you mean by mounting the database image to a different path though.
I also don't have immich_microserv in my list, even though I genuinely followed along step by step. Very odd.
How to change localhost:2283 to 192.168.1.250:2283. My LAN IP 2283 or change to random ip in LAN?
Localhost is when you are running it from your computer. From another computer or from your phone, you will use the LAN IP. I hope that helps.
@@ThomasWildeTech : my bad. I found problem i need to change docker subnet. And disable firewall from AVG anti virus. Thank for clarify.
Everything worked up until the very end when my android app wouldn't connect at all. sad day
Double check the following:
1. Phone is connect to the same network (probably is)
2. Verify the IP address of the Windows machine assigned by the router (look at your router settings to find the device).
3. Verify you opened the firewall port to 2283 on Windows.
4. Verify your connection string in the android app: `:2283
@@ThomasWildeTech Yes all 4 verified and still no luck. Appreciate your time Thanks
@@lmr7780 I ran into this exact same problem what ended up working for me was adjusting the firewall setting rule Protocol Type from TCP to Any
Thank you for the tutorial. Pretty neat. I will say for anyone else who is struggling: it is tough and needs a bit of prior knowledge or research into things that you might not be familiar with (as I was not) such as Notepad++ and working in a terminal (Windows PowerShell in this video). I know this is probably a cakewalk for CS folks but MY LORD does it look like Chinese to someone outside of the field.
A question for Thomas (or anyone with a good answer):
My phone does not upload when on a different network than the "server" (the PC I'm hosting on). Is this how it is supposed to work or should I be able to upload from different networks (say like when I am outside on my 4G or connected to a friend's WiFi)?
Thank you very much for the feedback. Indeed, I breezed over tools such as using notepad++ or Powershell. Each of these could have been substituted with a regular text editor or CMD window.
If you are doing this one Windows you only really have two options for outside of network access.
1. Use a VPN such as WireGuard to remain on your network even when using 4g etc.
2. Open and forward a port on your router to 2283. You could then connect by replacing localhost with your router IP address.
As I alluded to in the video using the VPN is a viable solution. Otherwise, once you're ready to take Immich outside the network, I would definitely recommend you install the app on a Linux machine with an Nginx web server. If you do not have any other device running a Linux distro, you could do this within VirtualBox as well. Windows server is, well, not free. Running an actual web server like Nginx beefs up your security rather than just opening and forwarding a port.
I'll post a link in the description to my Immich on Linux tutorial. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Great video! I set everything up according to it. Thanks! Immich update came today, tell me how to update this program? (the instructions on the mich website for docker compose are not suitable, PowerShell swears at the "&" symbol).
You just want to do the `docker compose pull` followed by `docker compose up -d` on two separate lines. I'm going to post another video on my general updating process, including creating a backup of your database before upgrading.