If you value your privacy, Immich is currently the way to go. The Immich app is available for Android and Apple devices.
This open-source solution has quickly become the gold standard (including data protection and privacy) for self-hosted photo management. In this post, you’ll learn how to use your own Immich App Android Apple.
Video: Immich App Android Apple
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1. Prerequisites, Installation and Setup
Immich is powerful, but it also demands a lot from the server through features like facial recognition and video transcoding.
- Operating System: Linux (Ubuntu/Debian recommended) or Windows with Docker Desktop. A functioning Docker and Docker Compose environment is a basic requirement.
- Processor (CPU): At least 2 cores (4+ recommended). CPU power is especially important for machine learning (object recognition).
- Memory (RAM): The absolute lower limit is 4 GB; it runs smoothly from 8 GB upwards, as the database and AI models require RAM.
- Storage Space: An SSD for fast operation; the storage requirement depends on the number of photos and videos.
The installation is modern and clean via Docker. You can find the exact instructions and the setup to copy in this blog post:
2. Secure on the Go: Internet Sharing & Access
To ensure your photos are backed up directly even while on vacation, the server must be accessible from the outside. Secure sharing is also required for sharing purposes. All of this is described in detail in this blog post:
If you do not share your photos with others, a VPN connection (e.g., WireGuard or Tailscale) is the best solution for you.
4. What can Immich do? Functional Description
List of the app’s functions.
- Free Up Space: With one click, the app deletes media from your phone that has already been successfully backed up to free up local storage space.
- Native Timeline Navigation: An extremely fast scroll bar allows for lightning-fast navigation through thousands of images directly on the touch display.
- Local & Cloud Preview: The app seamlessly displays both images that are still on the device and those that are already archived on the server (indicated by small icons).
- Multi-User & Partner Sharing: You can switch between profiles within the app or share albums with partners who also use the app.
- Integrated Video Player: Videos are played smoothly directly in the app, with the server adjusting the data rate to your mobile internet connection if necessary.
- Native Gestures: Support for familiar zooming and swiping, as you are used to from native gallery apps.
Conclusion: Anyone willing to invest a little time in the Docker setup will be rewarded with currently the best private photo gallery. Your data stays with you, and the features are at a professional level.

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