Immich

Free plan AndroidAPIiPhoneSelf-hostedWeb

What Immich is

Immich is a free, open-source app for backing up photos and videos from Android and iOS devices to a server you run and manage. Media can be added through the mobile app, browser, or command-line interface; external libraries can also be connected as read-only folders. The web app opens in a browser at the server address on port 2283. Albums, hierarchical tags, maps, memories, favorites, and a folder view help organize collections. Smart Search accepts natural-language phrases, and facial recognition detects and groups faces. Sharing options include libraries with friends and family, public collection links, and partner sharing. Immich supports OAuth identity providers, API keys, and Prometheus monitoring. Deployment guidance covers Docker Compose and Kubernetes, as well as community NAS guides. Documentation recommends a 64-bit Linux or Unix-like system and requires Docker Compose, with at least 6 GB RAM and 2 CPU cores. Automatic database backups cover metadata only, so uploaded photos and videos require separate backup. Immich is available under the GNU AGPL v3 License.

Who it suits

Immich suits people who want photo and video backup but are prepared to run and manage their own server. It also offers browser access, organization tools, search, and sharing for that self-hosted library.

What it does well

Free and open source under GNU AGPL v3
Uploads from mobile, browser, or CLI
Supports natural-language photo search
Includes library and partner sharing
Documents Docker Compose and Kubernetes deployment

What to know first

Requires users to run their own server
Docker Compose is required
Minimum server resources are 6 GB RAM and 2 CPU cores
Media files need separate backups

Limits

Immich is free, but requires a self-hosted server. Automatic database backups contain metadata only; photos and videos must be backed up separately.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Immich	Self-hosted server required · runs on your own server	Free

As immich.app lists them, read 3 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Visit the Immich website.
Prepare a 64-bit Linux or Unix-like server with at least 6 GB RAM and 2 CPU cores.
Install and configure Docker Compose.
Deploy Immich using the documented Docker Compose or Kubernetes route.
Open the web app at your server address on port 2283, or use the Android or iOS app.
Upload media through the mobile app, browser, or CLI.

Verdict

Immich combines self-hosted media backup with search, organization, and sharing features. Its server setup and separate media-backup requirement are important considerations.

Questions

How much does Immich cost?

Immich is free. Its listed plan is free and requires a self-hosted server.

Which platforms does Immich support?

The listed platforms are Android, iOS, web, API, and self-hosted.

Is Immich open source?

Yes. Immich is available under the GNU AGPL v3 License.

Can I use Immich without managing a server?

No. The mobile client requires users to run and manage their own Immich server.

How do I back up my uploaded photos and videos?

Database backups include metadata only, so uploaded photos and videos need separate backups.

How can I deploy Immich?

The deployment documentation covers Docker Compose and Kubernetes, and community NAS guides are also available.

Facts from Immich's own pages

Backup limitation: Automatic database backups contain metadata only, so users must separately back up their uploaded photos and videos. · docs.immich.app, 3 Oct 2026
Deployment: The official download page documents Docker Compose and Kubernetes deployment, along with community NAS guides. · immich.app, 3 Oct 2026
Import options: Users can upload photos and videos through the mobile app, browser, or CLI, and can use external libraries as read-only folders. · immich.app, 3 Oct 2026
Integrations: Immich supports OAuth identity providers, API keys for programmatic access, and Prometheus monitoring. · immich.app, 3 Oct 2026
Intended user: The mobile client requires users to run and manage their own Immich server. · play.google.com, 3 Oct 2026
License: Immich is available as open source under the GNU AGPL v3 License. · docs.immich.app, 3 Oct 2026
Organization: Features include albums, hierarchical tags, maps, memories, favorites, and a folder view. · immich.app, 3 Oct 2026
Photo search: Smart Search supports natural-language phrases, and facial recognition detects and groups faces automatically. · immich.app, 3 Oct 2026
Privacy: The App Store listing says the developer reports that the app does not collect data; Apple says this information has not been verified by Apple. · apps.apple.com, 3 Oct 2026
Purpose: Immich is a self-hosted app for backing up photos and videos from Android and iOS devices. · immich.app, 3 Oct 2026
Server requirements: The documentation recommends a 64-bit Linux or Unix-like system and requires Docker Compose; minimum server resources are 6 GB RAM and 2 CPU cores. · immich.app, 3 Oct 2026
Sharing: Users can share libraries with friends and family, create public links for collections, and share with partners. · immich.app, 3 Oct 2026
Support channels: The documentation links to Immich’s Discord and Reddit communities. · docs.immich.app, 3 Oct 2026
Web app: Users can access the web application in a browser at the server address on port 2283. · docs.immich.app, 3 Oct 2026