Immich
What it is
Immich is a free, open-source app for backing up photos and videos from Android and iOS devices to a server users run themselves. Media can be uploaded through the mobile app, browser, or command-line interface, and external libraries can be connected as read-only folders. The web app is accessed in a browser at the server address on port 2283. Organization tools include albums, hierarchical tags, maps, memories, favorites, and a folder view. Smart Search accepts natural-language phrases, while facial recognition detects and groups faces. Users can share libraries with friends and family, publish collection links, or share with partners. Deployment documentation covers Docker Compose and Kubernetes, with community NAS guides also available. The documentation recommends a 64-bit Linux or Unix-like system, requires Docker Compose, and lists minimum server resources of 6 GB RAM and 2 CPU cores. The mobile client requires users to operate their own server. Automatic database backups include metadata only, so uploaded photos and videos need separate backup. Immich is available under the GNU AGPL v3 License.
For and against
For
- Supports Android and iOS media backup.
- Smart Search accepts natural-language phrases.
- Facial recognition detects and groups faces.
- Offers albums, maps, tags, and memories.
- Available under the GNU AGPL v3 License.
Against
- A self-hosted server is required.
- Docker Compose is required.
- Minimum server resources are 6 GB RAM and 2 CPU cores.
- Uploaded media needs separate backup.
The verdict
Immich offers media backup, organization, search, and sharing for users willing to manage their own server. Its database backup does not protect uploaded photos and videos.
Who it suits
Immich suits people who want photo and video backup on a server they operate themselves. It requires users of the mobile client to run and manage that server.
Plans and prices
Immich
Self-hosted server required · runs on your own server
Read 3 Oct 2026 · immich.app
On the record
- Backup limitation
- Automatic database backups contain metadata only, so users must separately back up their uploaded photos and videos.docs.immich.app · read 3 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- The official download page documents Docker Compose and Kubernetes deployment, along with community NAS guides.immich.app · read 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 · read 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Immich supports OAuth identity providers, API keys for programmatic access, and Prometheus monitoring.immich.app · read 3 Oct 2026
- Intended user
- The mobile client requires users to run and manage their own Immich server.play.google.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- License
- Immich is available as open source under the GNU AGPL v3 License.docs.immich.app · read 3 Oct 2026
- Organization
- Features include albums, hierarchical tags, maps, memories, favorites, and a folder view.immich.app · read 3 Oct 2026
- Photo search
- Smart Search supports natural-language phrases, and facial recognition detects and groups faces automatically.immich.app · read 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 · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Immich is a self-hosted app for backing up photos and videos from Android and iOS devices.immich.app · read 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 · read 3 Oct 2026
- Sharing
- Users can share libraries with friends and family, create public links for collections, and share with partners.immich.app · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support channels
- The documentation links to Immich’s Discord and Reddit communities.docs.immich.app · read 3 Oct 2026
- Web app
- Users can access the web application in a browser at the server address on port 2283.docs.immich.app · read 3 Oct 2026
