Immich is an open-source software that reinvents photo and video management on personal servers. It offers a robust alternative to mainstream cloud services, keeping your data where it belongs: at home. Easy to install on Linux, NAS, or Raspberry Pi, this software puts digital sovereignty at the heart of multimedia storage.
It supports automatic backups from iOS and Android, with an intuitive web interface. Immich combines facial recognition, intelligent search, and non-destructive editing. For any good sysadmin concerned about security and privacy, it’s a tool worth trying without hesitation.
Immich, an open-source alternative for managing photos and videos outside the cloud
This ensures absolute control over your files, a point particularly important to privacy advocates. The web interface makes managing your media library easy, with a clear display organized by albums, dates, and folders. Integrated facial recognition, along with contextual search based on EXIF metadata and photo content, makes it a very comprehensive solution.
Installation on a personal server using Docker Compose
Immich’s installation relies primarily on Docker Compose, an essential tool for deploying multiple containers in an organized manner. The package includes the web server, facial recognition services, and a PostgreSQL database equipped with a special extension dedicated to vector search.
This feature allows you to find an image based on an intuitive description, a real step forward in multimedia indexing. Configuring Immich involves copying the docker-compose.yml and .env files, customizing a few settings, and launching the application. On Linux, it’s a breeze, and you can also follow an installation guide adapted for Proxmox or Synology NAS devices by consulting [link to relevant documentation]. this complete tutorial.
Automatic saving and non-destructive editing on mobile
Once the server is up and running, simply choose between the iOS or Android app to automatically sync your photos. The iOS app is available on the App Store, while Android users can find it on the Google Play Store. This automation eliminates the tedious task of manual copying and ensures secure backups as soon as the photos are taken.
Since its last major update in 2026, Immich has offered a non-destructive editing module directly on mobile devices. You can crop or rotate an image without modifying the original file. These edits are then synchronized with the web interface, allowing for a smooth viewing experience optimized for both computer and tablet screens.
How Immich supports Linux and mobile environments
Immich runs perfectly on all Docker-compatible systems. Linux remains the preferred platform, with the Debian and Fedora families being widely used by the community. Windows and macOS also work via Docker Desktop, but a dedicated machine or a NAS ensures better long-term stability.
Facial recognition requires some resources, meaning a minimum amount of RAM and CPU are needed. NAS devices like Synology, QNAP, or Asustor, capable of running Docker, are suitable, provided they meet these minimum requirements. Web access is available from any modern browser, eliminating the need to invest in a dedicated client application. This makes it easy to browse multimedia libraries even on the go.
Intelligent photo management through workflows
One of Immich’s key strengths is its workflows, introduced in the latest update. These automations allow you to create scenarios by combining triggers and actions, for example, to automatically tag certain photos or organize albums without continuous manual intervention.
This system is useful as soon as the library grows, preventing the manager from getting overwhelmed by a mass of content. The use of workflows represents a small revolution, fitting into the optimization approach favored by old-school system administrators. It’s the kind of feature we’d like to see everywhere!
Immich facing popular alternatives in 2026
Google Photos remains the go-to option for the general public, but its compromises regarding storage and privacy are not suitable for everyone. Its use requires uploading files to third-party servers, with limitations on free storage space and subscriptions often required for larger volumes.
In contrast, solutions like Ente Photos emphasize client-side encryption and privacy via a customized cloud, but this remains a different model from Immich, which relies on pure self-hosting. Other software like Mylio Photos offers useful local synchronization, but without providing a complete web server interface or such advanced facial recognition.
Why choose Immich?
Immich It stands out for its unique combination of advanced, open-source tools and its commitment to data sovereignty. Free and subscription-free, it offers true control over your media library, enhanced security, and a modern interface. Its active community ensures continuous development, with reliable documentation and regular updates.
Getting started is easy: download the iOS mobile app directly from the App Store and the Android version from the Google Play Store. Then, install your server as you normally would, ideally on Linux with Docker, using the many online guides available on [website/platform name]. IT-Connect.
What are the requirements for installing Immich?
A Docker-compatible server is required, such as a NAS, Raspberry Pi, or a standard Linux machine. A minimum configuration for facial recognition is recommended, typically 4 GB of RAM or more.
Does Immich work on iOS and Android?
Yes, the mobile apps are available on the App Store for iOS and on the Google Play Store for Android. They allow for automatic saving and non-destructive editing.
How does Immich maintain the confidentiality of the photos?
The data remains hosted locally, under your complete control. Unlike traditional cloud solutions, no files are transferred to a third-party server.
Can you edit photos directly from Immich?
Since version 3.0, Immich offers non-destructive editing on mobile, allowing users to modify photos or videos without altering the originals.
Are there any alternatives to Immich?
Yes, Google Photos, Ente Photos or Mylio Photos are options, but none combine self-hosting, open source and advanced automation like Immich.
Source: www.01net.com