Immich: the self-hosted, private alternative to Google Photos

What is Immich and what does it replace?

Immich is a self-hosted photo backup and gallery application designed as an alternative to Google Photos. It allows users to store, organize, and access their photos from any device. Unlike Google Photos, which relies on cloud-based storage and processing, Immich runs locally or on your own server.

Why self-host for privacy?

When using services like Google Photos, metadata such as location data, timestamps, and even faces are scanned and indexed by third-party servers. With Immich, this information remains local to the hardware you control. Face recognition and object detection happen on your own machine or server rather than being processed in the cloud.

What setup actually involves

Immich is deployed using Docker, which requires some technical knowledge. You'll need a basic understanding of command-line tools, Docker installation, and possibly configuring network settings for remote access. The process includes pulling the Immich Docker image, setting up storage volumes, and ensuring your server meets minimum hardware requirements.

This setup difficulty is considered Medium, making it suitable for users comfortable with basic system administration or those willing to follow detailed guides. It may be fiddly for beginners unfamiliar with Linux-based systems or containerization concepts like Docker.

Cost vs Google Photos

Immich is free software, licensed under AGPL-3.0. You pay only for the hardware and electricity needed to run it, as well as any storage costs if you're using external drives or cloud-based storage solutions.

In contrast, Google Photos requires a monthly subscription via its Google One plan once your usage exceeds free limits. The cost depends on how much data you store and which tier of service you choose.

Who it's for — and who should not bother

• For: Users who value privacy, want full control over their photos and metadata, or are uncomfortable storing personal media on third-party servers. It is also ideal for those with technical skills or a willingness to learn Docker-based deployments.
• Not for: Casual users looking for an easy-to-use photo backup without setup effort. Immich requires time to configure and maintain, making it less suitable for those who prefer plug-and-play solutions like Google Photos.

How to get started

To begin using Immich, visit the official website at immich.app. From there, you can find installation instructions and documentation. The first steps include setting up a server with Docker installed, pulling the Immich image from Docker Hub, and configuring your storage paths.

Once deployed, you can install the mobile app or use web access to start backing up photos automatically — similar to Google Photos' auto-backup feature. You'll also be able to share albums across users and take advantage of local face and object recognition features.