Self-host OvertChat

Make it yours.

Set up OvertChat once on a computer you control. Connect your models, then use the same server from your browser, desktop, or phone.

01
Run the installer
Open a terminal on your server computer and paste this command. On a Mac, run it as your normal user while logged in to the desktop.
terminal
```
curl -fsSL https://overtchat.com/install | sh
```
The guided setup configures Docker, generates secrets, and manages updates. You don’t need to edit an environment file.
Choose how you’ll connect
Follow the prompts to use OvertChat on this computer, on your home network, or remotely. For phones and other computers at home, choose your home network.
For private remote access, install and connect Tailscale on your server first, then choose the Tailscale option. Advanced setup supports your own HTTPS address and reverse proxy.
Search, speech, and coding-agent connections are optional. You can change these choices later with overtchat setup.
Open your server & connect a model
Open the address printed at the end of setup. Create the first account to become the administrator, then add your local model endpoint or hosted provider in the web app.
Add accounts for other people in Settings → Users. Share your server address so they can sign in with their own account.
Take your chats with you
Keep using your browser, or get the macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS app. Enter the same server address and sign in. On another device, use an address it can reach, not localhost.
Download an app

Keep it running

Run overtchat status to check your server, overtchat update to update it, or overtchat setup to change your configuration.

The operator guide covers networking, speech, backups, updates, and troubleshooting.