Setup
Give a computer you already own a job.
Oikou Host runs on a Mac or Linux computer that can stay on and online — a Mac mini is ideal, an old laptop works. You also need a Claude or ChatGPT plan. A one-line install and a setup wizard get you running privately over Tailscale, with no domain until you share an app with someone outside your network.
What do I need to run Oikou?
A computer that stays on
A Mac mini is ideal; an old Mac or Linux laptop works.
A Claude or ChatGPT plan
Oikou uses the plan you already pay for.
A guided setup
- One-line install, then a setup wizard.
- Start private: just you and your devices, over Tailscale (free for personal use), no domain needed.
- When you want to invite people outside that network, the wizard sets up sharing with a Cloudflare account and a domain.
What you don’t need: a new computer, a domain to get started, a credit card for Oikou, or a second AI subscription.
Do I need a new computer or a server?
No. Oikou Host turns a Mac or Linux computer you already own into your Personal Cloud, as long as it can stay plugged in and online.
- Ideal
A Mac mini.
Quiet, low-power, built to stay on. If you already run an agent on one, Oikou gives it real apps to work with.
- Works
An old laptop or desktop.
Any Mac, or a Linux box. If it can stay plugged in and online, it can run your apps.
- Not needed
A new machine, a rack, or a cloud bill.
There’s no published minimum spec. If it can stay plugged in and online, it can run your apps.
How do I set up Oikou?
- Install. Sign in to the downloads page and run the one line it gives you in the terminal.
- Run the setup wizard. It checks your computer is ready and tells you what to fix if it isn’t.
- Sign in to your AI. On Anthropic’s or OpenAI’s own page. Oikou never sees what you enter.
- Start private. Just you and your devices, over Tailscale.
- Add sharing when you need it. The wizard sets up a Cloudflare account and a domain the first time you invite someone outside your network.
Oikou Host is free to run yourself. Downloads are behind sign-in with your Oikou account.
How do I reach my apps from my phone without opening ports?
Over a private network, not a forwarded port. Oikou starts in private mode: your devices reach your computer over Tailscale, encrypted end to end, from anywhere, with no domain and nothing opened to the internet. When you want to invite someone outside that network, the wizard adds a private, access-controlled link through Cloudflare, which needs a Cloudflare account and a domain.
| Private | Shareable | |
|---|---|---|
| You need | Tailscale (free for personal use) | A Cloudflare account and a domain |
| Who can use your apps | You, and anyone on your Tailscale | You, and anyone you invite by email |
| Domain | Not needed | Needed |
| How the connection is protected | Encrypted end to end between your devices and your computer | A private, access-controlled link (traffic passes through Cloudflare) |
How do backups work?
At launch, Oikou takes nightly local snapshots and every app can export its data. Keep a copy somewhere else; off-site backup isn’t built yet.
Setup questions
What computer do I need?
Any Mac or Linux computer that can stay on and online, such as a Mac mini or an old laptop. There is no published minimum spec, no new machine to buy, setup is guided, and you don’t need a domain to get started.
What if my computer dies?
At launch, Oikou takes nightly local snapshots and every app can export its data. Keep a copy somewhere else; off-site backup isn’t built yet.
Can I use my apps when I’m away from home?
Yes. In private mode your devices reach your computer over Tailscale from anywhere, encrypted end to end, with no domain and no ports opened. Inviting people outside that network adds a private, access-controlled link through Cloudflare, which needs a Cloudflare account and a domain.
Have the computer? Get Oikou.
Oikou Host is free to run yourself. Downloads are behind sign-in with your Oikou account.