Get Started with CasaOS

What is CasaOS?

CasaOS is a free, open-source home cloud operating system. It's a web-based dashboard that sits on top of Debian or Ubuntu and gives you an app-store-like interface for installing and managing Docker containers. No command line is needed for day-to-day use.

It's perfect for people who want the power of Docker without the complexity. CasaOS is the easiest way to run a home server — whether you're setting up media streaming, file backups, or smart home automation.

• •App-store-like dashboard with one-click installs
• •Built-in file manager accessible from any browser
• •System monitoring for CPU, RAM, disk, and network
• •Runs on Debian 11+, Ubuntu 20.04+, Raspberry Pi OS

Step 1. Install CasaOS

CasaOS installs with a single command on a fresh Linux machine. Open a terminal on your server and run:

The installer handles everything — Docker, CasaOS itself, and all dependencies. It takes about 2-5 minutes depending on your internet speed and hardware.

Once it finishes, open a browser and navigate to:

You'll see the CasaOS dashboard with live system stats — CPU, RAM, disk usage, and network activity — all in a clean, visual interface. Create your admin account on first visit.

• •If you don't know your server's IP, run ip addr in the terminal.
• •Any machine will work — an old laptop, a Raspberry Pi, a mini PC, or a virtual machine.

Step 2. Explore the App Store

Click the App Store icon in the dashboard sidebar. You'll find 100+ ready-to-install applications, all free and one click away:

• •Jellyfin — stream your media library to any device
• •Pi-hole — block ads across your entire home network
• •Nextcloud — your own private cloud storage like Dropbox
• •Home Assistant — smart home automation hub
• •Syncthing — sync files between devices privately
• •qBittorrent — manage downloads on your server

Installing an app is a single click. CasaOS handles all the Docker setup — volumes, ports, networking, and environment variables — automatically behind the scenes. You don't need to touch a single config file. Most apps are ready within 30 seconds.

Step 3. Manage Files and Storage

CasaOS includes a built-in file manager that you access right from your browser. Click "Files" in the sidebar to browse, upload, download, preview, and share files — no Samba, FTP, or extra software needed.

• •Plug in an external USB drive and it appears automatically in the dashboard.
• •Create shared folders with shareable links — great for sending large files to friends or family.
• •All app data (like your Jellyfin media library or Nextcloud files) lives in folders you can browse from the file manager.

The file manager also lets you edit text files directly in the browser — useful for tweaking app configurations without SSH.

Step 4. Set Up Remote Access

Your CasaOS dashboard is accessible on your home network by default. But what about when you're away from home? You have two great options:

• •Tailscale — install it from the CasaOS app store in one click. Tailscale creates a private mesh network between your devices. Once set up, you can access CasaOS from your phone or laptop anywhere as if you were on your home Wi-Fi. No port forwarding, no router configuration needed.
• •Cloudflare Tunnel — install from the app store for secure, encrypted remote access. Cloudflare Tunnel routes traffic through Cloudflare's global network without exposing your home IP address. You'll need a domain name, but it's free.

Both options keep your server secure — no open ports on your router, no exposed IP addresses. Tailscale is simpler if you just need personal access; Cloudflare Tunnel is better if you want to share services with others.

Step 5. Customize Your Dashboard

CasaOS isn't just functional — it's personal. Head into the settings to make it yours:

• •Change the wallpaper and color theme from the settings panel.
• •Rearrange the dashboard widgets — move CPU stats, storage graphs, and app shortcuts where you want them.
• •Create custom app shortcuts on your desktop for the services you use most.
• •Set up automatic backups of your CasaOS configuration to restore everything if you ever need to reinstall.

Step 6. When to Use CasaOS vs Raw Docker

CasaOS is brilliant for home users who want a simple, visual interface. But it's not the right tool for every situation. Here's how to decide:

• •Use CasaOS if: you're setting up a family media server, a home lab for learning, or you want the easiest possible Docker experience without touching the command line. It's ideal for Raspberry Pi projects and repurposing old hardware.
• •Use raw Docker (or Portainer) if: you're comfortable with docker-compose files, you need fine-grained control over networking and volumes, or you're deploying in a professional/production setting.
• •They're not mutually exclusive! You can run CasaOS alongside other Docker tools. CasaOS apps are regular Docker containers — you can inspect and manage them with any Docker tool.

Quick Tips

• •Use a wired Ethernet connection for your server — Wi-Fi adds latency and can drop during large file transfers.
• •Enable automatic updates in settings so your apps stay patched without manual intervention.
• •Check the storage widget regularly — Docker images and app data can fill up your disk faster than you expect.
• •Bookmark your CasaOS dashboard IP in your browser for quick access. Consider giving it a static IP on your router.