Start
Set Up Indiebox
Connect it, open it, and sign in.
Result
At the end of this guide, the box is powered on and reachable. Sign-in is complete, OpenWebUI is running, a first model has been tested and the next steps for documents, users, dashboard and updates are clear.
Before you begin
The box includes a handout with the username, password and device name. You need these values for the first sign-in and for local network access.
For the start you need power, the handout and either a browser device in the same local network or a screen, keyboard and mouse directly attached to the box.
The box works fully offline. Even so, the recommended setup is Ethernet in the local network. Wi‑Fi is also possible and can be set up by QR code.
What is in the handout
Keep the handout ready for the first steps.
Connect the box
Connect power and switch the box on. For the recommended path, also connect it to your local network by Ethernet.
Wait until startup is complete before you continue.
Open the box
Offline directly at the box
The Indiebox works fully offline. If no network should be used, attach a screen, keyboard and mouse and work locally on the device.
Recommended: LAN by Ethernet
The preferred path is the local network over Ethernet. After that, open the device name from the handout in the browser.
http://<device-name-from-the-handout>Wi‑Fi by QR code
If the box should join Wi‑Fi, scan the QR code and follow setup. Then continue in the browser.
If the device name does not work directly
This is often a local name resolution issue. In that case, the QR path is the simplest fallback. If you intentionally run without a network, use offline mode directly at the box.
Sign in
Once the box is reachable, sign in with the username and password from the handout. OpenWebUI opens as the first workspace.
Use OpenWebUI for the first time
Try a model
Start with a simple task and repeat it with a second model. That quickly shows how models can differ in style, speed and quality.
Add documents as a knowledge source
Add a small and clearly scoped set of documents. That lets the box work with your own material instead of only general model knowledge.
By default, everything stays local
In its delivery state, the Indiebox does not send AI usage data outward. External search services are also not active by default and must be enabled intentionally.
Normal use stays local. External web search is not hidden background behavior.
After that
Create users and change the password
Once the first access works, password changes and user creation should be completed cleanly.
Review dashboard, vital signs and updates
Then review the dashboard and overall system state. Updates should be deliberate rather than automatic reflexes.
First automations with n8n
n8n becomes relevant when the box should perform repeatable tasks rather than only answer prompts.
Shell for experts
Shell access is not part of first setup. It only becomes relevant for diagnostics or deeper administration.