Guide – Run your own sovereign node at home (Raspberry Pi + Umbrel)
This is the way to own your own piece of the internet: Bitcoin node, Nostr relay, Nextcloud, photo backup – all at home, all yours.
One-time cost: €180 – €280 (or equivalent in your currency)
Monthly cost: ≈ €3 (electricity)
What you need (compare prices on Amazon, AliExpress or local stores)
I don't know what to buy → click here
Step 1 – Download Umbrel
I don't know where to find Umbrel
Go to umbrel.com → click the big blue button “Download Umbrel OS”.
Step 2 – Flash the image with Balena Etcher
I've never flashed anything before
- Download Balena Etcher: etcher.balena.io
- Start Etcher
- Click “Flash from file” → choose the downloaded umbrel file
- Click “Select target” → choose your SD card
- Click “Flash!” → grab a coffee (5–10 minutes)
- Etcher says “Flash Complete” → done!
Step 3 – Connect everything
How do I connect the Pi?
- Insert SD card into the Pi
- Connect SSD via USB (if you have one)
- Ethernet cable into your router
- Plug in power → Pi starts automatically (lights will blink)
Step 4 – Start Umbrel
How do I reach my Umbrel?
Open your browser and type:
http://umbrel.local
(or find the IP address in your router app and use http://[IP-address])
Step 5 – First setup
Choose a password → done!
You now have at home:
- Bitcoin + Lightning node
- Nostr relay
- Nextcloud (your own Dropbox)
- PhotoPrism (your own Google Photos)
- Mastodon server (optional)
- 40+ apps with one click
What if it doesn’t work?
I don't see umbrel.local
- Try http://[IP address of the Pi] (find in your router)
- Or connect a screen + keyboard and log in with user “umbrel”, password “moneyprintergobrrr”
Monthly cost: ≈ €3 electricity
Security: you have the only key
No one can ever deactivate you
### Disclaimer
All guides are proposed by the community and reviewed by the OIM core team before going live.
Nevertheless, executing technical steps remains your own responsibility.
The Open Internet Manifest is not liable for damage, data loss, or other issues that may arise from following a guide.
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