Deployment Guide

Self-hosted deployment

Run TheChatApp on your own server or PC with the standard self-hosted defaults, then make sure the machine and network fit your team size.

Where to install

A self-hosted workspace runs on a machine you control. TheChatApp is built to be low maintenance and plug and play: install the server, create the first administrator account, and keep the machine available when users need to connect.

An always-on server is the best fit for teams that rely on TheChatApp every day.
A regular PC can run the server for small teams or lighter use, as long as it stays on when people need access.
The server machine should have a stable network connection and enough resources for the expected number of connected computers.

Plan capacity

Plan around the number of computers and mobile devices that will connect at the same time. Messaging is lightweight, but calls, screen sharing, file transfers, and many active clients need enough CPU, memory, disk space, and network capacity on the server machine.

Count the desktop and mobile clients that are likely to be online during a normal workday.
Check that the server's LAN or Wi-Fi connection can handle the expected traffic without becoming the slow point.
Use wired Ethernet for the server when possible, especially when calls, screen sharing, or large file transfers are common.
Keep enough disk space for messages, files, logs, and backups.

Remote access and ports

If everyone connects from the same LAN, setup can stay simple. If users connect from outside the office, the server must be reachable from the internet and the required TheChatApp server and media ports must be open on the router, firewall, and host machine.

Port	Protocol	Open when	Used for
443	TCP	Always for remote access	Secure app traffic, file transfer, history sync, browser meeting pages, and workspace administration.
9050	UDP	Always for direct desktop/mobile access and realtime media	Realtime messaging transport, presence, voice, video, and screen sharing.

If you change the server port during setup, open the configured replacement instead. Remote users also need a stable public address or domain name. Plan port forwarding before rollout, then test from a network that is not the office Wi-Fi.

Mobile and relay

Mobile devices and users outside the local network may need the Relay/TURN upgrade for reliable connectivity, especially when they move between Wi-Fi, mobile data, VPNs, or restrictive networks. Relay/TURN helps clients reach the workspace when direct connections are blocked or unstable.

Relay/TURN does not require opening extra inbound ports on the self-hosted server beyond the TheChatApp ports above. Clients and the server must be allowed to make outbound connections to the configured Relay/TURN service.

Install and verify

Install TheChatApp on the chosen server or PC.
Create the first administrator account.
Connect from another computer on the same LAN and send a test message.
Upload and download a file to confirm storage and permissions are working.
If remote users or mobile devices are in scope, test from outside the LAN before inviting the team.