Getting Started with ProjectX42

What is ProjectX42?

ProjectX42 is open-source home automation that puts local control and privacy first. It runs on your own hardware, keeps your data in your home, and lets you control and automate your smart devices from one place — through the web dashboard or the ProjectX42 companion app on your phone.

How it works

ProjectX42 has two parts:

1. The server — the brain of your smart home. It runs on a device in your home (a mini PC, a Raspberry Pi, an old laptop, or a virtual machine) and talks to all your smart devices.
2. The companion app — installed on your phone. It connects to your server over your home Wi-Fi so you can control everything on the go.

Step 1 — Set up your server

You need a ProjectX42 server running on your home network. The quickest way is to run it in a virtual machine or a Docker container on a computer that stays on. Once it boots, it shows an address like http://192.168.1.50:8123. Open that address in a browser and create your admin account.

Step 2 — Install the companion app

Install the ProjectX42 companion app on your phone. Open it and tap Connect to my ProjectX42 server.

Step 3 — Connect to your server

Make sure your phone is on the same Wi-Fi as your server. The app will try to find your server automatically; if it can't, tap Enter address manually and type your server's address (for example http://192.168.1.50:8123). Log in with the account you created, and you're in.

Tip: The phone and the server must be on the same network. If the app can't connect, double-check the address and that your server is powered on.

Next steps

Once connected, you can build dashboards, add integrations, set up automations, and monitor your home's energy usage. Need a hand? Visit our Help & Support page.