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Private group chat
Accounts, roles, moderation, replies, mentions, reactions and profile photos.
● Free and self-hosted
Your private group chat. On your own server.
SelfHostedChat is free PHP software for a private community chat. Download the source, host it yourself and adapt it to your own group.
✓ Readable PHP source✓ No licence or activation✓ No automatic updater✓ Your server, your data
What is included
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Photos, video and push
Private media storage, previews, PWA installation and push notifications.
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Made to customise
The PHP logic is intentionally readable so you can change text, behaviour and styling yourself.
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Security checks
Login protection, IP blocking and an admin warning when hidden files are not properly protected.
Updates stay manual
SelfHostedChat never installs updates by itself. Visit this website when you want a newer version, make a backup and replace index.php. Your database, media and .htaccess remain yours.
Server requirements
PHP 8.1+, PDO SQLite, fileinfo and GD. FFmpeg/FFprobe are needed only for video. HTTPS is strongly recommended for PWA and push notifications. No ionCube is required.
SelfHostedChat is a hobby project. If it saves you time, the coffee link is a voluntary thank-you — never a requirement.
Learn more
Installation, server requirements and practical answers for running SelfHostedChat yourself.
Features
See what is included in the chat, profiles, media and administration.
Explore features →Install
Follow the short installation guide for a new server.
Installation guide →Requirements
Check PHP, SQLite, GD and the optional video requirements.
Server requirements →FAQ
Read about privacy, customisation, updates and hosting.
Read FAQ →