# IPFS Kubo

IPFS Kubo is a self-hostable node for the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), a peer-to-peer content-addressed filesystem that lets homelab operators store, share, and resolve content across a distributed network. It is open source and self-hosted, installable on TrueNAS, Proxmox, Docker Hub and Unraid.

Canonical page: https://ourlocalhost.com/app/469/ipfs-kubo

## Description

IPFS Kubo is a self-hostable node for the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), a peer-to-peer content-addressed filesystem that lets homelab operators store, share, and resolve content across a distributed network.

## Platform availability

Available on 3 of 9 platforms: Unraid, TrueNAS, Proxmox.

## Health score

74/100 (Good), based on 5 of 5 factors.
- Maintained: 100 (last commit 26 days ago)
- Popular: 85 (17,146 GitHub stars)
- Easy to install: 45 (2 install platforms, install notes, Docker image)
- Light to run: 20 (6 GB minimum RAM, runs on ARM)
- Security check: 76 (no serious findings, 2 minor, CI, tests, OpenSSF Scorecard 5.9/10)

## Links

- Official website: https://docs.ipfs.tech/how-to/command-line-quick-start/
- GitHub: https://github.com/ipfs/kubo
- TrueNAS: https://apps.truenas.com/catalog/ipfs
- Proxmox: https://community-scripts.github.io/ProxmoxVE/scripts?id=kubo
- Docker Hub: https://hub.docker.com/r/ipfs/kubo/
- Unraid: https://ca.unraid.net/apps/ipfs-kubo-0r5dknl01dhcat?q=ipfs-kubo
- Documentation: https://docs.ipfs.tech

## Common questions

### How do I create the initial node configuration for a fresh Kubo node?

Run ipfs daemon --init to start IPFS and create the first-time node configuration. Without initialization, the daemon may not have the settings and identity it needs.

### What should I try if Kubo's API won't connect after moving from an older IPFS Docker image?

Clear the old configuration and start fresh with Docker Compose when migrating to the latest Kubo image.

### Can a browser extension use Kubo to route web requests through IPFS?

A companion Chrome extension can bridge browsing between Kubo, or any IPFS implementation exposing a compatible API, and traditional web. It routes compatible requests automatically over the IPFS network.

### Where should I look if Kubo has trouble providing or retrieving content?

Use the Kubo troubleshooting page in the IPFS docs to debug the issue and find a solution quickly.

## Alternatives

- Hyphanet: Hyphanet (former Freenet) is free software which lets you anonymously share files, browse and publish "freesites" (web sites acce…
- I2P: I2P (Invisible Internet Protocol) is a universal anonymous network layer.
- ZeroNet: ZeroNet uses cryptography (Bitcoin library) and BitTorrent DHT (centralized trackers) to build a distributed censorship-resistant network.

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Source: Our Local Host (https://ourlocalhost.com/app/469/ipfs-kubo), the self-hosted and open-source app directory.