A beginner asks how to replace iCloud with a home server
A r/homelab user asked whether they can replace iCloud 2TB storage with a home server. They currently run AdGuard Home, Homebridge, and Tailscale on a Pi4. They want an easy way to back up family photos and files automatically, while keeping them available outside the house. They are considering buying a used Beelink Mini S12 for $100.
Key points
- The user mostly pays for Apple One because it includes 2TB of iCloud storage.
- They currently use about 400GB of storage and are trying to reduce their photo library.
- They already run a small home setup on a Pi4.
- They want computers and phones to send files automatically to the server.
- They also want files and photos to be easy to reach from outside the house.
Quick term guide
- r/homelab
- A Reddit community where people share their DIY home server and networking projects
- home server
- A personal computer setup at home used to run services or store files instead of regular daily use.
- AdGuard Home
- A tool that blocks ads and tracking addresses on a home network.
- Tailscale
- A tool that lets you securely access your home devices over the internet, as if they were on the same local network
- Thinking
- A ChatGPT mode where the AI reasons through a problem step by step before giving an answer
- Mac mini server
- A Mac mini used as an always-on computer for files, apps, backups, or automation.
- cloud storage
- An online service that lets you save and access files over the internet from anywhere.
- remote access
- Connecting to and controlling a computer from another place.