Install the server

docketd is Docket's mail engine. It runs on your own Linux machine, keeps your mail there, and serves the Mac and iPhone apps.

What setup involves

You need a Linux server or a small VPS with systemd, on x86_64 or arm64. One that costs a few euros a month is enough. You also need a normal user account that can use sudo, and a way to reach the server over https.

Your invite page gives you one command to run on that machine. It sets up the docketd binary, a system service running as its own user, your data and configuration directories with a data key generated on the machine, and a server that listens on the machine itself only, so nothing is exposed until you choose how. It finishes by printing your server's address and a one-time pairing code for the Mac app. Running it again upgrades in place.

Making it reachable

The apps connect over https only. The easiest way is Tailscale: the installer offers to publish docketd on your private tailnet, so only your own devices can reach it. You can also put Caddy with your own domain in front of it, or use a Cloudflare Tunnel, which needs no open ports.

The apps

The Mac app connects to your server with the pairing code and keeps itself up to date. The iPhone app is on TestFlight during the beta; you pair it from the Mac app's Settings.

Your own AI key

Triage, summaries and the other AI features use a model you choose, with your own key: Anthropic, OpenAI, OpenRouter, or any OpenAI-compatible endpoint such as a local Ollama. Message content goes to that provider and nowhere else.

Usage counts

docketd, the Mac app and the iPhone app each send docket.at one anonymous count a day: a random install id, the version and the operating system, never mail or accounts. If you have an invite, it is linked to your invite so Felix knows how your install is doing. It can be turned off. Details.

Questions? Write to hello@docket.at.