DenwiseDocumentation
Everything you need to get Denwise running in your home and keep it humming.
Pick your path
Denwise runs two ways. Both end at the same dashboard — choose whichever fits your setup.
🍓 Raspberry Pi appliance
The full kiosk experience: a Pi wired to a wall-mounted touchscreen that boots straight into Denwise. Best for a "command center on the wall."
🐳 Docker on your own machine
Already run a home server or NAS? Bring up Denwise in a container and open it from any browser on your network. Fastest way to try it.
Raspberry Pi — quick start
- Get the hardware. A Raspberry Pi 5, a microSD card, power, and a touchscreen. Buy a ready-to-go bundle, or follow the parts list.
- Flash the image. Write the Denwise image to the SD card with Raspberry Pi Imager.
- Boot & mount. Insert the card, connect the screen, power on. It boots into the setup wizard.
- Run the setup wizard. Name your hub, set a PIN, and pick what you want on the dashboard. You can change all of it later in Settings.
Docker — quick start
On any machine with Docker installed:
# PLACEHOLDER: replace with the published image / compose file (#120)
docker compose up -d
# then open http://localhost:8000 (or the host's IP) in your browserThe first screen is the same setup wizard. When you're ready to keep it current, activate your license (below).
Activate your license
Denwise runs fully without a license — the license unlocks updates. After you buy, open Settings → System → Software Upgrade → 🔑 Activate a license and paste the license key from your purchase email. The hub binds it and sets your update window automatically. Your activated key is shown there too (masked) if you ever need it for support.
Connect your stuff
- Calendar — link your family calendars in Settings; everyone's schedule, color-coded.
- Cameras — point Denwise at your UniFi Protect cameras to stream them on the same screen.
- Chores, meals, budget — set these up from their tiles; it's all in-app, no files to edit.
- AI helper — add your own AI provider key (Claude, ChatGPT, Grok, or Gemini) to enable recipe and planning help.
Reaching your hub on the network
- Same network/VLAN: browse to
http://homehub.local:8000— the stable name that survives IP changes (most phones and Macs; Windows may need Bonjour). mDNS can't cross VLANs. - Another VLAN on your own network: use the hub's IP address (shown in Settings → Network Access) — no app or account needed, as long as your router allows traffic between the VLANs.
- From anywhere (off your home network): turn on Remote Access and connect Tailscale. You'll also need the free Tailscale app on each device you use.
Staying up to date
Denwise checks for updates nightly and surfaces them in Settings → Software Upgrade and on the home banner. Updates back up your data and code first and roll back automatically if anything fails — your data is safe.