Once your LocalNode is plugged into your router and powered on, you can control it entirely from any other device in your house. This guide explains how to access your main dashboard.
Overview
The LocalNode dashboard is a centralized control panel that gives you access to all your apps (like Jellyfin, Immich, and WireGuard). You do not need to download an app to access this dashboard; it is just a website that lives entirely inside your home network.
Step 1: Open your web browser
You can use any device that is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your LocalNode. This includes your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Ensure your device is connected to your home Wi-Fi (not cellular data).
Open your preferred web browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge).
Step 2: Enter the LocalNode address
Every LocalNode is pre-configured with a universal local address. You don't need to memorize a complicated string of numbers (an IP address).
Click on the address bar at the top of your browser.
Type exactly: http://localnode.local
Press Enter or Go.
💡 Tip: We recommend bookmarking this page immediately or adding it to your smartphone's home screen so you can access it with one tap in the future.
Focus the address bar (or URL field), type http://localnode.local exactly, then press Enter. You should reach the dashboard login screen on your home network.
Step 3: Log in to your dashboard
Once the page loads, you will be greeted by the LocalNode login screen. This protects your server from unauthorized guests on your Wi-Fi network.
In the username field, type: localnode
In the password field, type: changeme123
Click the "Sign In" button.
⚠️ Warning:You must change this default password immediately after your first login to secure your device. Go to Settings > Account to update your password.
Troubleshooting
If typing localnode.local does not work, it usually means your router does not support mDNS (multicast DNS), which is how the device broadcasts its name. Do not worry; you can still connect using the IP address.
Log into your router's admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1) and look at the list of "Attached Devices" or "DHCP Clients". Find the device named "LocalNode" and note its IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.50). Type that IP address into your browser instead.