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Photos basics

The Photos app stores and browses the household photo library. It runs on the NAS and is reachable at:

Website: photos.saxobroko.com

This is separate from PhotoShare (share.saxobroko.com), which is for public albums on the internet.

Step 1 — Open Photos

  1. Open a browser (PC or phone).
  2. Go to photos.saxobroko.com
  3. Press Enter.

You may see Authentik or an app login — use Vaultwarden (search Photos or Authentik).

Step 2 — Log in

  1. Enter username and password from Vaultwarden.
  2. Complete 2FA if the app asks (same as other homelab logins).

Step 3 — Browse albums

  1. After login, you see albums, timeline, or all photos — layout depends on the app version.
  2. Click an album or date to open thumbnails.
  3. Click a photo to view it large.
  4. Use arrow keys or on-screen arrows to move between photos.

Upload from a phone (general steps)

Phone upload behaviour depends on the Photos app or a companion mobile client. Common pattern:

  1. Install the Photos mobile app if one is linked from the login page or app store (check Vaultwarden notes for app name).
  2. Log in with server URL: https://photos.saxobroko.com
  3. Enable background upload or auto backup in app settings if you want new camera rolls to sync.
  4. Stay on Wi‑Fi for large uploads — mobile data works but uses your phone plan.

Tip: Large libraries take hours the first time. Leave the phone plugged in on Wi‑Fi overnight.

Upload from the PC

  1. Log into photos.saxobroko.com.
  2. Look for Upload (+ icon or Upload button).
  3. Select files or folders from the PC.
  4. Wait for progress bars to finish — do not close the browser mid-upload.

Sharing with family

  • Inside Photos app: look for Share or Album share if enabled.
  • Public link albums: may use share.saxobroko.com instead — different product.

When unsure which to use, ask before making something public.

Troubleshooting

Problem What to try
Site will not load When internet is broken
Uploads stuck Stay on Wi‑Fi; keep app open; check NAS is on
Photos missing on phone Background refresh enabled? Logged into correct account?
Works at home, not abroad Geo-block — expected for homelab
iPhone not syncing overnight Low power mode off; Wi‑Fi on; app allowed in background

Technical notes: Photos on TrueNAS, Common issues — Photos.