Install on macOS
macOS is the easiest platform to get started on — especially if you have a Mac with Apple Silicon (M1 or later). Everything you need is a quick download away.
Install Docker Desktop
Docker is the tool that runs LanJAM's services on your Mac. Think of it like a container that keeps everything neatly packaged — easy to install, easy to remove.
Download Docker Desktop for Mac — choose the Apple Silicon version if your Mac has an M1, M2, M3, or M4 chip, or Intel if it's an older Mac. Open the installer and drag Docker to your Applications folder. Launch it once to finish setup.
Install Ollama
Ollama runs AI models directly on your Mac. This is what makes LanJAM completely private — your conversations never leave your home.
Download Ollama for Mac — open the installer and follow the prompts. Once installed, Ollama runs quietly in the background.
Open Terminal
Terminal is a built-in app on every Mac — you just need to open it to run one command. Don't worry, you won't need to learn anything complicated.
Press Cmd + Space to open Spotlight, type "Terminal", and press Enter. A window with a text prompt will appear — that's where you'll paste the install command.
Run the install command
Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter. The installer will walk you through a few simple questions.
curl -fsSL https://dl.lanjam.dev/install.sh | shOpen LanJAM
Once the installer finishes, it will display the exact URLs you can use to access LanJAM — including addresses that work from other devices on your network.
From the computer you installed on, open your browser and go to http://localhost:3000 (or your chosen port). From other devices like phones, tablets, or other computers, use the machine's hostname or IP address shown by the installer. If port 80 was available, you won't even need a port number.
You'll be guided through creating your admin account and inviting family members. See the first-time setup guide for a walkthrough.
Accessing LanJAM from other devices
To connect from phones, tablets, or other computers on your network, you need the hostname or IP address of the machine running LanJAM.
Finding your hostname and IP on macOS:
- Hostname: System Settings → General → Sharing — look for "Local hostname" (e.g.
my-macbook.local) - IP address: System Settings → Wi-Fi → click "Details" next to your network → IP Address
- Or in Terminal:
hostnameandipconfig getifaddr en0
Automatic restart
LanJAM restarts automatically whenever Docker is running. To make sure Docker starts when your computer boots:
Open Docker Desktop → Settings → General → enable "Start Docker Desktop when you sign in".