> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://evakage.docs.thesteau.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quick start

> Open Evakage and connect two devices.

Already have an Evakage URL? Open it on both devices and skip to [Connect devices](#connect-devices).

## Host your own

With Docker installed:

```bash theme={null}
git clone https://github.com/thesteau/evakage.git
cd evakage/deploy
cp .env.example .env
docker compose pull
docker compose up -d
```

Open `http://localhost:3712` on the host. Other devices need an HTTPS URL with a trusted certificate.

If you use a reverse proxy you control, set `TRUST_PROXY=1` in `deploy/.env` and preserve the public host header. Follow the [deployment guide](/hosting/deployment) for HTTPS setup, updates, and backups.

## Connect devices

1. Open the same Evakage URL on both devices.
2. On one device, choose the QR icon next to **Connect** in **Devices**. It shows that device's QR invitation and private pairing code.
3. On the other device, choose **Connect**. Scan the QR code, or enter the private pairing code and choose **Join**.
4. In **Devices**, choose **Open** beside the paired device to start a conversation.

Pairing requires the private invitation. The public code shown for an advertised device does not grant access. To confirm who you connected to, [compare safety codes](/guides/devices#verify-a-device).

## Next steps

* [Rooms](/guides/rooms): invite a group. Creating a room requires an account; joining does not.
* [Messages and files](/guides/transfers): send, save, and retry transfers.
* [Phones and tablets](/guides/mobile): install the app and keep transfers running.
* [Privacy and storage](/hosting/privacy): learn where messages and files are stored and when they disappear.

To build and run Evakage from source, follow the [development guide](/development).


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