https://github.com/ancsemi/haven
Self-hosted private chat — No cloud, no telemetry, no Big Tech. Discord alternative that runs on your own machine.
https://github.com/ancsemi/haven
android-application browser chat discord discord-alternative docker encryption homelab linux messaging nodejs picture-in-picture privacy self-hosted selfhosted server soundcloud streaming voice-chat youtube
Last synced: 9 days ago
JSON representation
Self-hosted private chat — No cloud, no telemetry, no Big Tech. Discord alternative that runs on your own machine.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/ancsemi/haven
- Owner: ancsemi
- License: agpl-3.0
- Created: 2026-02-11T05:16:20.000Z (2 months ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2026-04-07T02:40:49.000Z (11 days ago)
- Last Synced: 2026-04-07T04:30:12.859Z (11 days ago)
- Topics: android-application, browser, chat, discord, discord-alternative, docker, encryption, homelab, linux, messaging, nodejs, picture-in-picture, privacy, self-hosted, selfhosted, server, soundcloud, streaming, voice-chat, youtube
- Language: JavaScript
- Homepage:
- Size: 2.83 MB
- Stars: 328
- Watchers: 7
- Forks: 28
- Open Issues: 16
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- Changelog: CHANGELOG.md
- Funding: .github/FUNDING.yml
- License: LICENSE
- Support: docs/support.html
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
# ⬡ AMNI-HAVEN — Private Chat That Lives On Your Machine
> **Your server. Your rules. No cloud. No accounts with Big Tech. No one reading your messages.**
Amni-Haven is a self-hosted Discord alternative. Run it on your machine. Invite friends with a code. No cloud. No email signup. No tracking. Free forever.
---
## 🖥️ NEW — Amni-Haven Desktop (Beta)
> **Want a native desktop experience?** Amni-Haven Desktop is a standalone app that connects to any Amni-Haven server — with features that go beyond the browser.
**[Amni-Haven Desktop](https://github.com/ancsemi/Haven-Desktop)** is now available as a public beta. Download the installer and connect to your server in seconds.
- **Per-Application Audio** — share audio from a single app during screen share, just like Discord. Powered by native WASAPI (Windows) and PulseAudio (Linux) hooks.
- **Audio Device Switching** — change your mic and speaker mid-call without leaving voice chat
- **Native Desktop Notifications** — OS-level notifications via the system tray
- **Minimize to Tray** — keeps running quietly in the background
- **One-Click Install** — NSIS installer (Windows), AppImage / .deb (Linux). Download, run, done.
> **⚠️ This is a beta release.** Bugs are expected. Your feedback is what makes it better — please [open an issue](https://github.com/ancsemi/Haven-Desktop/issues) if something breaks or feels off.
>
> **You still need an Amni-Haven server.** The desktop app is a client — it connects to an Amni-Haven server. Download and run [Amni-Haven](https://github.com/ancsemi/Haven) first if you haven't already.
📥 **[Download Amni-Haven Desktop →](https://github.com/ancsemi/Haven-Desktop/releases/latest)**
---
## 📱 NEW — Amni-Haven Android (Closed Beta)
> **Want Amni-Haven on your phone?** Amni-Haven Android is a native Android app built from the ground up, now in closed beta on Google Play.
**Amni-Haven Android** features full chat and voice support, push notifications, and a true mobile-native experience.
- **Native Android** — built from scratch specifically for Amni-Haven, not a web wrapper
- **Push Notifications** — real-time notifications via Google Play services
- **Full Chat & Voice** — all the features you love, in your pocket
> **🚀 Want to join the beta?** Visit **[amni-scient.com/amni-haven.html](https://amni-scient.com/amni-haven.html)** to request access to the closed beta.
>
> **You still need an Amni-Haven server.** The Android app is a client — it connects to an Amni-Haven server. Download and run [Amni-Haven](https://github.com/ancsemi/Haven) first if you haven't already.
*Built with ❤️ by **Amnibro** — huge thanks for his incredible work building the Amni-Haven Android app from the ground up.*
📲 **[Request Android Beta Access →](https://amni-scient.com/amni-haven.html)**
---
## NEW in v2.0.0 — Import Your Discord History
> **Leaving Discord?** Amni-Haven can import your entire server's message history — directly from the app. No external tools, no command-line exports, no hassle.
Open **Settings → Import** and connect with your Discord token. Amni-Haven pulls every channel, thread, forum post, announcement, reaction, pin, attachment, and avatar — then lets you map them to Amni-Haven channels. Your community's history comes with you.
- **Direct Connect** — paste your Discord token, pick a server, select channels & threads, import
- **File Upload** — or upload a DiscordChatExporter JSON/ZIP if you prefer
- **Full fidelity** — messages, replies, embeds, attachments, reactions, pins, forum tags, all preserved
- **Discord avatars** — imported messages show the original author's Discord profile picture
- **All channel types** — text, announcement, forum, media, plus active & archived threads
Your entire Discord history, now on a server you own. No one can delete it, no one can read it, no one can take it away.
---
## Quick Start — Docker (Recommended)
**Option A — Pre-built image** (fastest, easiest updates):
```bash
docker pull ghcr.io/ancsemi/haven:latest
docker run -d -p 3000:3000 -v haven_data:/data ghcr.io/ancsemi/haven:latest
```
Or with Docker Compose (recommended):
```bash
git clone https://github.com/ancsemi/Haven.git
cd Haven
docker compose up -d
```
The shipped `docker-compose.yml` uses the pre-built image by default.
**Option B — Build from source** (only if you need to modify the code):
```bash
git clone https://github.com/ancsemi/Haven.git
cd Haven
```
Uncomment `build: .` in `docker-compose.yml`, then:
```bash
docker compose up -d
```
Open `https://localhost:3000` → Register with username `admin` → Create a channel → Share the code with friends. Done.
> Certificate warning is normal — click **Advanced → Proceed**. Amni-Haven uses a self-signed cert for encryption.
**Updating** — if using the pre-built image (default):
```bash
docker compose pull
docker compose up -d --force-recreate
```
**Check your version**: visit `https://localhost:3000/api/version` in your browser.
**Option C — One-click cloud deploy** (Zeabur):
[](https://zeabur.com/templates?repoURL=https://github.com/ancsemi/Haven)
---
## Quick Start — Windows (No Docker)
1. Download and unzip this repository
2. Double-click **`Start Haven.bat`**
3. If Node.js isn't installed, the script will offer to install it for you automatically
That's it. The batch file handles everything — Node.js installation, dependencies, SSL certificates, config — and opens your browser. Register as `admin` to get started.
> **Don't have Node.js?** No problem. The launcher detects this and can install it for you with one keypress. Or install it yourself from [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org/) and restart your PC.
## Quick Start — Linux / macOS (No Docker)
```bash
chmod +x start.sh
./start.sh
```
Or manually: `npm install && node server.js`
---
## Who Is This For?
- **Small friend groups** who want a private place to talk
- **Self-hosters** who run services on their own hardware
- **Privacy-conscious communities** done with Big Tech
- **LAN gaming crews** who need voice + screen share without Discord
- **Homelab enthusiasts** looking for a lightweight chat service
---
## Why Not Discord?
| | Discord | Amni-Haven |
|---|---------|-------|
| **Hosting** | Their cloud | Your machine |
| **Account** | Email + phone required | No email, no verification |
| **Your data** | Stored by Discord Inc. | Never leaves your server |
| **Cost** | Nitro upsells, boosts | Free forever |
| **Telemetry** | Analytics, tracking | Zero telemetry |
| **Source code** | Closed | Open (MIT-NC) |
---
## Features
| Category | What You Get |
|----------|-------------|
| **Chat** | Real-time messaging, image uploads (paste/drag/drop) with click-to-enlarge lightbox, typing indicators, message editing, replies, emoji reactions, @mentions with autocomplete, `:emoji` autocomplete, message pinning (admin) |
| **Voice** | Peer-to-peer audio chat, per-user volume sliders, mute/deafen, join/leave audio cues, talking indicators, click usernames for profile/DM |
| **Screen Share** | Multi-stream screen sharing with tiled grid layout, per-user video tiles, one-click close |
| **Channels** | Hierarchical channels with sub-channels, private (invite-only) sub-channels with 🔒 indicator, channel topics |
| **Join Codes** | Per-channel invite codes with admin controls: public/private visibility, static/dynamic mode, time-based or join-based auto-rotation, manual rotation |
| **Avatars** | Upload profile pictures (including animated GIFs!), choose avatar shape (circle/square/hexagon/diamond), per-user shapes visible to everyone |
| **Formatting** | **Bold**, *italic*, ~~strikethrough~~, `code`, \|\|spoilers\|\|, auto-linked URLs, fenced code blocks with language labels, blockquotes |
| **Link Previews** | Automatic OG metadata previews for shared URLs with title, description, and thumbnail |
| **GIF Search** | GIPHY-powered GIF picker — search and send GIFs inline (admin-configurable API key) |
| **Direct Messages** | Private 1-on-1 conversations — click 💬 on any user in the member list |
| **User Status** | Online, Away, Do Not Disturb, Invisible — with custom status text and auto-away after 5 min idle |
| **File Sharing** | Upload and share PDFs, documents, audio, video, archives (up to 25 MB) with inline players |
| **Persistent Unread** | Server-tracked read state — unread badges survive page refreshes and reconnects |
| **Slash Commands** | `/shrug`, `/tableflip`, `/roll 2d20`, `/flip`, `/me`, `/spoiler`, `/tts`, and more — type `/` to see them all |
| **Search** | Search messages in any channel with Ctrl+F |
| **Themes** | 20+ themes with stackable visual effects: CRT, Matrix Rain, Cyberpunk Text Scramble, Snowfall, Campfire Embers, and more — configurable intensity/frequency sliders |
| **Multi-Server** | Add friends' Amni-Haven servers to your sidebar with live online/offline status |
| **Notifications** | 5 notification sounds, per-channel volume controls |
| **Moderation** | Admin: kick, mute (timed), ban, delete users, delete channels, auto-cleanup. Role system with granular permissions. |
| **Security** | Bcrypt passwords, JWT auth, HTTPS/SSL, rate limiting, CSP headers, input validation |
| **E2E Encryption** | ECDH P-256 + AES-256-GCM encrypted DMs — private keys never leave the browser |
| **Discord Import** | Import your entire Discord server history — channels, threads, forums, reactions, pins, avatars — directly from Amni-Haven's UI or via file upload |
| **Game** | Shippy Container — Drew's shipment got hung up. Server-wide leaderboard. |
| **Translations** | 6 languages out of the box (English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Chinese). Community-contributed. |
---
## 🌐 Translations (i18n)
Amni-Haven supports multiple languages. Users can switch languages from **Settings → Language** or the login page. The choice is saved per-browser.
| Language | Code | Status |
|----------|------|--------|
| English | `en` | ✅ Complete (reference) |
| Français | `fr` | 🟡 AI-generated, needs review |
| Deutsch | `de` | 🟡 AI-generated, needs review |
| Español | `es` | 🟡 AI-generated, needs review |
| Русский | `ru` | 🟡 AI-generated, needs review |
| 中文 | `zh` | 🟡 AI-generated, needs review |
### ⚠️ Translation Quality
Non-English translations were initially generated with AI assistance and **have not been fully reviewed by native speakers**. They may contain awkward phrasing, incorrect terminology, or outright errors. If you speak one of these languages, corrections are hugely appreciated.
### Contributing a Translation
**Improve an existing language:**
1. Open `public/locales/{code}.json` (e.g. `fr.json`)
2. Fix any incorrect or awkward translations
3. Submit a PR
**Add a new language:**
1. Copy `public/locales/en.json` to `public/locales/{code}.json`
2. Translate all values (keep the keys unchanged)
3. Fill in the `_meta` block with your language name and flag
4. Add the code to the `SUPPORTED` array in `public/js/i18n.js`
5. Add a `` to both language selectors in `public/index.html` and `public/app.html`
6. Submit a PR
### Maintenance Reality
Translations are a community effort. As new features are added to Amni-Haven, new English strings appear, and other languages will fall behind until someone updates them. **Missing keys gracefully fall back to the English text**, so nothing breaks — you'll just see some English mixed in until someone contributes the translation.
If you'd like to "own" a language and keep it current, reach out via an issue. Long-term language maintainers are welcome and appreciated.
## Letting Friends Connect Over the Internet
If your friends aren't on your WiFi, you need to open a port on your router.
### Step 1 — Find Your Public IP
Go to [whatismyip.com](https://whatismyip.com). That's the address your friends will use.
### Step 2 — Port Forward
1. Log into your router (usually `http://192.168.1.1` or `http://10.0.0.1`)
2. Find **Port Forwarding** (sometimes called NAT or Virtual Servers)
3. Forward port **3000** (TCP) to your PC's local IP
4. Save
> **Find your local IP:** Open Command Prompt → type `ipconfig` → look for IPv4 Address (e.g. `192.168.1.50`)
### Step 3 — Windows Firewall
Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
```powershell
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Amni-Haven Chat" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 3000 -Protocol TCP -Action Allow
```
### Step 4 — Share With Friends
Send them:
```
https://YOUR_PUBLIC_IP:3000
```
Tell them to click **Advanced** → **Proceed** on the certificate warning. It's normal.
---
## Configuration
Amni-Haven creates a `.env` config file automatically on first launch — you don't need to create or rename anything. It lives in your **data directory**:
| OS | Data Directory |
|----|---------------|
| Windows | `%APPDATA%\Haven\` |
| Linux / macOS | `~/.haven/` |
| Setting | Default | What It Does |
|---------|---------|-------------|
| `PORT` | `3000` | Server port |
| `SERVER_NAME` | `Haven` | Your server's display name |
| `ADMIN_USERNAME` | `admin` | Register with this name to get admin powers |
| `JWT_SECRET` | *(auto-generated)* | Security key — don't share or edit this |
| `SSL_CERT_PATH` | *(auto-detected)* | Path to SSL certificate |
| `SSL_KEY_PATH` | *(auto-detected)* | Path to SSL private key |
| `HAVEN_DATA_DIR` | *(see above)* | Override the data directory location |
After editing `.env`, restart the server.
---
## Slash Commands
Type `/` in the message box to see the full list. Here are some highlights:
| Command | What It Does |
|---------|-------------|
| `/shrug` | ¯\\_(ツ)_/¯ |
| `/tableflip` | (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻ |
| `/unflip` | ┬─┬ ノ( ゜-゜ノ) |
| `/roll 2d20` | Roll dice (any NdN format) |
| `/flip` | Flip a coin |
| `/me does something` | Italic action text |
| `/spoiler secret text` | Hidden spoiler text |
| `/tts hello` | Text-to-speech |
| `/nick NewName` | Change your username |
| `/clear` | Clear your chat view |
| `/bbs` | "Will be back soon" |
| `/afk` | "Away from keyboard" |
---
## Themes
25 themes, switchable from the sidebar:
**Amni-Haven** · **Discord** · **Matrix** · **Tron** · **HALO** · **Lord of the Rings** · **Cyberpunk** · **Nord** · **Dracula** · **Bloodborne** · **Ice** · **Abyss**
Your theme choice persists across sessions.
---
## Voice Chat
1. Join a text channel
2. Click **🎤 Join Voice**
3. Allow microphone access
4. Adjust anyone's volume with their slider
5. Click **📞 Leave** when done
Voice is peer-to-peer — audio goes directly between users, not through the server. Requires HTTPS.
- **Join / leave cues** — synthesized audio tones when users enter or leave voice.
- **Talking indicators** — usernames glow green when speaking (300 ms hysteresis for smooth animation).
- **Screen sharing** — click **🖥️ Share Screen** to broadcast your display. Multiple users can share simultaneously in a tiled grid.
---
## Admin Guide
If you registered with the admin username, you can:
- **Create / delete channels**
- **Kick users** — disconnects them (they can rejoin)
- **Mute users** — timed mute (can't send messages)
- **Ban users** — permanent ban (can't connect)
- **Delete users** — remove banned accounts (frees up their username)
- **Auto-cleanup** — configure automatic deletion of old messages (Settings → Admin)
- **Server settings** — EULA, max message age, DB size limits
Access admin controls in the **Settings** panel (⚙️ gear icon in the sidebar).
---
## Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---------|-----|
| "SSL_ERROR_RX_RECORD_TOO_LONG" | Your browser is using `https://` but the server is running HTTP. **Change the URL to `http://localhost:3000`**, or install OpenSSL and restart to enable HTTPS (see below). |
| "Node.js is not installed" | The launcher offers to install it automatically. Or run `winget install OpenJS.NodeJS.LTS` in a terminal, restart, and try again. |
| Browser shows blank page | Clear cache or try incognito/private window |
| Friends can't connect | Check port forwarding + firewall. Make sure server is running. |
| "Error: EADDRINUSE" | Another app is using port 3000. Change `PORT` in `.env`. |
| Voice chat echoes | Use headphones |
| Voice doesn't work remotely | Must use `https://`, not `http://` |
| Certificate error in browser | Normal — click Advanced → Proceed |
### HTTPS / SSL Details
Amni-Haven **automatically generates self-signed SSL certificates** on first launch — but only if **OpenSSL** is installed on your system.
**How to tell which mode you're in:** Look at the startup banner in the terminal window. If the URL shows `http://` — you're on HTTP. If it shows `https://` — you're on HTTPS.
**If Amni-Haven falls back to HTTP** (no OpenSSL, or cert generation failed):
- Everything works fine for local use — just use `http://localhost:3000`
- Voice chat will only work on localhost, not for remote friends
- To enable HTTPS:
1. Install OpenSSL: [slproweb.com/products/Win32OpenSSL.html](https://www.slproweb.com/products/Win32OpenSSL.html) (the "Light" version)
2. During install, choose "Copy OpenSSL DLLs to the Windows system directory"
3. Restart your PC
4. Delete `%APPDATA%\Haven\certs` and re-launch `Start Haven.bat`
---
## Keyboard Shortcuts
| Key | Action |
|-----|--------|
| `Shift+Enter` | New line |
| `Ctrl+F` | Search messages |
| `@` | @mention autocomplete |
| `:` | Emoji autocomplete (type 2+ chars) |
| `/` | Slash command autocomplete |
| `Tab` | Select autocomplete suggestion |
---
## Backing Up Your Data
All your data lives in a dedicated directory **outside** the Haven code folder:
| OS | Location |
|----|----------|
| Windows | `%APPDATA%\Haven\` |
| Linux / macOS | `~/.haven/` |
Inside you'll find:
- **`haven.db`** — all messages, users, and channels
- **`.env`** — your configuration
- **`certs/`** — SSL certificates
- **`uploads/`** — uploaded images
Copy the entire folder somewhere safe to back up everything. The Haven code directory contains no personal data.
---
## GIF Search — GIPHY API Setup
Amni-Haven has a built-in GIF picker powered by **GIPHY**. To enable it you need a free API key.
### 1. Create a GIPHY Developer Account
1. Go to [developers.giphy.com](https://developers.giphy.com/)
2. Sign up for an account (or sign in)
### 2. Create an App
1. Click **Create an App**
2. Choose **API** (not SDK)
3. Give it any name (e.g. "Amni-Haven Chat") and a short description
4. Copy the **API Key** shown on the next page
### 3. Add the Key in Amni-Haven
1. Log into Amni-Haven as your **admin** account
2. Click the **GIF button** (🎞️) in the message input area
3. You'll see a setup prompt — paste your API key and save
4. The key is stored server-side in the database — only admins can see or change it
That's it. All users can now search and send GIFs.
> **Free tier:** GIPHY's free tier allows plenty of requests for a private chat server — you'll never come close to the limit.
---
## Roadmap
Planned features — roughly in priority order:
| Feature | Status | Description |
|---------|--------|-------------|
| **Sub-channels** | ✅ Done | Hierarchical channels with auto-membership inheritance and private (invite-only) sub-channels |
| **Join code management** | ✅ Done | Admin controls: public/private visibility, static/dynamic mode, time/join-based rotation |
| **Role system** | ✅ Done | Role-based access with granular per-channel permissions |
| **Avatar system** | ✅ Done | Profile picture uploads with selectable avatar shapes (circle, square, hexagon, diamond) |
| **Effect system** | ✅ Done | 15+ stackable visual effects with configurable intensity/frequency |
| **Webhook / Bot support** | ✅ Done | Incoming webhooks and a lightweight bot API for external integrations |
| **Thread replies** | 📋 Planned | Threaded conversations that branch off a message |
| **End-to-end encryption** | ✅ Done | ECDH P-256 + AES-256-GCM encryption for DMs — private keys stay in the browser |
| **Multi-factor authentication** | 📋 Planned | U2F/FIDO key and TOTP support, with optional admin MFA requirement |
| **Session invalidation on password change** | 📋 Planned | All active sessions are forcibly logged out when a user changes their password |
| **Recovery-key password reset** | 📋 Planned | Generate a 24-word recovery phrase from settings — used to reset your password without losing E2E DM history. Existing users get a one-time prompt to generate theirs. No admin involvement, no email required. |
| **Android App** | 🟢 Closed Beta! | [Request Beta Access](https://amni-scient.com/amni-haven.html) |
| **Desktop App** | ✅ Beta! | https://github.com/ancsemi/Haven-Desktop |
> Want something else? Open an issue — PRs are always welcome.
---
## License
MIT-NC — free to use, modify, and share. **Not for resale.** See [LICENSE](LICENSE).
Original project: [github.com/ancsemi/Haven](https://github.com/ancsemi/Haven)
---
⬡ Amni-Haven — Because your conversations are yours.