databag: Self-Host a Federated Messenger
Summary
Databag is a lightweight messenger that connects users across self-hosted nodes, with topic-based conversations and end-to-end encryption. It suits people and communities who want control over their messaging infrastructure and are prepared to operate a server.
At a glance
- Language
- TypeScript
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Stars
- 1.5k
- Forks
- 98
- Added to OSRepos
- October 24, 2025
- Last analyzed
- October 4, 2026
Topics
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Overview
Databag is a federated messaging app for people who want to run their own messaging service rather than depend on a single hosted platform. Users on separate Databag nodes can communicate, while account identity is based on public-private keys rather than a blockchain or hosting domain.
Conversations are organized into topics, and sealed topics use end-to-end encryption so the hosting administrator cannot view their contents. Databag also supports audio and video calls, though those require a separate relay service for NAT traversal.
Key Features
- Federated communication between accounts hosted on different nodes.
- Public-private key-based identity, not tied to a blockchain or hosting domain.
- End-to-end encryption for sealed topics.
- Topic-based threads with support for unlimited participants.
- Audio and video calls using WebRTC and a separately configured STUN/TURN relay.
- Mobile notifications through UnifiedPush, FCM, and APN.
- TOTP-based multi-factor authentication.
- Lightweight server designed to run on hardware as small as a Raspberry Pi Zero v1.3.
Use Cases
- Individuals who want a private messenger hosted on infrastructure they control.
- Families or small communities that want accounts on their own node and conversations with users on other nodes.
- Self-hosting enthusiasts running a messaging service on a small device or home server.
- Groups that need topic-based conversations and calls, and can configure a separate relay service for reliable NAT traversal.
Project Facts
- Language: TypeScript
- License: Apache-2.0
- Stars: 1.5k
- Forks: 98
- Topics: android, chat-application, decentralized, dweb, end-to-end-encryption, fdroid, federated, golang, ios, messenger, openwrt, raspberry-pi, raspberry-pi-zero, react-native, reactjs, self-sovereign-identity, selfhosted, video-chat, webrtc
- Archived: no
Getting Started
The project provides Docker Compose deployment files. From the net/container directory, start the standard setup with:
docker-compose -f compose.yaml -p databag up
A DNS name pointing to the node and a certificate are needed for a typical deployment. See the repository README for setup details and other installation options.
Considerations
Databag requires you to operate a server. The documented deployment expects a DNS name and certificate, and audio and video calls require a separately configured STUN/TURN relay for NAT traversal. The README offers a demo relay configuration for testing, but advises setting up your own relay or using a TURN service for calls.
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Source repository
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