Zero: An Open-Source AI Email Solution Focused on Privacy and Self-Hosting

Zero: An Open-Source AI Email Solution Focused on Privacy and Self-Hosting

Summary

Zero is an innovative open-source email application designed to modernize email with AI agents, prioritizing user privacy and self-hosting capabilities. It allows users to integrate external services like Gmail while maintaining control over their data, offering a transparent, secure, and customizable email experience.

Repository Info

Updated on March 24, 2026
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Introduction

Zero is an open-source AI email solution that redefines the email experience by putting privacy and user control first. Developed by Mail-0, this project offers a powerful alternative to traditional email services, allowing users to self-host their email application while seamlessly integrating with existing providers like Gmail. With a focus on AI-driven enhancements, Zero aims to modernize email communication, making it more efficient, secure, and tailored to individual needs.

Installation

Getting started with Zero is designed to be straightforward. You will need Node.js (v18 or higher), pnpm (v10 or higher), and Docker (v20 or higher) installed on your system.

Here's a quick guide for the standard setup:

  1. Clone the repository and install dependencies:
    git clone https://github.com/Mail-0/Zero.git
    cd Zero
    pnpm install
  2. Start the database locally:
    pnpm docker:db:up
  3. Set up environment variables and initialize the database:
    pnpm nizzy env
    pnpm nizzy sync
    pnpm db:push
  4. Start the application:
    pnpm dev

After these steps, you can access Zero in your browser at http://localhost:3000. For detailed environment configuration, including Google OAuth and other services, please refer to the official Zero GitHub repository.

Examples

Zero's core functionality includes a unified inbox that connects multiple email providers, such as Gmail and Outlook, into a single interface. Its AI-driven agents are designed to enhance email management, offering smart features to improve productivity and organization. Users can also customize the UI and features to create a personalized email experience.

Why Use Zero?

Zero stands out as an email solution for several compelling reasons. It is open-source, ensuring full transparency with no hidden agendas. It is AI-driven, leveraging agents and Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance email interactions. Data privacy is paramount, as Zero does not track, collect, or sell user data. The platform offers self-hosting freedom, allowing users to run their own email app with ease, and provides a unified inbox for managing multiple accounts. Furthermore, its customizable UI and features cater to individual preferences, making it a developer-friendly and extensible choice.

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