Frequently Asked Questions

Before I start

Installing

Using my WROLPi

Troubleshooting

Before I start

Does WROLPi work on Android? Windows? MacOS?

WROLPi is software installed on a Linux system. It can be accessed from any modern Operating System and Browser.

How much does WROLPi cost?

WROLPi is free!

Can WROLPi be installed on a Raspberry Pi Zero?

No. WROLPi can only be installed on a Raspberry Pi 4 or 5.

Do I have to use a Raspberry Pi?

No. You can run WROLPi on any x86 PC or laptop — either installed onto Debian, or straight from a USB stick with WROLPi Portable.

How much space is required?

An SD card with at least 64GB is required, 128GB+ recommended.

Is an external hard drive required?

No, but an external drive is recommended to safeguard your media.

Can I install WROLPi on Windows? MacOS?

No. WROLPi can only be installed on Debian Linux, or Raspberry Pi OS.

Can I install WROLPi on my phone?

No. WROLPi can only be installed on Debian Linux, or Raspberry Pi OS. However, it can be accessed using your phone's browser.

Is there a phone App?

No. WROLPi is installed on Linux, then accessed in your phone's browser.

Is javascript required?

Yes. WROLPi uses a modern React interface.

Installing

How do I install WROLPi?

Instructions for installing WROLPi can be found on the Getting Started page.

Where can I download WROLPi?

WROLPi can be downloaded from the homepage.

What is WROLPi Portable?

A bootable USB stick that runs a complete WROLPi on any x86 PC or laptop, without installing anything to the computer. Your library is stored on the USB drive itself. See Getting Started. Note: booting the ISO with Ventoy or other multiboot tools runs without persistence — your library would be lost on reboot.

Can I run WROLPi with Docker?

Yes — Docker is great for trying WROLPi out or for development, but is not recommended as a permanent off-grid installation. See Getting Started.

Why does my browser warn about the connection?

Your WROLPi serves HTTPS with its own private certificate (there is no internet Certificate Authority off-grid). Accept the warning on first visit, then install the WROLPi Root CA certificate on your devices (Settings → Download Root CA Certificate) to make the warning go away permanently.

I installed WROLPi, why is my library empty?

A new WROLPi must index its files before anything appears: click Files in the navigation bar, then Refresh. The dashboard will also remind you when a refresh is required.

Using my WROLPi

How do I upgrade WROLPi?

Open Settings, find the Upgrade section, then click "Check for Upgrades" and "Upgrade Now". Your library and settings are not touched by an upgrade. WROLPi Portable USBs are upgraded by re-flashing only the boot portion of the drive — see UPGRADE.md on GitHub.

How do I back up my WROLPi?

Everything that matters lives on your media drive: your files, and the config directory that records your tags, channels, downloads, and settings. Copying the whole drive (for example with rsync) is a complete backup — restore it onto a new WROLPi and refresh your files.

How does the hotspot work?

A Raspberry Pi WROLPi can broadcast its own Wi-Fi hotspot, so nearby devices can browse your library even when there is no other network. It can be turned on and off in the app's Settings.

Where is the detailed documentation?

Every WROLPi ships with its own manual — click Help in the navigation bar of the app. It works entirely offline, like everything else.

Troubleshooting

I have high load, but low CPU usage.

Your SD card may be overwhelmed, consider upgrading the speed of your SD card.

My WROLPi is extremely slow on Raspberry Pi.

Your Raspberry Pi may be overheated. A quality aftermarket cooler is a necessity.