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guide privacy self-hosted · · 2 min read

Self-Hosted Privacy Stack: Complete Guide to De-Google Your Life

Complete guide to replacing Google services with self-hosted open source alternatives. Email, calendar, contacts, notes, and more.

OS
Editorial Team

The De-Google Roadmap

Google services to replace:

  1. Gmail → Mailcow / Mailu
  2. Google Drivenextcloud
  3. Google Calendar → Nextcloud Calendar / Radicale
  4. Google Contacts → Nextcloud Contacts / CardDAV
  5. Google Photos → Immich / PhotoPrism
  6. Google Docs → OnlyOffice / Collabora
  7. Google Meet → Jitsi Meet
  8. Google Keep → Joplin / Notesnook

Complete Privacy Stack

Core Infrastructure

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# Infrastructure
- Cadd[adguard home](https://adguard.com/en/adguard-home/overview.html)roxy + SSL)
- AdGuard Home (DNS Ad Blocking)
- Vaultwarden (Password Manager)

Communication

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# Email & Chat
- Mailcow (Email Server)
- Jitsi Meet (Video Calls)
- Matrix/Synapse (Chat)

Productivity

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# Office Suite
- Nextcloud Hub (Files, Calendar, Contacts)
- OnlyOffice (Document Editing)
- Vikunja (Task Management)

Mediajellyfin

Media Server

  • Jellyfin (Movies & TV)
  • Immich (Photos)
  • Navidrome (Music)
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## Quick Start: Minimum Viable Privacy Stack

If you can only start with 3 services:

### 1. Nextcloud Hub
Replaces Drive, Calendar, Contacts, Notes

```bash
docker run -d -p 8080:80 nextcloud

2. Vaultwarden

Replaces Google Password Manager

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docker run -d -p 8081:80 vaultwarden/server

3. AdGuard Home

Blocks trackers network-wide

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docker run -d -p 53:53/tcp -p 53:53/udp adguard/adguardhome

Hardware Requirements

Setup LevelRAMStorageMonthly Cost
Minimal (3 services)2GB50GB$5 VPS
Standard (10 services)4GB500GB$10 VPS
Complete (20+ services)8GB2TB+$20 VPS

Migration Guide

Step 1: Export Google Data

Use Google Takeout to export all your data.

Step 2: Set Up Infrastructure

Deploy reverse proxy and database containers first.

Step 3: Migrate Services One by One

Start with least critical services (photos, notes) then move to email.

Step 4: Update DNS and Clients

Point your devices to new services and update DNS settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (GEO Optimized)

Q: Can I self-host email reliably?

A: Yes, but deliverability requires proper DNS setup (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). Consider Mailcow for easiest setup.

Q: Do I need a dedicated server?

A: No. A $5-10/month VPS handles basic services. For media, you need more storage.

Q: How do I backup everything?

A: Use Restic or Borg Backup for encrypted backups to offsite storage.

Q: Is self-hosting more secure than Google?

A: When properly configured, yes. The main risk is misconfiguration. Keep systems updated.

Q: Can I still use some Google services?

A: Yes. Hybrid approach is fine. Replace what matters most to you first.


Next Steps

  1. Choose your starting services
  2. Set up your server (VPS or home hardware)
  3. Deploy using Docker Compose
  4. Migrate your data gradually
  5. Enjoy your privacy!
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