How to Use Immich: A Source-Backed Starting Path
Get from first login to mobile backup, server backups, and a clear understanding of Immich's storage model.
Direct answer
Start with the first admin account, configure storage, enable only the mobile albums you intend to back up, and set up a separate server backup. Mobile backup and server backup protect different layers.
First steps
The first user registered becomes the administrator. From the post-install flow, set a storage template only if its path behavior is understood, install the mobile app, sign in to the server endpoint, and enable backup from the selected albums.
Mobile backup behavior
Immich calculates a content checksum and skips files already on the server. The default is Wi-Fi-only uploads. On iOS, Background App Refresh must be enabled, but iOS decides when background tasks run. Android battery optimization can stop background work on some models.
Server backup
Follow the backup guide after importing media. Save the database and original files together. A database dump alone does not contain photos or videos.
Real user case
Discussion #27250 reports iOS uploads stopping when the app is closed. The report is a feature request and includes no universal fix. Treat reopening the app as a practical observation, not a guaranteed repair.