Nest Drive · Android, web & your own server
A cloud that lives in your home.
Nest Drive replaces Google Drive. Use Kestrel Cloud and just sign in, or run Nest on a computer you own. Either way it holds your files and your Magpie photo backups, on your phone or in any browser.
Free · No ads · No subscription
Two ways to use Nest
Let us host it, or host it yourself.
Kestrel Cloud Easiest
Install the app, pick Kestrel Cloud and create an account. Your files are stored on Kestrel Labs' own server. Free, with 2 GB per person and limited spaces.
Your own server
Run the free Nest server on your PC, Mac or Raspberry Pi. Storage is limited only by your disk, and nobody else ever holds your files. See the setup.
How it works
Three pieces, one private cloud.
The Nest server
A tiny program for a computer you own: a PC, Mac, old laptop or Raspberry Pi. Your files are stored on its disk as ordinary files.
The Android app
Browse folders, upload anything, download files, search, rename and delete. Share files to Nest from any app.
The web app
Open your server's address in any browser to drag in uploads, preview photos and videos, and organize folders.
Set up your own server
Ready in about five minutes.
You need a computer that stays on and is on the same Wi-Fi as your phone. To reach Nest away from home, see the FAQ.
- Install Node.js (version 18 or newer) on your computer.
- Download the Nest server below, unzip it, and run
node nest-server.jsin that folder. - It shows an address such as
192.168.1.20:8420. Open it in a browser and create your account. - Install the Nest Drive app and sign in with that address. In Magpie Photos, tap the cloud icon to turn on photo backup.
Nest Drive for Android
Your files, in your pocket.
Nest server
For Windows, Mac and Linux. Needs Node.js 18+.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Can I use Nest Drive in a web browser?
Yes, on your own server: open its address in any browser to browse, upload and preview files, and click Quill to edit documents. On Kestrel Cloud, use the apps for now; browser access is coming soon. Want to try Quill without anything? Open it in your browser.
On Kestrel Cloud, who can see my files?
Only you can see them in the apps. Files travel over encrypted HTTPS. They're stored unencrypted on Kestrel Labs' server, so the person running that server could technically open them. Kestrel Labs doesn't look at, sell, scan or share your files. If you want nobody else to hold your files at all, run your own server instead.
What are the rules for Kestrel Cloud?
Kestrel Cloud is free and best-effort: it may sometimes be offline for maintenance, and space is limited. Keep a second copy of anything you can't afford to lose. Don't store illegal content or use it to share files with the public; accounts that do will be removed. You can delete your files any time, and Kestrel Labs will delete your account on request.
Can I move from Kestrel Cloud to my own server later?
Yes. Download your files, set up your own Nest, then pick "My own server" in the apps and upload them there. Magpie will re-back-up your photos automatically.
Where are my files actually stored?
On the computer running the Nest server, in its nest-data folder, as normal files. Kestrel Labs never sees or stores them. Back that folder up to an external drive for extra safety.
Can I use Nest away from home?
Yes. The easiest way is a private network app such as Tailscale on both your computer and phone. Advanced users can put Nest behind a reverse proxy with HTTPS. Don't expose a plain http:// address to the internet.
How much can I store?
As much as your computer's disk holds. You can set a per-person limit with NEST_QUOTA_GB.
Can my family use it too?
Yes. Each person creates their own account and only sees their own files. Once everyone has signed up, start the server with NEST_ALLOW_SIGNUP=false so no one else can.
How does it work with Magpie Photos?
Magpie backs up every photo and video, at full quality, into a "Magpie Backup" folder in your Nest, sorted by album. New photos are backed up automatically, on Wi-Fi only if you choose.