Connecting to Your Server

Komic works with both Komga and Kavita servers. You’ll need one of them running with your comics before you can use Komic.

Don’t have a server yet? Visit komga.org for Komga or kavitareader.com for Kavita installation instructions. Both are self-hosted options that can run on platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, or Docker.

First-Time Setup

When you launch Komic, you’ll be guided through connecting to your server:

1. Server Type: Choose either Komga or Kavita

2. Server URL: The full address of your server

   • Komga example: https://komga.example.com or http://192.168.1.100:25600
   • Kavita example: https://kavita.example.com
   • Must include http:// or https://
   • Include the port number if your server isn’t using standard ports (80/443)

3. Authentication: Use the method supported by your server:

   Komga

   • Use Username & Password or API Key
   • Enter your Komga account username or email and password
   • Or enter a Komga API key generated in Komga’s web interface under My Account

   Kavita

   • Use API Key
   • Enter your Kavita API key
   • Kavita connections in Komic do not support username/password login

Komic will test the connection to verify everything works, then securely save your credentials to iOS Keychain. Your password and API key are encrypted and never stored in plain text.

Extra Headers

Some server configurations require custom HTTP headers for authentication or routing. Common use cases include:

• Reverse proxy authentication (e.g., Authelia, Authentik, Cloudflare Access)
• Custom authentication tokens
• Load balancer configurations

To add extra headers:

1. Tap Advanced Settings during server setup (or edit an existing server)
2. Tap Add Custom Header
3. Enter the header name
4. Enter the header value
5. Repeat for additional headers as needed

These headers are included in all API requests to your server and are stored securely in the iOS Keychain.

Connection Requirements

For local network access (same Wi-Fi):

• http:// works fine for local IP addresses
• Make sure your iPhone/iPad is on the same network as your server

For remote access (over the internet):

• Your server must use HTTPS (not HTTP)
• Apple requires encrypted connections for remote servers
• You’ll need a domain name and SSL certificate for your server

Troubleshooting

Unauthorized

Your credentials are incorrect or expired.

Fix:

• Double-check credentials (usernames are case-sensitive)
• Verify you can log into your server’s web interface with the same credentials
• Check for accidental spaces in username or password
• If using an API key, verify it hasn’t been revoked in your server’s settings

Not Found

Komic can’t find the server at that URL.

Fix:

• Verify the URL is correct, including http:// or https://
• Ensure your server is running
• Check the port number if you’re not using defaults
• Try accessing the URL in Safari to confirm it works

Timeout

Komic couldn’t reach the server within 15 seconds.

Fix:

• Check your internet connection
• For local servers, verify you’re on the same Wi-Fi network
• If using VPN, ensure it’s connected and configured correctly
• Check firewall settings on both your device and server
• Try pinging the server from another device to verify network access

SSL Certificate Errors

The server’s SSL certificate couldn’t be validated.

Fix:

• For self-signed certificates, you’ll need to install the certificate on your device
• Or use a proper certificate from Let’s Encrypt or another trusted authority
• For local testing, use http:// with a local IP address instead

Need More Help?

If you’re still having trouble:

• Check your server’s logs for connection attempts and errors
• Verify your server’s web interface works in a browser
• Try connecting from another device to isolate the issue
• Reach out through the Komic feedback board if you need app-specific help