Set up Jackett or Prowlarr as a search provider

From installation to your first search

Seedly has no search of its own: it asks a search provider that you run yourself. Jackett and Prowlarr are two free, open-source programs that do this job. Both collect the indexers you choose behind one address and answer in a common format called Torznab, which Seedly understands. You need only one of them. This is an overview: the documentation of each project has the details for every system.

1. Choose Jackett or Prowlarr

   Either one works with Seedly. Jackett is the older, simple program that does one thing. Prowlarr comes from the same family as Sonarr and Radarr and also fits setups that already use them. If you are unsure, pick the one you find easier to install on your system.

2. Pick a machine that stays on

   Install it on a computer, NAS or small server that is on whenever you want to search, for example the machine where Transmission runs. Your phone only needs to reach it over the network.

3. Install Jackett

   Download it from github.com/Jackett/Jackett. There are installers and packages for Windows, macOS and Linux, and a Docker image for NAS systems and servers. Start it as a service so it runs in the background. Its web interface opens on port 9117, for example at http://localhost:9117 on the same machine.

4. Or install Prowlarr

   Download it from prowlarr.com, where each system has its own instructions, or use the Docker image. Start it as a service. Its web interface opens on port 9696, for example at http://localhost:9696 on the same machine. The first time it asks you to set up how people sign in to the interface.

5. Add the indexers you want to search

   In the web interface, choose to add an indexer. Both programs show a long list of supported sites. Pick the ones you want, and fill in any account details a site asks for. Use the test button to check that each one works before you save it.

6. Copy the Torznab address and the API key

   Jackett shows its API key at the top of the main page, and each indexer has a button that copies its Torznab feed address. Prowlarr shows the API key under Settings, then General, and each indexer offers its Torznab feed address too. Take the address of one indexer, or of the combined feed that covers all of them.

7. Use an address your phone can reach

   The address you copied may start with localhost or 127.0.0.1, which only works on the machine itself. Replace that part with the machine’s name or its address on your network, for example http://192.168.1.20:9117. At home your phone must be on the same network. Away from home you need a way into that network, such as the Tailscale setup described in our other guide.

8. Add it to Seedly

   In Seedly, open Settings, then Search providers, and tap the plus button. Paste the address and the API key, then tap Test source. When it reports a connection, save. You can add several providers; a search asks all of them at once.