Set the internal service boundary
Open WebUI is an interaction layer; its connected model service performs inference. Choose users, approved endpoints, retention, uploads, support owners, and data policy before inviting a team.
Map identity and roles
Put the interface behind the approved identity and network boundary. Separate normal users from administrators, test offboarding, and keep a controlled recovery path.
Trace prompt and file data
Map prompts, uploads, history, integrations, model endpoints, logs, and backups. Treat each endpoint as a separate data boundary and keep credentials out of browser code.
Operate endpoints and releases
Maintain an endpoint register with owner, approval, data boundary, and safe test. Test upgrades with sign-in, a safe prompt, restricted access, retention settings, and a rollback decision.
Deployment decisions
Review each boundary.
| Area | Decision | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Users | Who can sign in? | Role test. |
| Endpoints | What models are approved? | Safe connection test. |
| Data | What is retained? | Observed path. |
| Recovery | What returns? | Isolated restore. |
Questions
Does self-hosting make all prompts private?
No. Verify every backend and integration path.
Can users add arbitrary endpoints?
Only if policy and access design permit it.
What proves readiness?
Restricted-user, endpoint, and persistent-data tests.
Rollout
Choose audience and data policy.
Test safe flows and denials.
Review endpoints and releases.
Checks
Keep evidence current.
Endpoint register
Approved endpoints have owners.
Role test
Access is restricted.
Data-path test
Routing is known.
