Open Portico from a device on the same network as the new server. A server that has not been configured presents the owner setup flow.
Choose an owner identity
Use an identity controlled by the person responsible for the server. The first-run screen provides two paths.
Portico Account
Choose Portico Account when you want remote access, invitations, and one identity across Portico apps. Select Continue to Portico and approve the short-lived claim page. Your media and server credentials remain on your server; the Portico Account handles sign-in and server discovery.
This Server only
Choose This Server only when you want the owner identity to exist only on this server. Enter the requested username, display name, email, and a unique password with at least eight characters, uppercase and lowercase letters, and a number or special character. Confirm that the credentials are managed by this server, then select Create This Server owner.
This path does not create a Portico Account. You can configure remote access separately later.
The completed identity becomes the server owner. Portico then closes first-run setup so another visitor cannot claim that role.
Check the basics
Before adding media, confirm the server name, data-folder location, local connection, and time settings. Incorrect system time can cause authentication and signed connection checks to fail.
Add viewers later
Do not use the owner account as a shared household login. Finish the first library and local playback test, then add a separate account for each person.