Installation Guide

Get up and running
in minutes

Follow the steps below to install MongoDB, set up the Refurbase server, and connect your team with the mobile app.

1

Before you begin — Requirements

Refurbase runs on a Windows PC on your local network. Make sure you have:

  • Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
  • ~200 MB free disk space
  • A machine that stays on while your team is working — a spare PC or server works great
  • Administrator rights on the machine
Tip: A wired network connection gives the best performance, but Wi-Fi works fine too.
2

Install MongoDB Community Edition

Refurbase stores all your device data in MongoDB. You need to install it once on the same machine as the server.

  1. Go to the MongoDB download page:
    Download MongoDB Community →
  2. Select Version: the latest, Platform: Windows, Package: msi — then click Download.
  3. Run the installer. When prompted, choose "Complete" as the setup type.
  4. On the "Service Configuration" screen, leave "Install MongoD as a Service" checked. This makes MongoDB start automatically with Windows.
  5. Finish the installer. You do not need MongoDB Compass (the GUI) — you can uncheck it.
Verify it's running: Open Services (press Win + R, type services.msc) and look for MongoDB — it should show "Running".
3

Install the Refurbase Server

Download and run the Refurbase installer. It sets up the server software and registers it as a Windows service so it starts automatically.

Download Refurbase Installer

Once downloaded:

  1. Run refurbase-setup.exe — you may see a Windows SmartScreen prompt, click "More info" → "Run anyway".
  2. Follow the installer prompts and choose your install directory.
  3. The installer will start the Refurbase service automatically when complete.
Note: Make sure MongoDB is installed and running before starting Refurbase.
4

Create your Admin password

On the machine where Refurbase is installed, open a browser and navigate to:

http://localhost:6001/admin

Since this is a fresh install, you'll be taken to the setup screen automatically. Enter a strong password (minimum 8 characters) and click Create Password & Continue. You'll land on the dashboard immediately.

From another device on the same network? Replace localhost with the server machine's local IP address — e.g. http://192.168.1.50:6001/admin. You can find the IP in Settings → Network.
5

Connect the mobile app (Optional, but recommended)

Download Refurbase from the App Store on your iPhone.

Download on the App Store

When you open the app for the first time:

  1. Enter your server address in the format: http://192.168.1.50:6001 (use your server's local IP).
  2. Log in with username admin and the password you created in Step 4.
Accessing over the internet? You can expose Refurbase externally by pointing a domain to your public IP and port-forwarding 6001 on your router, or using a reverse proxy like Nginx or Cloudflare Tunnel.
6

Add your first device

You're all set! Here's how to get started with inventory:

  1. In the admin panel, go to Device Profiles and create a profile for the type of device you're managing (e.g. "iPhone", "Laptop"). Add any custom fields you need like serial number, colour, or storage.
  2. Head to Devices and tap the + button to add your first device.
  3. An access code is automatically generated — customers can scan or enter this at your-server/ to view their device status.
Tip: Use the barcode scanner in the mobile app to quickly pull up any device by scanning its serial number barcode.

You're all set 🎉

Your Refurbase server is running and your team is connected. Welcome to smarter device management.

Back to Refurbase.app