Prowlarr
Indexer manager for the PVR and media stack.
Open the official app on prowlarr.com
This tool is hosted by its maintainers. Click below to open prowlarr.com in a new tab — it's their official demo.
Browse developer tools →What's next with Prowlarr?
Choose how you want to get started.
Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Prowlarr?
Prowlarr is an open-source indexer manager and proxy tool designed to streamline the process of managing torrent trackers and Usenet indexers for media collection systems. It serves as a central hub for users who rely on multiple indexing services to locate and download content, automating the coordination between these services and media management platforms. The tool is particularly valuable for users of PVR (Personal Video Recorder) applications, as it simplifies the integration of various indexers into a unified workflow. By acting as a proxy, Prowlarr reduces the need for direct interaction with individual indexers, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual oversight. Its primary audience includes media enthusiasts, torrent users, and system administrators managing large-scale media repositories. The tool addresses the challenge of maintaining multiple indexing services, ensuring they operate cohesively while minimizing configuration complexity and resource duplication.
How it works
Prowlarr is built on the *arr framework, which is a collection of tools for managing media libraries and indexing services. It functions as a middleware layer between media management applications and indexing sources, such as torrent trackers or Usenet providers. Its purpose is to abstract the complexity of managing multiple indexers, allowing users to focus on content retrieval rather than technical configuration. The tool is particularly useful for users who need to aggregate data from disparate indexing services. By centralizing control, Prowlarr ensures consistent access to content while reducing the overhead of maintaining separate configurations for each indexer. Prowlarr supports both torrent trackers and Usenet indexers, enabling users to query multiple sources simultaneously. It allows for the creation of custom indexer profiles, specifying parameters like search terms, priority, and authentication details. The tool also provides real-time monitoring of indexer statuses, alerting users to connectivity issues or failed requests. Additionally, it integrates with popular media management systems like Radarr and Sonarr, automating the process of content discovery and download scheduling.
How to use it
- 1Download the appropriate installer for your operating system (Windows, Linux, Docker, or Arch Linux via AUR). 2. Execute the installer, following prompts to set up the initial configuration, including port settings and storage locations. 3. Access the web interface by navigating to http://localhost:9696 (or the server IP for remote access). 4. Add indexers by defining their type (torrent/Usenet), API keys, and search parameters. 5. Configure integration with media management tools via the API settings. 6. Monitor indexer activity and adjust priorities or settings as needed. Practical tips include using Docker for isolation, leveraging the AUR helper for Arch Linux installations, and securing the web interface with HTTPS. Regularly updating indexer credentials and testing search queries ensures optimal performance.
What it can do
- indexer manager
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://github.com/Prowlarr/Prowlarr
- license: GPL-3.0 — free to use
- privacy: Self-hosted — you control your data
Limitations
- Requires manual dependency management for non-Docker installations
- Limited built-in support for advanced indexer-specific customization
- Potential latency in proxying requests across high-traffic indexers
- Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with *arr framework tools
- Dependence on third-party indexer APIs for functionality
Understanding the result
Indexer manager for the PVR and media stack.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (GPL-3.0).
- Built with
- (Prowlarr/Prowlarr)
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with Prowlarr/Prowlarr. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- GPL-3.0
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- GPL-3.0 License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
How do I install Prowlarr on Linux?
For Arch Linux users, install via AUR using yay -S prowlarr-bin, then enable the service with systemctl. For Debian/Ubuntu, download the .tar.gz file and manually configure dependencies. Docker users can pull the official image and run it with volume mounts for data persistence. Always verify system requirements before installation.
How does Prowlarr handle indexer authentication?
Prowlarr requires API keys or credentials for each indexer, which are stored securely in the configuration. These credentials are used to authenticate requests to the indexer's API, ensuring only authorized access. Users must regularly update credentials to maintain security, and Prowlarr provides alerts for expired or invalid keys.
How do I add a new torrent indexer?
Navigate to the 'Indexers' section in the web interface, click 'Add Indexer,' and select 'Torrent' as the type. Enter the indexer's name, base URL, and API key. Configure search parameters like category filters or priority levels. Save the configuration and test the connection to ensure it works before integrating with media tools.
How does Prowlarr compare to Sonarr or Radarr?
Prowlarr is distinct from Sonarr/Radarr as it focuses solely on indexer management rather than media management. While Sonarr/Radarr handle content retrieval and organization, Prowlarr acts as a bridge between indexers and these tools. It complements them by providing centralized control over indexing sources, making it essential for users with complex indexer setups.
What should I do if Prowlarr fails to connect to an indexer?
First, verify the indexer's API URL and credentials in the configuration. Check for typos or expired keys. Ensure the indexer's API is accessible from the machine running Prowlarr (test via curl or browser). Review Prowlarr's logs for specific error messages, and consult the GitHub issues page for known compatibility problems with specific indexers.