---
title: Getting Started
description: How to start using OpenReception
lastUpdated: 2026-04-27
sidebar:
  order: 1
---

import {Badge} from "@astrojs/starlight/components";

You can use OpenReception by [hosting it yourself](#self-hosted) or using the [managed service](#managed-hosting), which also supports the future availability of OpenReception.

## Self-Hosted

The community version of OpenReception can be self-hosted. We've added a <a href="https://github.com/open-reception/appointment-booking-software/blob/main/docs/deployment.md" target="_blank">guide with recommendations on deployment</a> in our public respository.

## Managed Hosting

[Managed Hosting for OpenReception appointment booking](https://open-reception.com) comes with the following benefits:

- You focus on your actual tasks while we are taking care of the stability and security of your calendar server.
- You are supporting the ongoing development of OpenReception. Although it's OpenSource it still needs people with the time to work on it to keep it a thing.
- Expert Personal Support via E-Mail and Phone available.
- Later: Premium Features are available in Premium plans.
- Management Features are available for larger organizations.

More information and prices are available on [open-reception.com](https://open-reception.com).

## Premium & Management Features

OpenReception is a free OpenSource software. As of now you can use all of the features in the self-hosted version.

In the future there will be **Premium-Features** that are only available on Managed Hosting from [open-reception.com](https://open-reception.com).

**Management Features** are only available if you are Self-Hosting or are on our medical care unit plans from [open-reception.com](https://open-reception.com).

Throughout this documentation we will be labeling <Badge text="Premium Features" variant="danger" /> and <Badge text="Management Features" />, so you know how you can get access to them.

## Passkeys

OpenReception requires you to use PRT Passkeys. You can implement them using Software or Hardware Passkeys.

:::caution
Only Passkeys with Primary Refresh Tokens (PRT) are compatible with OpenReception.
:::

The following list of Passkeys was successfully tested:

- 1Password (Software)
- Apple Keychain (Software)
- Yubico Yubikey 5C (USB C)
- Yubico Yubikey 5 (USB A)

### Incompatible Passkeys

- Windows Hello (Software)
- Dashlane (Software)

Last tested on April 27, 2026.
