From purchase
to your first conversation.
Prepare the server and domain, follow the buyer guide, and get one reply working. Tune personality and outfits afterward. Setup time depends on your server and DNS. For adults 18+.
The 6 steps
1Buy on Whop
Purchase
Choose DIY, or DIY + Setup Help for a guided install in Whop chat. You’ll get the install package and the buyer guide on Whop. On the guided plan, you type the commands; we never ask for keys, passwords or server access.
2Get a small server and a domain
Server and DNS
Rent an Ubuntu 24.04 server with at least 2 vCPU and 4 GB of memory (Hetzner, DigitalOcean, Vultr). Point two subdomains, such as
companion.yourname.comand one for calls, at it with an A record each. The guide shows you how.3Get your AI key
Provider account
Create an API key with your AI provider: OpenRouter (the default), OpenAI, Anthropic, or any OpenAI-compatible API. With OpenRouter, add a little credit and click Create key. You pay the provider directly for what you use, and you can set a spending limit there.
4Paste one install command
Installation
Connect to your server, upload the file from Whop, and paste:
It installs everything, sets up secure HTTPS automatically, and tells you where to see your one-time setup code. Want to check first?cd /opt && tar xzf /root/ownkin-VERSION.tar.gz && cd ownkin && sudo ./install.shsudo ./install.sh --checkchanges nothing.5Open your link and set your passkey
Secure access
On your phone, open your address, enter the setup code, and create a passkey with Face ID or your fingerprint. No password to remember. Save your recovery key.
6Meet your companion
First reply
Paste your AI key in Settings, choose a supported model, pick a name and a starting personality, and send a message. Get your first reply before spending time on detailed personality or outfit changes.
What you need
- A computer with a terminal (Windows PowerShell or Mac Terminal) for the one-time install
- An Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04 server (VPS) with at least 2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM and 20 GB disk
- A domain you can add two DNS records to
- An API key from OpenRouter, OpenAI, Anthropic, or any OpenAI-compatible provider
- A phone or computer that supports passkeys (iPhone with Face ID, recent Android, Mac with Touch ID, Windows Hello)
- Optional: an xAI key for voice calls and photos
Estimated running costs
Paid to those services, not to us.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Server (VPS) | about $5–12 / month |
| Domain | about $1 / month (≈$10–15 a year), or $0 if you already have one |
| AI usage (your provider) | Variable. Model prices, message volume, context and background tasks affect usage. Set a provider spending limit where available. |
| Voice calls (optional, xAI) | pay as you go |
Estimates only. Providers set their own prices.
FAQ
Do I need to code?
No application coding is required. You still need to access a server, configure DNS, upload your package and run the installer. Read the buyer guide, or choose DIY + Setup Help for guidance in Whop chat.
Where do my chats live?
On your server, in your own VPS account. To write replies, the conversation is sent to the AI provider you pick, under that provider’s terms. We don’t run a copy of your companion.
Why do I bring my own AI key?
You choose the model and see exactly what you spend, and nobody marks up your usage.
What if the install doesn’t work?
Message us in Whop support chat. If we can’t get it running on a supported server within 14 days, you get a full refund.
Can I change the model later?
Yes, anytime in Settings.
What if I lose my phone?
Use the recovery key you saved in step 5 to get back in.
Is it for kids?
No. Ownkin is for adults 18+ only.
Updates?
12 months of updates included. New versions come on Whop with update steps in the buyer guide: back up, swap in the new folder, rebuild. Your data and settings are kept.