Quick start
This is the fastest path from a fresh Listenarr install to your first successful audiobook import.
1. Get Listenarr running
Pick one:
- Follow Installation for Docker, Windows, Linux, or macOS
- Or download the latest release directly from GitHub Releases
When the app is online, open:
http://localhost:4545
2. Add a root folder
Open Settings -> Root Folders and create the library destination where finished audiobooks should live.
Examples:
- Docker:
/audiobooks - Linux:
/srv/media/audiobooks - macOS:
/Volumes/Media/Audiobooks - Windows:
D:\Audiobooks
Use the path Listenarr can actually see.
More detail: Root folders
3. Create or review a quality profile
Open Settings -> Quality Profiles and make sure you have at least one profile you actually want to use.
Good first choices:
- broad profile for “any acceptable audiobook”
- higher-quality profile for preferred upgrades
- AAC-based profile with
Prefer M4B containerif chapter-friendly M4B files matter to you
More detail: Quality profiles
4. Add a download client
Open Settings -> Download Clients and add one of:
- qBittorrent
- Transmission
- SABnzbd
- NZBGet
Use the Test button before saving.
If Listenarr and the download client use different paths, plan to add remote path mappings immediately after.
More detail: Download clients
5. Add indexers
Open Settings -> Indexers and either:
- add Torznab, Newznab, MyAnonamouse, or Internet Archive manually
- import audiobook-ready indexers from Prowlarr
Use Test on at least one indexer before moving on.
More detail: Indexers
6. Review General Settings
Before you start importing books, check:
- naming patterns
- completed file action
- metadata processing
- OpenLibrary searching
- failed download handling
- authentication
More detail: General settings
7. Test one book end to end
Add a single book and verify the full pipeline:
- Search works
- The release is sent to your download client
- The completed download is imported
- The files land in the right root folder
- The naming pattern looks correct
If that works, the rest of the setup is usually straightforward.
8. Optional extras
After the core flow works, add:
Next step
If you want the fuller guided sequence after this page, continue to First run.