Use a test profile, synthetic data, and no production credentials. This guide is strategy and evaluation guidance, not managed implementation or support.
Understand the two layers
Ollama runs or serves models; Open WebUI provides the browser interface and workflow layer. A problem in one layer can look like a problem in the other.
Verify Ollama first
Run one model directly through Ollama before adding the UI. This gives you a known-good backend for troubleshooting.
Deploy Open WebUI using the current official path
Follow the official quick-start instructions for Docker, Python, or Kubernetes. Pin and record the version used for the pilot.
Connect the backend
Point Open WebUI at the Ollama endpoint using documented connection settings. Test model discovery and one short prompt before uploading documents.
Test data boundaries
Use a synthetic document first. Check where chat history, uploaded files, embeddings, logs, backups, and admin credentials are stored.
Add users and RAG after recovery testing
Test backup/restore, account separation, model permissions, and deletion behavior before confidential or team use.
Completion checklist
- Ollama backend verified
- Open WebUI version recorded
- Connection tested
- Synthetic document used
- Storage locations mapped
- Backup/restore tested