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Using the Unraid API

The Unraid API provides a GraphQL interface that allows you to interact with your Unraid server. This guide covers authentication, common queries, and usage patterns.

Enabling the GraphQL sandbox​

Using the WebGUI is the easiest way to enable the GraphQL sandbox:

  1. Navigate to Settings → Management Access → Developer Options

  2. Enable the GraphQL Sandbox toggle

  3. Access the GraphQL playground by navigating to:

    http://YOUR_SERVER_IP/graphql

CLI method​

Alternatively, you can enable developer mode using the CLI:

unraid-api developer --sandbox true

Or use the interactive mode:

unraid-api developer

Authentication​

Most queries and mutations require authentication. Always include appropriate credentials in your requests. You can authenticate using:

  1. API Keys - For programmatic access
  2. Cookies - Automatic when signed in to the WebGUI
  3. SSO/OIDC - When configured with external providers

Managing API keys​

Navigate to Settings → Management Access → API Keys in your Unraid WebGUI to:

  • View existing API keys.
  • Create new API keys.
  • Manage permissions and roles.
  • Revoke or regenerate keys.

Using API keys​

The generated API key should be included in your GraphQL requests as a header.

{
    "x-api-key": "YOUR_API_KEY"
}

Available schemas​

The API provides access to various aspects of your Unraid server:

  • System information: Query system details including CPU, memory, and OS information; monitor system status and health; access baseboard and hardware information.
  • Array management: Query array status and configuration; manage array operations (start/stop); monitor disk status and health; perform parity checks. For more information about array operations, see Array overview.
  • Docker management: List and manage Docker containers; monitor container status; manage Docker networks.
  • Remote access: Configure and manage remote access settings; handle SSO configuration; manage allowed origins.

Example queries​

Check system status​

query {
    info {
        os {
            platform
            distro
            release
            uptime
        }
        cpu {
            manufacturer
            brand
            cores
            threads
        }
    }
}

Monitor array status​

query {
    array {
        state
        capacity {
            disks {
                free
                used
                total
            }
        }
        disks {
            name
            size
            status
            temp
        }
    }
}

List Docker containers​

query {
    dockerContainers {
        id
        names
        state
        status
        autoStart
    }
}

Schema types​

The API includes several core types. Base types include Node (interface for objects with unique IDs; see Object Identification), JSON (for complex JSON data), DateTime (for timestamp values), and Long (for 64-bit integers). Resource types include Array (array and disk management), Docker (container and network management), Info (system information), Config (server configuration), and Connect (remote access settings). Available roles are admin (full access), connect (remote access features), and guest (limited read access).

Use the Apollo Sandbox to explore the schema and test queries. Start with small queries and gradually add fields as needed. Monitor your query complexity to maintain performance, use appropriate roles and permissions for your API keys, and keep your API keys secure by rotating them periodically.

Error handling and rate limiting​

The API returns standard GraphQL errors in the following format:

{
  "errors": [
    {
      "message": "Error description",
      "locations": [...],
      "path": [...]
    }
  ]
}

The API implements rate limiting to prevent abuse. Ensure your applications handle rate limit responses appropriately. Use the Apollo Sandbox's schema explorer to browse all available types and fields, and check the documentation tab for detailed field descriptions. Monitor the API's health using unraid-api status and generate reports using unraid-api report for troubleshooting. For more information about specific commands and configuration options, refer to the CLI documentation or run unraid-api --help. If you encounter issues, visit the Unraid forums for community support.