# Build a Custom Mobile App on Your HRIS with the IceHrm REST API

> Yes—you can build a custom mobile app or integration on IceHrm's open REST API. Here's how to start, the official IceHrm apps, and when self-hosting helps.

- URL: https://icehrm.com/blog/build-hr-mobile-app-icehrm-rest-api
- Published: 2026-07-06
- Author: Icehrm Team
- Topics: Open Source, Integration
- Publisher: IceHrm (https://icehrm.com), HR management software

## Quick answer: can you build your own mobile app on IceHrm?

**Yes.** IceHrm exposes a **REST API**, so you're free to build your own mobile app — or any custom integration — on top of your IceHrm system. Because the [open-source core](https://icehrm.com/icehrm-open-source) is self-hosted and you own the data, you have full access to the API on your own installation. That said, before you commit engineering time, it's worth trying the **official IceHrm mobile apps** — they work out of the box and may already do everything you need.

## First, the shortcut: the official IceHrm mobile apps

IceHrm ships native mobile apps that connect to your installation with no development effort. For most teams — employees checking in/out, requesting leave, viewing payslips — these cover the day-to-day without a line of code:

-   **App Store (iOS):** [IceHrm on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/icehrm/id1624346692)
-   **Google Play (Android):** [IceHrm on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.icehrm.m3&hl=en)

They're also linked in the footer of [icehrm.com](https://icehrm.com/). Start here — build custom only if you have a requirement the official apps don't meet.

## When building your own makes sense

A custom app or integration is the right call when you need something specific, for example:

-   A branded, white-labelled app for your company or your clients.
-   Deep integration with an internal system (a field-service app, a factory kiosk, a custom onboarding flow).
-   Workflows or screens that differ from the standard HR app.
-   Pushing or pulling HR data to/from another platform on a schedule.

If you just want the standard experience on mobile, use the official apps. If you're extending IceHrm as a platform, the REST API is there for you.

## The IceHrm REST API

The REST API lets you read and write your HR data programmatically — employees, attendance, leave, and more — from any language or framework. Point your app at your own installation's API endpoint and authenticate as documented.

**Developer documentation:** [icehrm.com/docs/api-docs](https://icehrm.com/docs/api-docs). Start there for endpoints, authentication, and request/response formats.

### Getting started, step by step

-   **1\. Stand up IceHrm.** Self-host the open-source core (you control the server and the API) or use a hosted installation.
-   **2\. Read the API docs.** Review authentication and the endpoints you need at [the API documentation](https://icehrm.com/docs/api-docs).
-   **3\. Authenticate.** Obtain the credentials/token your installation requires, as described in the docs.
-   **4\. Build against the endpoints.** Pull employee, attendance, and leave data (and write back where supported) from your app.
-   **5\. Test on a staging install** before pointing your app at production data.

Because you're self-hosting, you can also [customize the open-source code](https://icehrm.com/blog/how-to-customize-open-source-hr-software-for-your-workflows-q-7) itself if the API alone isn't enough — a level of control cloud-only HR platforms don't offer.

## Self-hosted vs Cloud for API/mobile work

Both editions expose the API, but they suit different builders.

> **Cloud or Pro?** Choose [managed Cloud](https://icehrm.com/managed-hosting) if you want to build an app against a maintained, hosted API without running servers — great for a quick integration. Choose [IceHrmPro](https://icehrm.com/purchase-icehrmpro) (self-hosted, one-time licence, unlimited employees) if you want full control of the installation and the code — ideal for white-label apps, deep integrations, or deploying across multiple clients.

New to self-hosting? See our [complete guide to self-hosted HR software](https://icehrm.com/blog/what-is-self-hosted-hr-software-complete-guide-for-2026-q-74) and, if you're assessing it for a larger org, [how to evaluate open-source HR software for enterprise use](https://icehrm.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-open-source-hr-software-for-enterprise-use-q-87).

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I build my own mobile app for IceHrm?

Yes. IceHrm provides a REST API you can build a custom mobile app or integration against. With the self-hosted open-source core you have full access to the API on your own installation.

### Does IceHrm have a REST API, and where are the docs?

Yes. The developer documentation is at icehrm.com/docs/api-docs, covering endpoints, authentication, and data formats.

### Is there an official IceHrm mobile app?

Yes — official IceHrm apps are available on the App Store and Google Play and connect to your installation out of the box. Try these before building your own.

### Do I need IceHrmPro to use the API?

No. The API is available on the open-source core too. IceHrmPro (self-hosted) or managed Cloud add bundled modules and support, but the API itself works on the free core.