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

Icehrm Team -

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 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:

They're also linked in the footer of 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. 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.
  • 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 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 if you want to build an app against a maintained, hosted API without running servers — great for a quick integration. Choose 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 and, if you're assessing it for a larger org, how to evaluate open-source HR software for enterprise use.

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.