> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.obsidianlog.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Hosted (Sia Storage)

> A managed Sia Storage indexer: no indexer infrastructure to operate, with account approval during setup.

`obsidianlog init`'s Sia backend prompt defaults the indexer URL to
[`sia.storage`](https://sia.storage), a hosted indexer operated by Sia
Storage, not by ObsidianLog. Choosing it and accepting the default URL gets
you real, durable, redundant Sia storage with no indexer infrastructure to
operate.

## How it works

Each user approves ObsidianLog through their own `sia.storage` account once.
Sia Storage [currently offers a 50 GB free plan](https://sia.storage/), with
other plans available. Pricing, quotas, availability, and terms are set by
Sia Storage and may change.
`obsidianlog init` runs this approval inline: it prompts for a recovery
phrase (or generates a new one), shows an approval URL, and blocks until you
approve it in your Sia account. After that, reconnecting is silent.

## Who pays for storage

The hosted indexer operator, not ObsidianLog, maintains the contracts with
Sia storage providers. Your Sia Storage account is subject to its own plan
and quota, and may be billed above its included allowance. ObsidianLog does
not operate or bill for the hosted service. See Sia Storage's
[trust and deployment model](https://devs.sia.storage/docs/core-concepts/trust-and-deployment)
for the current responsibility model.

## The security promise still holds

Because encryption happens client-side under a key you hold, before data
ever reaches the SDK, the indexer operator (`sia.storage`, or anyone else)
is cryptographically unable to read your archived logs. "We host the
plumbing but cannot read your archives" is the posture in every mode. See
[Security Model](/architecture-and-security/security-model).

## When to use it

The default choice for most users who want managed, durable Sia storage
without operating an indexer. Review Sia Storage's current plan before
using it for production archives. If you want full control over your own
wallet and infrastructure instead, for regulated or compliance environments
in particular, see
[Bring Your Own Indexer](/storage-backends/bring-your-own-indexer).