Open-webui is the best self hosted LLM chat interface IMO. It works seamlessly with Ollama, but also supports other openAI-API compatible APIs AFAIK.

I’m using both in combination with each other and both downloading and using models is super easy. Also integrates well with VSCode extension “Continue”, an open source Copilot alternative (setup might require editing the extension’s config file).

You’ll be able to connect with people by giving out your username instead of your phone number. You will however still be required to register using your phone number, if I’m not completely mistaken.

So you can buy a burner phone (number) to receive the registration code and you’re good. Perhaps need to keep the number for migrating to new phone though.