To set up a VPS with Coolify, rent a Linux server that meets Coolify’s minimum requirements, log in over SSH as root or a sudo-capable user, run Coolify’s installer, and create the first admin account before anyone else can. Then add the server to Coolify, validate its SSH connection, point a wildcard DNS record at it, and deploy a first application. Coolify does not supply the server. It manages deployments on infrastructure you provide, so the VPS, its firewall, its updates, and your data remain your responsibility.
What you are installing
Coolify’s documentation describes it this way: “Coolify is the control plane for your infrastructure.” In practice, the Coolify dashboard and API coordinate builds, deployments, domains, HTTPS, health checks, and day-to-day operations. Docker runs the actual containers on whichever servers Coolify is connected to. Your applications and databases live on those servers, not inside Coolify’s own dashboard.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Recommended Free Tools
Coolify offers two ways to run the control plane: self-hosted installation, where you run Coolify on your own server, and Coolify Cloud, where Coolify operates the control plane for you. This guide follows the self-hosted path, because a “VPS with Coolify” setup means you install and maintain the Coolify instance yourself. The steps below were drawn from Coolify’s self-hosting documentation as reviewed in October 2026. Installer details and dashboard screens change between releases, so check the current official setup page before you run the commands.
Check the server requirements before you rent
Coolify’s current self-hosting documentation lists a minimum of 2 CPU cores, 2 GB of RAM, and 10 GB of free disk, on amd64 or arm64 hardware. That figure describes what the Coolify instance itself needs. It does not guarantee room for your applications. Images, volumes, build caches, backups, and application traffic all draw on the same disk and memory.
#1 Best Overall
- WHY CHOOSE G3 ULTRA MINI PC PENTIUM GOLD 7505 - Choose the Intel Pentium Gold 7505 for snappier everyday responsiveness: It delivers up to 30% faster single-core performance than the Ryzen 5 3500U, making office apps and web browsing feel noticeably quicker, while its Intel UHD Graphics (48 EUs) provides 2.4x the GPU performance of the N100 & N150's 24-EU graphics, ensuring smoother 4K streaming and light photo editing.
- 16GB RAM MEMORY & 512GB STORAGE - GMKtec Nucbox G3 Ultra mini computer is prebuilt with 16GB LPDDR4 RAM at 3200 MT/s, you will enjoy a speedier experience with Built-in 512GB M.2 SATA Hard Drive. Our mini desktop pc boots up in seconds, work on multiple browser tabs, software applications and quickly transfers files. There is a primary slot and secondary expansion storage. Primary slot is M.2 2280 PCIE and secondary slot is M.2 2280 SATA.
- RICH INTERFACE - Nucbox pentium mini computer is equipped with 3* USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, up to 10Gbps/S, 1*USB 2.0, HDMI(4K@60Hz)*2, 3.5mm Audio Jack. Supports WiFi 6, and Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 2.5GbE network connectivity, Bluetooth 5.2. This Mini PC supports multiple device connection and can be used with servers, monitoring equipment, office equipment, displays, projectors, televisions, etc.
- 4K DUAL SCREEN DISPLAY - Mini desktop computer is equipped with upgraded Intel Graphics(max 1000MHz), supports 4K video playback and AV1 decoding, connect the pc with a projector as a home theatre, enjoy a variety of entertainments. Two HDMI 2.0 ports allows you to multi-task efficiently on two 4K@60Hz displays.
- UPGRADED COOLING FAN - The G3 Ultra has upgraded the cooling fan to reduce fan noise and thermals. We are using an upgraded thermal paste as well to help reduce heat on the CPU.
| Profile | CPU | RAM | Disk | Status in Coolify’s documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Documented minimum for the self-hosted instance | 2 cores | 2 GB | 10 GB free | Listed minimum on amd64 or arm64. Not a capacity guarantee for any application stack. |
| Smaller floor | 1 core | 512 MB | 4 GB | Coolify can run at this size, but the documentation does not recommend it. |
| Example from the official guide | 2 vCPU | 4 GB | 40 GB storage | A user’s example for one optimized workload, offered as a rough reference rather than a sizing standard. |
Coolify’s documentation also warns that running builds and the control plane on the same machine can cause resource pressure. If you plan to build images on the server, or to run databases and several applications, start with more than the minimum and watch actual usage for a few days before you add workloads.
Choose a supported operating system
The documentation lists these families as supported:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Debian and Ubuntu. Ubuntu LTS is the recommended choice for the automated installer. The page names Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, and 24.04 as examples. The guide directs non-LTS Ubuntu releases to manual installation if you run into problems.
- Red Hat-family distributions and SUSE-family distributions.
- Arch and Alpine.
- 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS.
The automated route requires root access, or a user who can run sudo. Avoid a server where Docker was installed through Snap, which the documentation specifically cautions against.
Choose where Coolify and your applications will run
Before you rent anything, decide how many machines you need. The three arrangements below differ in who operates the control plane and whether dashboard and workloads compete for the same resources.
| Arrangement | Who operates Coolify | Dashboard and apps share a machine? | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| One VPS running self-hosted Coolify and your workloads | You | Yes | The simplest starting point, with one server to patch and back up. |
| Self-hosted Coolify plus a separate remote deployment VPS | You | No. Your apps run on the second server. | Production workloads where you want dashboard load separated from application load. Adds a second server to provision and manage over SSH. |
| Coolify Cloud plus your own VPS | Coolify | Not applicable to the control plane. Your apps run on your VPS. | Readers who want managed control-plane operations. Outside the self-hosted steps in this guide. |
The second arrangement is an architectural choice, not a requirement. Coolify’s default setup starts with a localhost server, so a single VPS is enough to begin.
Provision the VPS
Pick a provider
Coolify’s self-hosting guide names Hetzner as an option to consider, but it states that a VPS from any provider can work. Compare regions, pricing, and the resource tiers you need on each provider’s own pages, since prices and plan specifications change and this guide does not list current rates.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #2
- 12th Intel Alder Lake N95 Processor – The GMKtec G3 S Mini PC is powered by the 12th Gen Intel N95 processor with 4 cores, 4 threads, 6MB cache and a burst frequency up to 3.4GHz. Compared with N100/N5105/N5100/N5095, the N95 delivers up to 36% overall performance improvement. Perfect for routine tasks, office work, and home entertainment, this compact mini desktop is more convenient than traditional bulky PCs.
- 8GB RAM & 256GB SSD Storage – Pre-installed with 8GB DDR4 memory and a fast 256GB M.2 2242 SSD, the G3 S mini desktop offers quicker startup, smoother multitasking, and faster file transfers. Enjoy seamless performance whether you’re working on multiple applications, browsing, or streaming content.
- Rich Interfaces & Connectivity – The G3 S mini computer comes equipped with USB 3.2 (up to 10Gbps), dual HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz), and a 3.5mm audio jack. With support for WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45 1000MbE), it connects easily with monitors, projectors, printers, office equipment, and other peripherals, making it versatile for both home and business use.
- Dual 4K Display Support – Featuring upgraded Intel UHD Graphics (up to 1000MHz), the G3 S supports 4K video playback and AV1 decoding for a smooth viewing experience. With dual HDMI outputs, you can connect two 4K@60Hz displays simultaneously, enabling efficient multitasking for work and entertainment.
- GMKTEC WARRANTY - GMKtec offers a 3-year limited warranty (1 year replacement + 2 years parts replacement) for each mini PC, starting from the date of the purchase effective on all sales starting Oct. 2026. All defects due to design and workmanship are covered. With a professional after sales team always ready to attend to your needs, you can simply relax and enjoy your mini PC
Start with a fresh server
Use a clean VPS with nothing else installed. Coolify’s installer and server validation can configure Docker, and validation may restart the Docker service. That restart can briefly interrupt any containers already running on the machine. A fresh server avoids that conflict entirely.
Add your SSH key at creation
Most providers let you attach a public SSH key when you create the server. Doing this now saves you from password logins later. Keep the matching private key on your own computer. You will need it both to log in and to give Coolify access in a later step.
Log in and run the installer
First login
Connect from your computer using the server’s public IP address and the account you chose at creation:
ssh root@<server-ip>If your provider created a non-root user with sudo rights, connect as that user instead, for example ssh deploy@<server-ip>. Confirm that you can log in before you continue, because you will need the same access during server validation.
Run the official install command
Coolify’s recommended one-command installation is:
curl -fsSL https://cdn.coollabs.io/coolify/install.sh | bashRun it while logged in as root, or as a sudo-capable user. The script prepares the machine, including Docker, and starts Coolify. Read the terminal output when it finishes, because it prints the dashboard address you will use next. Installer guidance can change, so compare the command against the current official setup page before you run it on a production server.
Rank #3
- ➊ [ Trusted Quality for Everyday Agentic AI ] GEEKOM equips its SSDs with reliable original-grade flash and conducts rigorous stability testing to support dependable everyday operation. This commitment to quality is backed by a 3-year warranty. Simply connect the Air12 to cloud AI services for research, writing, study support and daily productivity—no NPU or complex local setup required. Designed for students, home users, light office work and first-time buyers, the Air12 is a high-value Cloud Agentic PC for everyday tasks
- ➋ [ Intel 7505 processor ] Powered by the Intel 7505 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.5GHz), the GEEKOM Mini PC Air12 delivers smooth performance for everyday computing, office tasks, and home entertainment. With enhanced single-core processing, it handles daily workloads efficiently and responsively. Compact, quiet, and energy-efficient — a solid alternative to bulky desktops.
- ➌ [440lbs(200kg) Pressure Rated Metal Frame for Demanding Environments] Unlike the Plastic Shells You’ll Find on Most Mini PCs, geekom Mini Air12 features a triple-reinforced ABS+PC shell, precision-crafted metal frame and baseplate—engineered to withstand up to 440 lbs of pressure for the perfect balance of strength and thermal efficiency. Tool-free upgrades, shock-absorbing feet, and a 3D antenna deliver true durability
- ➍ [Dual-Channel RAM & NVMe SSD Expandability] Ships with 8GB DDR4 RAM and a 256GB NVMe SSD for smooth everyday performance. Dual memory slots and dual storage slots give you the flexibility to upgrade to 64GB RAM and 2TB SSD, so your system can adapt as your workload grows. Enjoy faster load times, smoother multitasking, and long-term reliability.
- ➎ [Triple 4K Displays for Maximum Productivity] Connect up to three 4K monitors via HDMI 2.0, Mini DisplayPort 1.4, and USB-C — ideal for stock trading dashboards, multi-tab research, office document editing, and light spreadsheet work. WiFi 6 and Bluetooth with high-gain antenna ensure stable wireless connections throughout your workspace. 5x USB ports and a full-size SD card reader provide quick access to peripherals and camera files — no adapters required.
Open the dashboard and secure the first admin account
The documented initial address follows this pattern:
http://<server-ip>:8000Work through these steps in order:
- Open the address in a browser from your own network. Do this as soon as the installer finishes.
- Create the first admin account immediately. The first person to reach the registration page can become the instance admin and gain root access to the server, so do not leave that page open while you do something else.
- Use a strong, unique password and store it in a password manager.
- Copy the installation environment file to a location off the server. The file is
/data/coolify/source/.env. It contains installation secrets, includingAPP_KEY, which Coolify uses to encrypt its database values. Without that key, restoring a Coolify instance from backup is not possible. From your own computer, you can copy it with:
scp root@<server-ip>:/data/coolify/source/.env ./coolify-env-backupTreat the copied file as a secret. Keep it out of version control and shared folders. The initial dashboard address uses plain HTTP, so finish setup from a network you trust.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Open the firewall for what you need
SSH normally listens on port 22, and the dashboard uses port 8000 in the default pattern shown above. Applications you deploy will need their own inbound ports, and the exact set depends on your setup. The documentation confirms that SSH and the required Coolify and application ports must be reachable, but it does not give a single universal rule set.
Apply firewall rules at two levels: the provider’s network firewall, if the provider offers one, and the host firewall on the server itself. Open only the ports you actually use, and restrict SSH to addresses you control where possible. Follow Coolify’s current firewall documentation for the port list that matches your deployment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Add and validate your server in Coolify
If you are running Coolify on the same VPS, Coolify starts with a localhost server, and you can deploy to it directly. If you are adding a separate VPS, follow the steps below.
Authorize the key on the new server
The public key that matches the private key you will paste into Coolify must be listed in the target account’s ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file. The private key should not have an interactive passphrase, because Coolify must use it without prompting. The SSH port (usually 22) must be open to Coolify’s connection.
Rank #4
- 【AMD Ryzen 4300U True 4-Core CPU: Outperforms N95 & i3-10110U】KAMRUI P2 Mini PC is equipped with true 4-core AMD Ryzen 4300U processor built on advanced 7nm Zen2 architecture，This means you get consistent, unthrottled performance for hours on end, whether you’re running multiple browser tabs, streaming 4K content, or managing virtual machines. Compare that to Intel N95 (4 efficiency cores that throttle under load) or Intel i3-10110U (only 2 cores total), and the difference is night and day: The KAMRUI P2 AMD Ryzen 4300U (28W) is 40% faster than the Intel i3-10110U and 25% faster than the Intel N95 in multi-core tasks, ensuring smooth, lag-free performance even during heavy workloads.
- 【Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics: 2.5X Stronger for Tri 4K】The KAMRUI P2 AMD 4300U Mini PC have unlocked the full potential of the built-in AMD Radeon Vega 5 graphics with 28W power delivery, making it 2.5 times stronger than the Intel UHD graphics found in the N95 and i3-10110U. This means you can enjoy Tri 4K@60Hz displays without a single stutter, perfect for productivity setups, home theaters, or even light photo/video editing and casual gaming. While the Intel N95/i3-10110U struggle to run a single 4K display without lag, The KAMRUI AMD 4300U Mini PC handles Tri 4K effortlessly, turning your workspace into a high-efficiency hub or your living room into a premium entertainment center.
- 【Large Storage Capacity, Easy Expansion】KAMRUI Pinova P2 mini computers is equipped with 16GB LPDDR4 for faster multitasking and smooth application switching. 512GB M.2 SSD ensures fast startup, fast file transfers and plenty of storage space,eliminating slow loading times and ensuring fast responsiveness. the two storage slots (1x M.2 2280 SATA/NVMe PCIe3.0 slot, 1x M.2 2280 SATA slot) can be combined to provide up to 4TB of total storage(Not included). This gives you enough space for all your projects, media and data.
- 【4K Triple Display】KAMRUI Pinova P2 4300U mini desktop computers is equipped with HDMI2.0 ×1 +DP1.4 ×1+USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C ×1 interfaces for faster transmission, Triple 4K@60Hz Display, KAMRUI P2 mini computer is ideal for visual home entertainment, home office, conference rooms, etc. USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A port ×2 with a transfer speed of up to 10 Gbps (21 times faster than USB 2.0) for efficient data transfer. Ideal for seamless multitasking between spreadsheets, browsers and presentations, or for an immersive entertainment experience.
- 【USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C 10Gbps, Versatile connectivity】KAMRUI P2 mini desktop pc fast and versatile connectivity! The USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C port offers a data transfer rate of 10Gbps and simultaneously supports DisplayPort 1.4 video output. The P2 AMD Ryzen 4300U Mini PC is complemented by Gigabit LAN, WiFi and Bluetooth, so nothing stands in the way of a productive working environment.
Enter the server details
- In the Coolify dashboard, go to the servers section and add a new server.
- Enter a server name.
- Enter the IP address or hostname. Leave out any URL scheme, so write
203.0.113.10rather thanhttps://203.0.113.10. - Enter the SSH port, usually 22.
- Enter the SSH user, such as
rootor your sudo user. - Paste the private key.
- Select the option to validate the server and install Docker, then start validation.
Validation can take several minutes. It checks access and required tools, installs or verifies Docker Engine and Docker Compose, records server information, and starts the Coolify proxy. The server is ready when Coolify reports it as reachable and validated.
If validation fails
- Address and port: confirm the IP, the SSH port, and that you entered no URL scheme.
- User: confirm the account exists on the server and that you can log in as that user with the same key from another terminal.
- Key pair: confirm the private key in Coolify matches the public key in
authorized_keys, and that the key has no passphrase. - Firewall: confirm that provider-level and host-level rules allow SSH from the Coolify instance.
- SSH service: confirm the SSH daemon is running on the server.
If the server has no public IP or SSH must stay private
Coolify’s documentation points to a Cloudflare Tunnel SSH route for this case. Use it only after you understand how the tunnel authenticates connections, because it changes how Coolify reaches the machine.
Prepare DNS for generated subdomains
Coolify can generate application subdomains from a wildcard domain, but it does not create the DNS records behind them. You must create the record yourself.
- In Coolify, set the wildcard domain pattern you want to use, such as
example.com. This tells Coolify which domain to suggest for new applications. - At your DNS provider, create a wildcard record named
*.example.comthat points to the server’s public IPv4 address. An A record is the usual choice. - Wait for the record to propagate. You can check it from your computer with
dig +short test.example.com, which should return the server’s IP address.
Create the record before you rely on generated subdomains. Until it resolves, applications will be reachable only by IP, and HTTPS certificate issuance will fail for their domains.
Deploy a first resource
Coolify’s official beginner deployment guide walks through connecting a source, building, and exposing an application on a domain. Follow it for your first deployment, and keep the first application small so any problem is easy to trace. After the deployment completes, confirm three things: the domain resolves to your server, the page loads over HTTPS, and the application responds as expected.
What stays your responsibility
Coolify automates deployments, but it does not take over the server. You continue to own these tasks:
- Server and provider selection, including resource sizing as your workloads grow.
- Operating system updates on the VPS.
- SSH configuration, firewall rules, and the ports you expose.
- DNS records, including the wildcard record.
- Workload data in databases and volumes.
- Backups, and regular restore testing to confirm they work.
- Secrets, including the copied
.envfile. - Security of the applications you expose.
- Updates and recovery for the self-hosted Coolify instance.
A separate build server is an optional addition for resource-heavy builds that need dedicated CPU, memory, or disk. It cannot host applications, databases, or services, so it does not replace a deployment server.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
