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

# How to Install Coolify to Self-Host Your Apps

> Install Coolify on your VPS with one command, open http://your-server-ip:8000, create the admin account straight away, then set a domain for HTTPS.

To install Coolify, log in as root on a fresh Linux VPS with at least 2 CPU cores, 2 GB RAM and 10 GB free disk, and run `curl -fsSL https://cdn.coollabs.io/coolify/install.sh | bash`. Open `http://your-server-ip:8000` and create the admin account immediately. Then set a domain under **Settings > General > URL** so the dashboard runs over HTTPS on port 443.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Needs |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 15 minutes | Ubuntu 22.04 / 24.04 LTS, Debian, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux | Root access, 2 CPU cores, 2 GB RAM, 10 GB free disk |

## Before you start

* **Coolify** is a self-hosted platform for deploying apps, databases and services, similar to Heroku or Netlify. It runs everything in Docker and puts a proxy in front that handles domains and certificates.
* **Use a fresh server.** Coolify takes ports 80 and 443 for its proxy, so don't install it next to an existing web server.
* **Check SSH works** before you change anything. If Docker came from the Ubuntu snap store, remove it first; the installer sets up Docker Engine itself.
* Coolify's own minimum is 2 CPU cores, 2 GB RAM and 10 GB disk. Your apps need resources on top of that.
* Take a backup or snapshot of anything important first; see [schedule and restore backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-schedule-and-restore-backups.md).

## How to install Coolify

**1. Log in as root**

```bash theme={null}
sudo -i
```

The automatic installer needs root.

**2. Run the installer**

```bash theme={null}
curl -fsSL https://cdn.coollabs.io/coolify/install.sh | bash
```

The script installs what Coolify needs, including Docker if it is missing, and starts Coolify. When it prints `Coolify is ready!` it also shows the dashboard address, for example `http://203.0.113.10:8000`.

**3. Create the admin account now**

Open `http://203.0.113.10:8000` with your server's IP and register.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Whoever reaches the registration page first becomes the Coolify admin and gets root access to your server. Register as soon as the installer finishes.

## Which ports does Coolify use?

| Port | Used for |
| - | - |
| 22/TCP | SSH (or your custom SSH port) |
| 80/TCP | HTTP traffic and certificate validation through the Coolify proxy |
| 443/TCP | HTTPS traffic through the Coolify proxy |
| 8000/TCP | Dashboard by IP address |
| 6001/TCP | Real-time dashboard updates by IP |
| 6002/TCP | Web terminal by IP |

Once the dashboard works on a domain, it no longer needs 8000, 6001 and 6002 from outside.

> [!WARNING]
>
> These ports are published by Docker, and Docker-published ports bypass `ufw` and `firewalld`. A `ufw deny 8000` rule does not close them. To restrict them, add rules to Docker's `DOCKER-USER` chain (see [nftables and iptables](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-nftables-and-iptables.md)) or use a network firewall in front of the server. Keep SSH allowed whatever you change.

## How to put the Coolify dashboard on a domain with HTTPS

**1. Create a DNS record**

Point `coolify.example.com` at your server with an `A` record. See [point a domain to your server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-point-a-domain-to-your-server.md).

**2. Set the URL in Coolify**

Open **Settings > General**, enter `https://coolify.example.com` in **URL** and click **Save changes**.

**3. Open the new address**

Go to `https://coolify.example.com`. Use a domain that no app or service in Coolify uses.

## How to check it worked

```bash theme={null}
docker ps --format "table {{.Names}}\t{{.Status}}"
```

You see the Coolify containers, such as `coolify`, `coolify-db` and `coolify-redis`, all `Up`, and the dashboard loads in your browser.

## How to update Coolify

Before updating, set up an instance backup under **Settings > Backup** and keep **Backup before update** enabled. Store the instance `APP_KEY` from `/data/coolify/source/.env` somewhere safe off the server.

* **From the dashboard:** open **Settings > Updates** and start the update.
* **Automatic updates:** under **Automatic updates**, choose **Enabled** and set a frequency. The default runs daily at midnight.

If the dashboard doesn't come back after an update, check the `upgrade-*.log` files in `/data/coolify/source/`.

## Frequently asked questions

### What are Coolify's minimum requirements?

2 CPU cores, 2 GB RAM and 10 GB free disk, on amd64 or arm64. Builds and the apps you deploy need more, so size the server for your projects.

### Can I install Coolify without root?

The one-line installer needs root. Coolify's docs offer a manual installation for non-root and custom setups.

### Which Linux should I use for Coolify?

An LTS release such as Ubuntu 24.04 is the simplest. Coolify also supports Debian and Red Hat-based systems such as AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux. See [which Linux distribution is best for a server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/which-linux-distribution-is-best-for-a-server.md).

### Should I install Coolify next to Portainer or Nginx?

No. Coolify expects to manage ports 80 and 443 and its own containers. Use a separate server, or choose one tool.

## Related guides

> [card] [VPS and dedicated server guides](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/vps-and-dedicated-server-guides.md)
>
> Every guide in this section.

> [card] [Install Docker](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-docker.md)
>
> The engine under Coolify.

> [card] [Install Portainer](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-portainer.md)
>
> A simpler Docker web UI.

> [card] [Point a domain to your server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-point-a-domain-to-your-server.md)
>
> DNS records for your apps.

> [card] [Clean up Docker disk space](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-clean-up-docker-disk-space.md)
>
> Builds fill the disk over time.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Checked against the official [Coolify installation](https://coolify.io/docs/get-started/installation), [firewall](https://coolify.io/docs/knowledge-base/server/firewall) and [upgrade](https://coolify.io/docs/get-started/upgrade) docs** on 4 November 2026. Menu names can change between Coolify releases.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** November 2026


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