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To install Nextcloud with Docker on a VPS, use Nextcloud All-in-One (AIO). Point a domain at your server, start the ghcr.io/nextcloud-releases/all-in-one:latest mastercontainer with ports 80, 8080 and 8443, then open https://your-server-ip:8080. Note the passphrase, enter your domain and click Start containers. AIO sets up Nextcloud, the database, HTTPS and backups for you.

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Before you start

  • Install Docker from Docker’s official repository. AIO does not support the Ubuntu snap package. Check with sudo docker info | grep "Docker Root Dir"; if it shows /var/snap/docker/, reinstall Docker first.
  • Have a domain or subdomain, for example cloud.example.com, with an A record pointing to your server. Nextcloud does not work on a bare IP address. See point a domain to your server.
  • Use a fresh server with nothing on ports 80 and 443. These steps assume no other web server or reverse proxy. If you already run Nginx, Apache or Caddy, follow the AIO reverse proxy guide instead.
  • AIO recommends SSD storage and a KVM VPS or dedicated server. AIO is free for up to 100 users.

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Which ports does Nextcloud AIO need?

If you use ufw or firewalld, also allow these ports there. See set up a firewall with UFW.

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How to install Nextcloud All-in-One

1

Start the mastercontainer

Keep the container name nextcloud-aio-mastercontainer; AIO’s self-updates depend on it. The command stays attached to the log; press Ctrl+C once the log settles. The container keeps running.
2

Open the AIO interface by IP

Open https://203.0.113.10:8080 with your server’s IP, not your domain. Accept the self-signed certificate warning.
3

Save the passphrase

AIO shows a passphrase. Store it in your password manager; you need it to log in to the AIO interface later.
4

Enter your domain

Log in, enter cloud.example.com and submit. AIO checks that the domain points to this server and that port 443 is reachable.
5

Choose options and start

Pick the optional apps you want (for example Office or Talk), then click Start containers. The first start downloads several images, so it takes a while.
6

Log in to Nextcloud

When all containers are running, the AIO interface shows the initial Nextcloud admin username and password. Open https://cloud.example.com and log in.
Port 8080 is the admin interface for your whole Nextcloud install. Docker-published ports bypass ufw, so a ufw deny rule does not close it. Use a long passphrase and keep AIO up to date.

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How to check it worked

You see nextcloud-aio-mastercontainer plus the Nextcloud containers, such as nextcloud-aio-nextcloud and nextcloud-aio-database, all Up. In the AIO interface every container shows as running.

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How to update Nextcloud AIO

When updates exist, the AIO interface shows them under Containers.
1

Back up

Create a backup with AIO’s built-in BorgBackup first.
2

Update

Click Stop containers, then Start and update containers. If a mastercontainer update is offered, apply it while the containers are stopped, then start and update the containers.
AIO checks for updates once a day and notifies Nextcloud admins.

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How to run occ commands

occ is Nextcloud’s command-line admin tool. In AIO, run it in the Nextcloud container:
For example, to unblock an IP that hit the brute-force protection:

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Frequently asked questions

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Can I install Nextcloud without a domain?

Not with AIO. If you have no domain, the AIO interface can register a free dedyn.io subdomain through deSEC for you.

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Where is my Nextcloud data stored?

In a Docker volume by default. To use a folder such as /mnt/ncdata (for example on a second disk), add --env NEXTCLOUD_DATADIR="/mnt/ncdata" to the mastercontainer command before the first start. See mount a new disk.

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Why does the domain check fail?

The A record doesn’t point to this server yet, or port 443 is blocked. Check DNS with dig +short cloud.example.com and see check if a port is open from outside.

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How do I log in to the AIO interface while Nextcloud is running?

Direct passphrase login is blocked while Nextcloud runs. Log in to Nextcloud as admin, open https://cloud.example.com/settings/admin/overview and use the button at the top to open the AIO login.

VPS and dedicated server guides

Every guide in this section.

Install Docker

Docker Engine from the official repository.

Point a domain to your server

Create the A record AIO needs.

Back up a Linux server

Keep a copy off the server.

Schedule and restore VPS backups

Panel backups for your VPS.
Checked against the official Nextcloud All-in-One documentation on 4 November 2026. Commands can differ between AIO releases.

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Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: November 2026