Appwrite was designed from the ground up with self-hosting in mind. You can install and run Appwrite on any operating system that can run a Docker CLI. Self-hosted Appwrite instances can be configured flexibly with access to the same features found on Appwrite Cloud.
Upgrading from older versions
If you are migrating from an older version of Appwrite, you need to follow the migration instructions
Cloud vs Self-hosting
Choose the deployment method that fits your needs.
| Feature | Appwrite Cloud | Self-hosting |
Setup | Zero setup | Manual setup required |
Maintenance | Fully managed | You manage updates and scaling |
Data control | Managed infrastructure | Full control over data location |
Compliance | Built-in compliance | Configure for your requirements |
Scaling | Automatic | Manual configuration |
When to self-host
Self-hosting is ideal when you need data control or have specific compliance requirements.
Consider self-hosting if:
- You want to manage your own infrastructure
- You're a hobbyist or want to experiment with Appwrite in a playground environment
- You need to develop against a local instance of Appwrite
Appwrite Cloud is recommended if:
- You want to focus on building features, not managing infrastructure
- Your team lacks extensive DevOps experience
- You expect self-hosting to save costs (it often costs more when factoring in time and expertise)
Enterprise self-hosting
For compliance features and dedicated support, explore enterprise self-hosting solutions.
Quick start
The fastest way to get started with Appwrite self-hosting:
- Use a one-click deployment - Choose from marketplace installations for instant setup
- Or follow the manual installation - Use our Docker installation guide for custom setups
- Configure services - Set up email, storage, and other services
Deployment options
Choose the deployment method that best fits your needs:
One-click deployments
Recommended: Use these pre-configured marketplace apps for instant setup:
| Provider | Installation Link | |
  | DigitalOcean | |
  | Gitpod | |
  | Akamai Compute | |
  | AWS Marketplace |
Cloud platforms
For custom deployments on major cloud providers:
Amazon Web Services
One-click AWS Marketplace deployment with custom configuration options.
DigitalOcean
Marketplace installation with simple Droplet configuration.
Google Cloud
Deploy using Cloud Run, Compute Engine, or other Google Cloud services.
Microsoft Azure
Deploy using Container Apps, Virtual Machines, or other Azure services.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
Deploy Appwrite on modern PaaS platforms for simplified management:
Configuration
After deployment, configure Appwrite to enable additional features:
Email delivery
Set up SMTP providers for user verification, password recovery, and notifications.
SMS Delivery
Configure SMS providers for phone authentication and two-factor authentication.
Storage Backends
Connect external storage providers like AWS S3, Backblaze, or Wasabi.
Functions Runtime
Enable serverless functions with custom runtimes and execution environments.
Production readiness
Ensure your Appwrite deployment is production-ready:
Security considerations
- Environment Variables - Secure sensitive configuration using environment variables
- TLS Certificates - Enable HTTPS with automated certificate management
- Network Security - Configure firewalls and security groups appropriately
- Access Control - Implement proper authentication and authorization
Performance optimization
- Resource Scaling - Monitor and scale CPU, memory, and storage resources
- Database Performance - Optimize database connections and queries
- CDN Integration - Use content delivery networks for static assets
- Load Balancing - Distribute traffic across multiple instances
Monitoring and maintenance
- Health Checks - Set up monitoring for service availability and performance
- Log Management - Centralize and analyze application logs
- Backup Strategy - Implement regular database and file backups
- Update Management - Keep Appwrite updated with the latest releases
Get started
Ready to self-host Appwrite? Choose your preferred path:
🚀 One-Click Deploy - Use a marketplace installation for instant setup (recommended)
🐳 Manual Installation - Follow our Docker installation guide for custom setups
☁️ Cloud Platform - Choose a cloud platform for production hosting with custom configuration
🛠️ Platform-as-a-Service - Deploy on Coolify or similar platforms for simplified management