---
layout: integration
title: Self-host Appwrite on DigitalOcean
description: Run self-hosted Appwrite on a DigitalOcean Droplet with the Docker installer
date: 2026-11-06
featured: false
isPartner: false
isNew: true
cover: /images/integrations/self-hosted-digitalocean/cover.avif
category: self-hosting
product:
    vendor: DigitalOcean
    description: "DigitalOcean is a cloud provider with virtual machines called Droplets, managed Kubernetes, and Spaces object storage."
platform:
    - 'Self-hosted'
---

[DigitalOcean](https://www.digitalocean.com) is a cloud provider for developers and small teams. It offers Linux virtual machines called Droplets, managed Kubernetes, managed databases, and Spaces object storage.

# How does the integration work?

Appwrite runs on any Linux server that supports Docker, so a Droplet is a quick way to self-host it on DigitalOcean. You create the Droplet, run the Appwrite Docker installer, and finish the configuration in a web-based setup wizard. Pair it with [DigitalOcean Spaces](/integrations/storage-digitalocean-spaces) to keep uploaded files off the Droplet's disk.

# How to implement

To self-host Appwrite on a DigitalOcean Droplet, there are several steps you must complete:

## Step 1: Create a Droplet

In the DigitalOcean Control Panel, create a Linux Droplet with at least 2 vCPUs and 4 GB of RAM, the minimum Appwrite needs, in the region closest to your users. Add your SSH key so you can connect to it. Appwrite also expects 2 GB of swap memory.

If you use a DigitalOcean Cloud Firewall, allow inbound HTTP (80) and HTTPS (443), SSH (22) from your IP address, and port 20080 while the setup wizard runs.

## Step 2: Install Docker and run the Appwrite installer

The [DigitalOcean deployment guide](/docs/advanced/self-hosting/platforms/digitalocean) also covers the Appwrite 1-Click app on the DigitalOcean Marketplace. A 1-Click image bundles a fixed Appwrite version, so the steps below install the current release on a regular Droplet.

Connect to the Droplet over SSH and [install Docker Engine](https://docs.docker.com/engine/install/) with Docker Compose version 2. Then run the macOS and Linux [installation command](/docs/advanced/self-hosting/installation#installation-commands) from the installation guide, which always installs the latest release.

## Step 3: Complete the setup wizard

Open `http://<DROPLET_IP>:20080` in your browser. Set the hostname your instance will use, choose a database (PostgreSQL is the default), save the generated secret key somewhere safe, create your account, and click **Install**. When the installation finishes, open your hostname to reach the Appwrite Console, and close port 20080 again.

## Step 4: Prepare for production

Before real users depend on the Droplet, work through the [production guide](/docs/advanced/self-hosting/production), set up [backups](/docs/advanced/self-hosting/production/backups), and keep the instance on a current release with the [update guide](/docs/advanced/self-hosting/production/updates).

# Read more about DigitalOcean and self-hosted Appwrite

If you would like to learn more about running Appwrite on DigitalOcean, we have some resources that you should visit:

- [DigitalOcean deployment guide](/docs/advanced/self-hosting/platforms/digitalocean)
- [Self-hosting installation guide](/docs/advanced/self-hosting/installation)
- [Storage with DigitalOcean Spaces](/integrations/storage-digitalocean-spaces)
- [DigitalOcean Droplets documentation](https://docs.digitalocean.com/products/droplets/)