How to Self-Host Rocket.Chat on a VPS (Complete Guide)

Rocket.Chat is an open-source team collaboration platform that rivals popular tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams. Whether you’re a developer looking to manage your team’s communication or a homelabber wanting to explore self-hosting, this guide will walk you through the entire process of installing and configuring Rocket.Chat on a VPS.

Why Use a VPS for Rocket.Chat?

Self-hosting Rocket.Chat on a VPS provides several benefits:

• Control: You maintain complete control over your data and application settings.
• Customization: Tailor the application according to your team’s needs.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Using a VPS can be more affordable than subscription fees for cloud services.

Choosing the Right VPS Provider

When self-hosting applications like Rocket.Chat, selecting the right VPS provider is crucial. Below is a comparison of some of the best VPS options for developers:

For a robust experience, Contabo or Hetzner is recommended due to their RAM and storage capabilities. Check our full VPS comparison for more options.

Prerequisites

Before you start, you will need:

1. A VPS instance running a Linux OS like Ubuntu (20.04 or newer is recommended).
2. Root access to your server.
3. Basic knowledge of command-line operations.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Connect to Your VPS

Utilize SSH to connect to your VPS. Replace user@your_vps_ip with your own VPS credentials.

ssh user@your_vps_ip

Step 2: Update the System

Once connected, update the package list and upgrade installed packages.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 3: Install Docker

Rocket.Chat runs efficiently inside a Docker container. Install Docker and Docker Compose using the commands below.

sudo apt install docker.io -y
sudo systemctl enable docker
sudo systemctl start docker
sudo apt install docker-compose -y

Step 4: Create a Docker Network

Create a dedicated Docker network for Rocket.Chat.

docker network create rocketchat-network

Step 5: Deploy MongoDB

Rocket.Chat requires MongoDB to store its data. Run the following command to create a MongoDB container.

docker run -d --name mongodb --network rocketchat-network -e MONGO_INITDB_ROOT_USERNAME=admin -e MONGO_INITDB_ROOT_PASSWORD=password mongo:4.4

Make sure to replace password with a strong password of your choice.

Step 6: Deploy Rocket.Chat

Now, run the Rocket.Chat container:

docker run -d --name rocketchat --network rocketchat-network -e ROCKETCHAT_MONGO_URL=mongodb://admin:password@mongodb:27017/rocketchat -e ROCKETCHAT_URL=https://your_domain_or_ip -e ROCKETCHAT_PORT=3000 -p 3000:3000 rocketchat/rocket.chat

Step 7: Access Rocket.Chat

After the installation, access your Rocket.Chat interface by navigating to http://your_vps_ip:3000 in your web browser.

Step 8: Complete Setup

Follow the on-screen prompts to finalize the setup, including creating an admin account and configuring additional settings according to your needs.

FAQs

Can I run Rocket.Chat on a low-spec VPS?

Yes, you can run Rocket.Chat on a VPS with minimal specifications. However, for better performance and user experience, it’s advisable to use at least 2 GB of RAM. Low-spec VPS instances can lead to slow response times, especially with multiple users.

How do I backup my Rocket.Chat data?

To back up your Rocket.Chat instance, you should regularly back up the MongoDB database. You can do this by running the following command:

docker exec mongodb sh -c 'mongodump --archive=/backup/rocketchat.bson --gzip'

You can then copy the backup from your container to your host or an external storage. Implementing an automated backup schedule with cron jobs can also enhance your data protection strategy.

Is it secure to self-host Rocket.Chat?

Self-hosting can be secure if done correctly. Make sure to:

• Regularly update your software and dependencies.
• Utilize strong passwords for MongoDB and Rocket.Chat accounts.
• Implement HTTPS for secure web traffic, possibly using Let’s Encrypt.
• Configure firewall rules to restrict access to your VPS.

By following these guidelines, you will have a secure Rocket.Chat instance.

With this guide, you should feel confident in your ability to self-host Rocket.Chat on a VPS. Enjoy managing your communications on your terms!