How to Self-Host Forgejo on DigitalOcean (2026 Guide)

Introduction

Forgejo is a self-hosted alternative to Git service providers, allowing developers to manage their repositories with ease. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to self-host Forgejo on DigitalOcean, one of the leading VPS providers. Whether you’re managing a homelab or want to experiment with open-source applications, this guide will cover everything you need.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the installation process, ensure the following prerequisites are met:

Create a DigitalOcean account if you don’t have one. You can sign up here.
Basic knowledge of command-line interface (CLI).
A computer running a Unix-like operating system or with SSH access to your VPS.
A DigitalOcean droplet with at least 1 GB of RAM.

Choosing the Right Droplet

For hosting Forgejo, consider the following DigitalOcean droplet configuration:

Plan	Monthly Cost	CPU	RAM	Storage
Basic Droplet (1GB)	6 USD	1	1GB	25GB SSD
Standard Droplet (2GB)	12 USD	1	2GB	50GB SSD
Optimized Droplet	15 USD	1	2GB	50GB SSD

We recommend at least the Basic Droplet for Forgejo to run smoothly. The next tier offers better performance if you expect moderate usage.

Setting Up the VPS

Create a Droplet: Log into your DigitalOcean account and create a new droplet based on the desired configuration.
Access the VPS: Use ssh to connect to your droplet from a terminal.
```
ssh root@your_droplet_ip
```

Installing Docker

Forgejo operates within a Docker container. Follow these commands to install Docker:

Update the system:
```
apt update && apt upgrade -y
```

Install required packages:

apt install apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl software-properties-common -y

Add Docker’s GPG key and repository:

curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | apt-key add -
add-apt-repository "deb [arch=amd64] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable"

Install Docker:
```
apt update
apt install docker-ce -y
```
Verify the installation:
```
docker --version
```

Running Forgejo

Pull the Forgejo Docker image:
```
docker pull forgejo/forgejo:latest
```

Create a container:

docker run -d --name forgejo -p 3000:3000 -p 222:22 \
-v /srv/forgejo:/data \
forgejo/forgejo:latest

Access Forgejo: Once the container is running, navigate to http://your_droplet_ip:3000 in a web browser to access the Forgejo interface.

Configuring Forgejo

Initial Setup: Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your admin account and configure system settings.
Repository Management: After setting up your account, you can start creating and managing repositories.

Securing Your Installation

To enhance your Forgejo installation security, consider:

Setting Up a Firewall: Install UFW if it’s not already installed.

apt install ufw -y
ufw allow OpenSSH
ufw allow 3000
ufw enable

Using SSL/TLS: Secure your instance by acquiring an SSL certificate. You can use Let’s Encrypt for a free SSL certificate.

FAQs

Q: What is Forgejo?

A: Forgejo is a self-hosted software development platform, offering Git repository management. It allows users to host their own code, collaborate with team members, and maintain full control over their data. It is an excellent alternative to commercial services like GitHub and GitLab, especially for developers seeking an open-source solution.

Q: How long does it take to set up Forgejo on DigitalOcean?

A: Setting up Forgejo on DigitalOcean typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on your familiarity with command-line operations and Docker. The bulk of the time involves provisioning your VPS, installing Docker, and configuring Forgejo. Once you’ve completed the initial setup, you can start using it almost immediately.

Q: Can I use other VPS providers to host Forgejo?

A: Yes, you can host Forgejo on other VPS providers such as Hetzner, Contabo, or Linode. The installation steps are similar, but ensure that you choose a provider that meets Forgejo’s requirements. Additionally, when selecting a VPS provider, consider their pricing and performance characteristics to find the best fit for your needs—check our full VPS comparison for a detailed analysis.

Conclusion

Self-hosting Forgejo on DigitalOcean allows developers to maintain full control of their repositories while enjoying the benefits of a robust platform. This guide provides the groundwork for getting Forgejo running on your VPS, setting you up for success in your software development endeavors. Happy coding!