Table of contents
What is DockerWhy install DockerPrerequisitesHow to installDocker containerManaging Docker containersIs Docker safe to useGetting startedAdditional resources
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VPS → Install Docker

How (and why) to install Docker on a VPS

Docker makes it ridiculously easy to run apps in isolated environments. Pair it with a VPS and you’ve got a lightweight, fast, and scalable way to deploy just about anything.

Let’s walk through why Docker is such a great fit for VPS hosting—and how to get it up and running on Ubuntu.

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What is Docker and how does it work?

Docker is a containerization platform. That means it packages applications along with everything they need to run—like libraries, dependencies, and configurations—into isolated environments called containers.

Unlike virtual machines, Docker containers don’t require a full guest OS. Instead, they share the host kernel, making them much more lightweight. You can run dozens of containers with minimal overhead and switch between app environments with ease.

Here’s how Docker works under the hood:

  • Images are blueprints for containers (kind of like virtual machine snapshots).
  • Containers are the live, running instances.
  • Dockerfiles define how images are built.
  • Registries (like Docker Hub) store and share images.

If you want your app to behave the same way in development, staging, and production, Docker’s your best friend.

Why install Docker on a VPS?

A VPS gives you more control than shared hosting but is more affordable and easier to scale than a dedicated server. When you add Docker into the mix, you unlock:

  • Isolation: Run multiple apps without dependency conflicts or risking system-wide changes.
  • Portability: Move containers between dev and production environments effortlessly.
  • Speed: Start, stop, or replicate containers in seconds.
  • Scalability: Use Docker Compose or Kubernetes to scale services up or down as needed.
  • Flexibility: Run stacks like WordPress + Redis + NGINX side by side on the same VPS without issues.

If you’re developing custom apps, staging environments, microservices, or just want to simplify system admin, Docker on a VPS is a power combo.

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Prerequisites for installing Docker on a VPS

You can install Docker on just about any modern Linux distro—AlmaLinux, Debian, CentOS, Rocky Linux, and more. But for this walkthrough, we’ll use Ubuntu (version 20.04 or newer) because it’s widely supported, stable, and a favorite among developers.

Here’s what you need before you begin:

  • A VPS running Ubuntu 20.04+ (you’ll need sudo access)
  • SSH access to the server
  • A system that’s up to date:
    sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
  • (Optional) Some familiarity with command-line basics

How to install Docker on Ubuntu VPS

Here’s the step-by-step process to install Docker CE (Community Edition) on Ubuntu.

1. Update your existing packages

Make sure your system is current:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

2. Install required dependencies

These packages help manage repositories over HTTPS:

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

3. Add Docker’s official GPG key

This authenticates Docker packages:

curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo apt-key add -

4. Add the Docker APT repository

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

5. Install Docker CE

Now install Docker itself:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install docker-ce

6. Verify Docker is running

Check that it’s installed and active:

sudo systemctl status docker

7. (Optional) Run Docker as a non-root user

Add your user to the Docker group:

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Then log out and back in, or use newgrp docker, to apply the group change.

Running your first Docker container

Once Docker is installed, test it with:

docker run hello-world

This downloads a test image and runs a simple container that prints a confirmation message.

To try something more practical, run NGINX:

docker run -d -p 80:80 nginx

Then visit your server’s IP address in a browser. You should see the NGINX welcome page.

Managing Docker containers and images

Docker gives you full control with just a few CLI commands. Here are the essentials:

  • docker ps — List running containers
  • docker ps -a — List all containers (including stopped ones)
  • docker images — Show downloaded images
  • docker stop [container_id] — Stop a container
  • docker rm [container_id] — Remove a container
  • docker rmi [image_id] — Remove an image

For more complex app stacks, you can use Docker Compose to manage multi-container applications via a single YAML file.

Is Docker safe to use on a VPS?

Docker is secure when used correctly, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Containers share the host kernel, so they’re not as isolated as VMs.
  • Never expose the Docker socket or API without proper safeguards.
  • Use flags like –read-only, drop unneeded capabilities, and set resource limits for production containers.
  • Always pull images from trusted sources and scan them for vulnerabilities.
  • Keep your Docker engine and container images up to date.

Bottom line: Docker is safe for VPS use, but you should follow basic security best practices.

Additional resources

VPS: A beginner’s guide →

A complete beginner’s guide to virtual private servers

Protect your VPS from DDoS attack →

9 steps to harden your virtual server

Expert tips for managing your VPS →

A complete guide to help you run your VPS with confidence