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Self-host FreeScout on a VPS
A lightweight, shared team mailbox.
Turn a shared inbox into organised conversations with assignments, notes and a knowledge base.
Why self-host FreeScout?
FreeScout is the lightest way to run a shared support mailbox without a heavyweight helpdesk.
How to install FreeScout
- 1
Provision a VPS
Choose a plan with room for your data as well as the app.
- 2
Install the stack
Install PHP/Laravel + MySQL.
- 3
Deploy the application
Follow the project’s official install guide for your distribution.
- 4
Enable HTTPS
Serve it on your own domain behind a reverse proxy with a certificate.
- 5
Back it up
Schedule a database dump plus a copy of any uploaded files to an off-box location.
Practical tips
- Give FreeScout its own database user with rights only on its own schema.
- Reverse-proxy FreeScout and terminate TLS at the proxy so certificates are managed in one place.
- Take a VPS snapshot before major upgrades so you can roll back cleanly.
- Keep FreeScout patched — most self-hosting incidents are unpatched software.
Frequently asked questions
- How much RAM does FreeScout need?
- Plan on 1–2 GB for typical use; add headroom if you expect many concurrent users.
- What stack does FreeScout run on?
- PHP/Laravel + MySQL.
- Can I run other things on the same VPS?
- Yes — size the plan so FreeScout plus your other workloads fit in RAM with room to spare.
Looking for something else? Popular alternatives include Zammad, osTicket, Help Scout (hosted) — browse all app guides.