Data
Self-host InfluxDB on a VPS
A time-series database for metrics and IoT.
Store and query high-volume time-stamped data such as metrics, sensor readings and events.
Why self-host InfluxDB?
Self-hosting InfluxDB keeps your telemetry under your control and avoids per-series billing.
How to install InfluxDB
- 1
Provision a VPS
Choose a plan with room for your data as well as the app.
- 2
Install the stack
Install Native packages or Docker.
- 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 InfluxDB its own database user with rights only on its own schema.
- Reverse-proxy InfluxDB 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 InfluxDB patched — most self-hosting incidents are unpatched software.
Frequently asked questions
- How much RAM does InfluxDB need?
- Plan on 4 GB for typical use; add headroom if you expect many concurrent users.
- What stack does InfluxDB run on?
- Native packages or Docker.
- Can I run other things on the same VPS?
- Yes — size the plan so InfluxDB plus your other workloads fit in RAM with room to spare.
Looking for something else? Popular alternatives include Prometheus, TimescaleDB, VictoriaMetrics — browse all app guides.