Data
Self-host MySQL on a VPS
The world’s most widely used open-source database.
A mature relational database underpinning countless applications and control panels.
Why self-host MySQL?
MySQL is often what an application expects; running it yourself gives you full configuration control.
How to install MySQL
- 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 MySQL its own database user with rights only on its own schema.
- Reverse-proxy MySQL 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 MySQL patched — most self-hosting incidents are unpatched software.
Frequently asked questions
- How much RAM does MySQL need?
- Plan on 2–4 GB for typical use; add headroom if you expect many concurrent users.
- What stack does MySQL run on?
- Native packages or Docker.
- Can I run other things on the same VPS?
- Yes — size the plan so MySQL plus your other workloads fit in RAM with room to spare.
Looking for something else? Popular alternatives include MariaDB, Percona, PostgreSQL — browse all app guides.