---
title: "Deploy Mattermost Self-Hosted (Docker)"
description: "Step-by-step guide to self-hosting Mattermost with Docker Compose. "
---

# Deploy Mattermost

Mattermost is an open source platform for secure collaboration across the entire software development lifecycle..

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  <span className="deploy-hero-item">⭐ 35.2k stars</span>
  <span className="deploy-hero-item">📜 Other</span>
  <span className="deploy-hero-item">🔴 Advanced</span>
  <span className="deploy-hero-item">⏱ ~20 minutes</span>
  
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  >
    🚀 Deploy on DigitalOcean ($200 Free Credit)
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## What You'll Get

A fully working Mattermost instance running on your server. Your data stays on your hardware — no third-party access, no usage limits, no surprise invoices.

## Prerequisites

- A server with Docker and Docker Compose installed ([setup guide](/quick-start/choosing-a-server))
- A domain name pointed to your server (optional but recommended)
- Basic terminal access (SSH)

## The Config

Create a directory for Mattermost and add this `docker-compose.yml`:

```yaml
# -------------------------------------------------------------------------
# 🚀 Created and distributed by The AltStack
# 🌍 https://thealtstack.com
# -------------------------------------------------------------------------

version: '3.8'

services:
  mattermost:
    image: mattermost/mattermost-team-edition:latest
    container_name: mattermost
    restart: unless-stopped
    depends_on:
      - db
    ports:
      - "8065:8065"
    environment:
      - MM_SQLSETTINGS_DRIVERNAME=postgres
      - MM_SQLSETTINGS_DATASOURCE=postgres://mmuser:mmuser_password@db:5432/mattermost?sslmode=disable&connect_timeout=10
      - MM_SERVICESETTINGS_SITEURL=http://localhost:8065
    volumes:
      - ./volumes/app/config:/mattermost/config
      - ./volumes/app/data:/mattermost/data
      - ./volumes/app/logs:/mattermost/logs

  db:
    image: postgres:13-alpine
    container_name: mattermost-db
    restart: unless-stopped
    environment:
      - POSTGRES_USER=mmuser
      - POSTGRES_PASSWORD=mmuser_password
      - POSTGRES_DB=mattermost
    volumes:
      - ./volumes/db/var/lib/postgresql/data:/var/lib/postgresql/data
```

## Let's Ship It

```bash
# Create a directory
mkdir -p /opt/mattermost && cd /opt/mattermost

# Create the docker-compose.yml (paste the config above)
nano docker-compose.yml

# Pull images and start
docker compose up -d

# Watch the logs
docker compose logs -f
```

## Environment Variables

| Variable | Default | Required |
|---|---|---|
| `MM_SQLSETTINGS_DRIVERNAME` | `postgres` | No |
| `MM_SQLSETTINGS_DATASOURCE` | `postgres://mmuser:mmuser_password@db:5432/mattermost?sslmode=disable&connect_timeout=10` | No |
| `MM_SERVICESETTINGS_SITEURL` | `http://localhost:8065` | No |
| `POSTGRES_USER` | `mmuser` | No |
| `POSTGRES_PASSWORD` | `mmuser_password` | No |
| `POSTGRES_DB` | `mattermost` | No |


## Post-Deployment Checklist

- [ ] Service is accessible on the configured port
- [ ] Admin account created (if applicable)
- [ ] Reverse proxy configured ([Caddy guide](/concepts/reverse-proxies))
- [ ] SSL/HTTPS working
- [ ] Backup script set up ([backup guide](/concepts/backups))
- [ ] Uptime monitor added ([Uptime Kuma](/deploy/uptime-kuma))

## The "I Broke It" Section

**Container won't start?**
```bash
docker compose logs mattermost | tail -50
```

**Port already in use?**
```bash
# Find what's using the port
lsof -i :PORT_NUMBER
```

**Need to start fresh?**
```bash
docker compose down -v  # ⚠️ This deletes volumes/data!
docker compose up -d
```

## Going Further

- [Mattermost on AltStack Directory](https://thealtstack.com/alternative-to/mattermost)
- [Mattermost Self-Hosted Guide](https://thealtstack.com/self-hosted/mattermost)
- [Official Documentation](https://mattermost.com)
- [GitHub Repository](https://github.com/mattermost/mattermost)