Bitwarden Self-Hosting Deployment Guide
Self-hosting Bitwarden allows you to maintain full control over your password management and data security. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for installing and running Bitwarden on your own server.
Overview
Running Bitwarden on your own infrastructure involves setting up the Bitwarden server, configuring your environment, enabling HTTPS, and inviting users. This deployment approach is suitable for individuals, teams, and businesses who want to keep their data on-premises or within a private cloud.
Prerequisites
Ensure the following requirements are met before you begin:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Server | A machine with Linux, Windows, or macOS. Ubuntu 20.04 or newer is recommended for best compatibility. |
| Hardware | Minimum: 2-core CPU, 2 GB RAM, 10 GB free storage. Additional resources may be needed for high user counts. |
| Docker & Docker Compose | Bitwarden uses Docker containers for simplified deployment and management. |
| Domain Name | A domain or subdomain pointing to your server’s public IP address. |
| SSL Certificate | For secure HTTPS access, use a certificate from a trusted authority or generate one with Let’s Encrypt. |
| Email Server | SMTP server information for sending notifications and invitations. |
Step 1: Download and Prepare Bitwarden
- Log into your server using SSH or terminal.
- Download the Bitwarden self-host script from the official Bitwarden resources.
- Make the script executable if necessary.
Step 2: Install and Configure Docker
- Install Docker and Docker Compose if they are not already present.
- Confirm Docker is running by executing the relevant system commands.
Step 3: Run the Bitwarden Installation Script
- Execute the Bitwarden installation script.
- Follow the prompts to enter your domain name, email address, and other configuration details.
- The script will download the necessary Docker images and set up environment files.
Step 4: Configure Environment Settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Admin Token | Set an admin token in the environment file to enable access to the web admin portal. |
| Database | By default, Bitwarden uses an included database. Advanced users can configure external databases if needed. |
| SMTP | Enter your email server details to enable email notifications and user invites. |
Step 5: Enable HTTPS
- During setup, specify if you want to use Let’s Encrypt for a free SSL certificate or provide your own.
- Ensure ports 80 and 443 are open on your firewall for HTTP and HTTPS traffic.
Step 6: Start Bitwarden
- Use Docker Compose to launch the Bitwarden containers.
- Wait for all services to start successfully.
Step 7: Access and Use Bitwarden
- Open a web browser and enter your domain or server IP address.
- Register the first account, which will have administrative privileges.
- Log in to the Bitwarden web vault and begin adding items or inviting other users.
Maintenance and Updates
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Backups | Regularly back up your Bitwarden data and configuration files. |
| Updates | Periodically update Bitwarden by running the update script provided in the installation directory. |
| Monitoring | Monitor server health and log files for any issues. |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is self-hosting Bitwarden free? | The Bitwarden self-hosted core is free. Premium features may require a license. |
| Can Bitwarden be installed without Docker? | Officially, Docker is the recommended and supported method. |
| Is it possible to migrate from cloud to self-hosted? | Yes, export your data from the cloud vault and import it into your self-hosted instance. |
By following this guide, you can successfully deploy and manage a self-hosted Bitwarden instance, ensuring full control over your password management and security. For more detailed documentation, consult the official Bitwarden help resources.
