1
Step 1Open the server Apps tab
Select the tutorial-vps VPS, open the Apps tab, and start a new app deployment. Keep sensitive server details hidden before capturing or sharing screenshots.
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Backrest
Development256MB+ RAM
Web UI for the Restic backup tool — schedule, browse, and restore encrypted backups across local, S3, B2, and SFTP repos
developmentdevtoolsbackrestopen-sourceself-hosteddocker
Deploy Backrest in 3 Steps
1
Connect Your VPS
Add your server credentials to Server Compass
2
Select Backrest
Choose from our template library
3
Deploy & Configure
Fill in settings and click Deploy
No Docker knowledge required
Step-by-step deployment guide
Deploy Backrest on a VPS with Server Compass
Use the Backrest template in Server Compass to deploy a self-hosted Restic backup web UI on your VPS, then verify the web UI.
About 10 minutesBrowser verified
2
Step 2Choose an app template
Click New App and choose the template deployment path so Server Compass can load the built-in catalog.
3
Step 3Search for Backrest
Use the template picker search to find Backrest in the Server Compass template catalog.
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Step 4Select the Backrest template
Choose the Backrest template. Server Compass fills the backup web UI service, persistent config/cache/repository volumes, generated admin password, and public web port.
5
Step 5Review the Backrest settings
Confirm the app name and compose service. In this run, the app was named backrest-demo and used host port 4123.
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Step 6Deploy Backrest
Review the generated compose settings, confirm the Backrest web port is available, and click Deploy.
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Step 7Watch the deployment progress
Keep the deployment modal open while Server Compass uploads the compose file, pulls the Backrest image, starts the container, and verifies the stack.
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Step 8Confirm Backrest is running
After deployment finishes, return to the Apps tab and confirm the Backrest app is marked Running with its application URL available.
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Step 9Open Backrest in the browser
Open the application URL in a browser. The Backrest dashboard confirms the backup web UI is reachable.
After Backrest Opens
- Place Backrest behind HTTPS or private network access before managing real backup repositories.
- Keep the generated admin password private and rotate it before production use.
- Store Restic repository passwords in a secret manager and back up Backrest configuration separately.
- Mount source directories read-only when possible to reduce blast radius.
- Test a restore from a disposable repository before relying on scheduled backups.
- Monitor repository size, retention policies, and failed backup jobs.
- Keep the Backrest image updated for dependency and security fixes.
Verified Result
The Backrest web interface loaded successfully from the deployed container.
Backrest deployment questions
What does the Backrest template deploy?
It deploys the Backrest web UI for Restic backups with persistent config, data, cache, and repository volumes.
Which port did the tutorial use?
The tutorial used host port 4123, which maps to the Backrest web UI on container port 9898.
Does Backrest need setup after deployment?
Yes. Sign in with the generated admin credentials, add backup repositories and plans, then run a test backup and restore.
Should this become a blog post?
No. The deployment guide should live on the Backrest template detail page and be linked from the reusable template deployment docs page.
After Deployment
After deploying Backrest with Server Compass, complete these steps to finish setup
1
Visit the application URL and log in with ADMIN_USERNAME / ADMIN_PASSWORD
2
Add a Restic repository (local /repos path, S3 bucket, B2, SFTP) and set its encryption password
3
Create a backup plan: choose source paths, schedule, and retention policy
4
Run a manual backup to confirm everything works, then enable the schedule
Need help? Check out our documentation for detailed guides.
Backrest FAQ
Common questions about self-hosting Backrest
How do I deploy Backrest with Server Compass?
Simply download Server Compass, connect to your VPS, and select Backrest from the templates list. Fill in the required configuration and click Deploy. The entire process takes under 3 minutes.
What are the system requirements for Backrest?
Backrest requires a minimum of 256MB RAM. We recommend a VPS with at least 1024MB RAM for optimal performance. Any modern Linux server with Docker support will work.
Can I migrate my existing Backrest data?
Yes! Server Compass provides volume mapping that allows you to import existing data. You can also use standard Backrest backup and restore procedures.
How do I update Backrest to the latest version?
Server Compass makes updates easy. Simply click the Update button in your deployment dashboard, and the latest Backrest image will be pulled and deployed with zero downtime.
Is Backrest free to self-host?
Backrest is open-source software. You only pay for your VPS hosting (typically $5-20/month) and optionally Server Compass ($29 one-time). No subscription fees or per-seat pricing.
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