Next.js VPS Hosting & Dedicated Servers –
High-Performance, Scalable Solutions

Production-Ready Next.js Setup on Ubuntu 22.04 VPS

This guide shows how to perform a Next.js setup on a Ubuntu 22.04 VPS, deploy Next.js in production, and host a Next.js app reliably using PM2 and Nginx.

1. Connect to Your VPS via SSH

ssh administrator@your_vps_ip

The default VPS username is administrator. Once connected, confirm your username:

whoami

2. Switch to Root (Optional)

sudo -i

Use root only when necessary for system-level tasks. You can switch back to administrator later.

3. Update System Packages

apt update && apt upgrade -y
apt autoremove -y

Ensures your Ubuntu VPS has the latest security updates and packages.

4. Install Node.js (LTS Version) and Build Tools

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_20.x | bash -
apt install -y nodejs build-essential

Check installation:

node -v
npm -v

Node.js is required to deploy Next.js apps in production. Build-essential ensures npm dependencies compile correctly.

5. Optional: Install Yarn

npm install -g yarn

Yarn is optional but can make dependency management easier. Use sudo if necessary.

6. Install PM2 Process Manager

npm install -g pm2
pm2 startup systemd

PM2 keeps your Next.js production app running continuously. After deploying, run pm2 save to persist processes.

7. Set Up Your Next.js Project

Create a New Project

npx create-next-app@latest my-nextjs-app
cd my-nextjs-app

Or Upload Existing Project

• Use scp or Git to transfer files from local to VPS.
• Ensure your project includes a .env.production file if environment variables are needed.

8. Build the Next.js App for Production

npm run build
# or
yarn build

This generates the .next folder for next.js production.

9. Start Next.js in Production with PM2

pm2 start npm --name "nextjs-app" -- run start
pm2 save

Always use npm run start for production. Avoid next dev in production.

Check logs:

pm2 logs nextjs-app

10. Install and Configure Nginx

apt install -y nginx

Create a new site configuration:

nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/nextjs

Add the following:

server {
    listen 80;
    server_name yourdomain.com;

    location / {
        proxy_pass http://localhost:3000;
        proxy_http_version 1.1;
        proxy_set_header Upgrade $http_upgrade;
        proxy_set_header Connection 'upgrade';
        proxy_set_header Host $host;
        proxy_cache_bypass $http_upgrade;
    }
}

Enable the site:

ln -s /etc/nginx/sites-available/nextjs /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/
nginx -t
systemctl restart nginx

11. Enable Firewall and HTTPS (Optional but Recommended)

Important Security Note:
Do not leave SSH or admin ports open to the public without restrictions. Use firewall rules, key-based authentication, and, if possible, IP whitelisting for sensitive ports.

Allow only necessary ports for your Next.js app:

ufw allow 'Nginx Full'
ufw enable

Install Certbot for SSL:

apt install -y certbot python3-certbot-nginx
certbot --nginx

This ensures your Next.js app is secure and accessible via HTTPS.

12. Verify Deployment

• Visit http://yourdomain.com or your VPS IP in a browser.
• Ensure your Next.js app loads correctly.
• Monitor PM2 logs for errors:

pm2 logs nextjs-app