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How to Host a Discord Bot on VPS: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever wished your Discord bot could run 24/7 without relying on your personal computer? You’re not alone. Many bot creators quickly discover that housing their bot on a reliable server opens up new possibilities—uninterrupted uptime, better performance, and more control.

Knowing how to host your Discord bot on a VPS is a game-changer. In this article, you’ll find a clear, step-by-step guide to get your bot online, plus practical tips for smooth operation and security.

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How to Host a Discord Bot on a VPS: Step-By-Step Guide

Running your own Discord bot can be a fun project, but to keep it active 24/7, you’ll need reliable hosting. Using a Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a popular, flexible, and affordable option for keeping your bot online around the clock. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hosting a Discord bot on a VPS, from setup to best practices, so you can get your bot running smoothly and efficiently.

Why Choose a VPS for Hosting Your Discord Bot?

VPS hosting sits right in the sweet spot between shared hosting and a dedicated server. Here’s why it’s a top choice for Discord bots:

  • 24/7 Uptime: Your bot will stay online even if your home computer is off.
  • Scalability: Easily upgrade your resources as your bot grows or takes on more users.
  • Control & Flexibility: Full access to install software, run scripts, and configure security.
  • Affordability: There are VPS options to fit almost any budget, and you only pay for what you need.

The Main Steps to Host a Discord Bot on a VPS

Let’s break down the complete process, from choosing the right VPS to making sure your bot runs seamlessly.

1. Choose the Right VPS Provider

There are several VPS providers suitable for hosting Discord bots. When selecting one, consider:

  • Operating System: Most bots run best on Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Debian, but Windows VPSes are available if you prefer.
  • RAM & CPU: For simple bots, 1GB RAM and 1 CPU core are usually enough. Resource-heavy bots or those in many servers will need more.
  • Data Centers & Latency: Aim for a server location close to the majority of your users for best performance.
  • Support & Pricing: Compare plans and customer support quality.

Tip: Many providers like Cherry Servers, SkySilk, Hostinger, and others offer starter plans that are ideal for beginners.

2. Set Up the VPS

Once you’ve picked a provider and purchased your VPS:


9 Best Discord Bot Hosting Plans (2024) - HostingAdvice.com - host discord bot on vps

  1. Access the VPS: Use SSH (on Linux/Mac) or a tool like PuTTY (on Windows) with the credentials provided by your host.
  2. Update Your System: Always start by updating the server packages.
    bash
    sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

  3. Install Required Software: Most Discord bots are written in Node.js or Python. Install what your bot’s code requires.

  4. For Node.js:
    bash
    curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_lts.x | sudo -E bash -
    sudo apt install -y nodejs

  5. For Python:
    bash
    sudo apt install -y python3 python3-pip

3. Upload Your Bot’s Files

You have several options to get your bot’s code onto your VPS:

  • Git: If you use version control, you can pull your code directly via git clone.
  • SFTP/FTP: Tools like FileZilla can transfer files over SSH.
  • Download from Cloud: Use wget or curl to grab files from cloud storage.

Make sure all dependencies (like package.json for Node.js or requirements.txt for Python) are included.

4. Install Dependencies

Navigate to your bot’s folder and run the appropriate command:

  • Node.js:
    bash
    npm install
  • Python:
    bash
    pip3 install -r requirements.txt
    This step ensures all libraries your bot needs are available on the VPS.

5. Run Your Discord Bot

To test if everything is working:

  • For Node.js:
    bash
    node index.js
  • For Python:
    bash
    python3 bot.py

If you see a successful login or status message, congratulations! Your bot is running.

6. Keep Your Bot Running in the Background

You don’t want your bot to go offline when you close the terminal. Use a process manager:

  • Using screen:
    bash
    screen -S discordbot
    node index.js
    (Press Ctrl+A, then D to detach. Use screen -r discordbot to reattach.)

  • Using pm2 (recommended for Node.js):
    bash
    npm install -g pm2
    pm2 start index.js --name "discordbot"
    pm2 save
    pm2 startup
    pm2 automatically restarts your bot if it crashes or after a reboot.

  • For Python, try tmux or nohup:
    bash
    nohup python3 bot.py &

7. Enable Auto-Start On Boot

If you use pm2, the pm2 startup and pm2 save commands take care of it.

For other methods, add your start command to crontab:

crontab -e
# Add line (example for Python bots)
@reboot cd /path/to/bot && python3 bot.py

Key Benefits of Hosting Your Discord Bot on a VPS

  • Constant Availability: No more dropouts due to power or network issues at home.
  • Better Performance: More resources and stable networking.
  • Increased Security: Isolate your bot from your personal devices.
  • Full Control: Install updates, diagnostics, and tweaks as you see fit.

Challenges and Points to Consider

While a VPS offers great advantages, keep these challenges in mind:

  • Learning Curve: You’ll need some basic Linux knowledge and command-line skills.
  • Security: Unsecured VPSes can be targets for attacks. Always keep your server updated and consider firewall (like ufw) settings.
  • Resource Management: Monitor CPU and RAM usage to avoid crashing your bot due to resource exhaustion.
  • Costs: Even cheap VPSes cost more than running your bot for free at home or on serverless platforms, but the benefits often outweigh the expense for active projects.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

Here are some expert suggestions for a smooth hosting experience:

  • Regular Backups: Back up your code and bot data regularly to prevent loss.
  • Environment Variables: Secure your Discord token and sensitive data in environment variables or use a .env file—never hardcode them!
  • Logging: Implement logging for debugging and tracking errors.
  • Monitor Uptime: Use simple scripts or third-party services to alert you if your bot goes offline.
  • Scale Up Wisely: If your bot gets popular, upgrade your VPS resources or consider load balancing/multiple VPSes.
  • Test Locally: Before uploading updates, test them on your development machine to catch bugs early.
  • Avoid Root: Run your bot as a regular user to minimize security risks.

Cost-Saving Tips

Hosting a Discord bot doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are ways to control VPS costs:

  • Choose the Right Plan: Start with the smallest plan and scale up only if you need more power.
  • Annual Payments: Some hosts give significant discounts for yearly commitments.
  • Free Trials and Credits: Providers like Amazon AWS or Azure often offer free tiers for several months. Use these for testing or startups.
  • Spot or Promo Deals: Watch for promotional offers on hosting forums or provider websites.
  • Resource Management: Don’t over-buy. Monitor your usage and downsize if your bot doesn’t need extra CPU/RAM.

Common Issues & Solutions

  • Bot Randomly Goes Offline: Check process manager settings, system logs, and ensure you haven’t hit Discord’s rate limits.
  • High Latency: Choose a data center closer to your Discord server region, or consider VPSes known for fast networking.
  • Permission Errors: Always verify file and user permissions if you face issues running scripts.
  • Out-Of-Memory Errors: Optimize your code for efficiency and upgrade your plan if necessary.

Summary

Hosting your Discord bot on a VPS gives you ultimate control, reliability, and scalability. With the right tools and some basic Linux knowledge, you can set up, run, and maintain your bot smoothly and securely. VPS hosting is perfect for hobbyists wanting more uptime, developers testing new features, or anyone looking to take their bot project to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to know Linux to host my Discord bot on a VPS?
While most VPS servers run Linux, commands are straightforward, and many tutorials are available. Basic familiarity with the command line helps, but you don’t need to be a Linux expert.

2. How much does it cost to host a Discord bot on a VPS?
Prices vary by provider and resources. You can start for as little as $3–$7/month for a basic plan suitable for small to medium bots. Advanced bots with lots of users may require more powerful (and pricier) plans.

3. How do I ensure my Discord bot stays online after closing the SSH session?
Use process managers like pm2, screen, or tmux to keep your bot running in the background—even after you disconnect.

4. What if my bot uses extra services like databases?
You can install databases like MongoDB, MySQL, or PostgreSQL on the same VPS or use a managed cloud database service. Ensure you account for extra memory, disk, and security needs.

5. Can I use a Windows VPS to host my Discord bot?
Yes, though most guides use Linux for its stability and lower cost. Almost all popular programming languages and frameworks for Discord bots are cross-platform, so Windows will work if that’s your preference.

With these steps and tips, you’ll be prepared to host your Discord bot on a VPS confidently and efficiently. Happy coding and may your bot always be online!

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