Docker & Self-Hosting on Raspberry Pi

Combining a Raspberry Pi with Docker is like unlocking infinite potential in a pocket-sized machine. These days, it’s easier than ever to find applications that are FOSS (Free and Open Source Software). If you’re not familiar with FOSS, feel free to check out my article about it — it’s a great first step toward digital independence.

This post is more of a reflection than a guide — where I started, what I was trying to build, and how the journey is still evolving (spoiler: it never really ends).

Where It All Began

My original idea was to set up a VPN — or more specifically, a Tailnet (we’ll get to that) — so I could stream games from my desktop gaming PC to my laptop. I tried Steam Remote Play over a Tailnet, but then I discovered Sunshine + Moonlight. Game-changing. Much smoother and more efficient.

Around the same time, I was working with my association on a website, and thought, “Why not get a Raspberry Pi for this project?” I eventually bought one, and that opened the door to the world of FOSS and self-hosting.

Step 1: Getting Your Pi

First things first — buy a Raspberry Pi. You’ll also need some accessories like a power supply, SD card, maybe an SSD if you want to go big.

⚠️ My first install? A total mess.
I followed tutorials carefully, but not fully understanding what I was doing made things more complicated. That’s where persistence comes in. You’ll mess up. That’s okay. Messing up is how you learn.

Mounting, unmounting, flashing OS images — it all felt a bit technical at first. But with some time (okay, a lot of time), I got Pi OS up and running. That was my first real dive into Linux.

Once connected via HDMI, I started experimenting — and eventually realized that everything I wanted could be done via command line.

Going Headless: SSH and Command Line Life

I ditched the HDMI setup and switched to headless mode, accessing my Pi via SSH.

🛡️ Reminder: Know your SSH basics — it’s fundamental for remote access.
At first, it was a pain (admin privileges, connection issues, etc.), but now it’s as easy as typing my username. Here’s a helpful resource to get you started:
👉 [Link to SSH tutorial]

Enter Docker

Now the fun part begins. Docker is a tool that lets you run apps in isolated environments called containers. You manage them using a file called docker-compose.yml — a simple YAML configuration that defines what runs, how, and where.

I recommend starting with Portainer, a web interface to manage Docker containers. Trust me, setting everything up manually without a UI was a nightmare. Portainer makes it way more beginner-friendly.

🧱 Setup Checklist:

  • A valid docker-compose.yml file
  • Well-managed network configuration
  • Clear folder paths for your app data
  • A system for updates (like crontab or Watchtower)
  • Strong admin credentials

My Current Setup

💻 Device: Raspberry Pi 5
💽 Storage: 500GB SSD
🧠 RAM: 8GB
🧾 OS: PiLiteOS

📦 Apps I’ve Installed (via Portainer):

  • Nextcloud – personal cloud storage
  • Bitwarden – password manager
  • Firefly III – personal finance
  • Tandoor Recipes – recipe management

🔐 Apps I Run Outside Portainer (for extra security):

  • Pi-hole – blocks ads and tracking across your network
  • Traefik – reverse proxy to manage routes
  • Tailscale – to create a private Tailnet

⚠️ Important:
Pi-hole is super powerful, but it needs careful setup — especially your router’s admin settings and port forwarding rules if you want your services to be public.

🌐 What’s a Tailnet?

A Tailnet is a private mesh network between your devices — like a VPN but easier to manage. It doesn’t tunnel traffic through a central server, but connects devices securely as peers.
For example, you can SSH into your Pi from anywhere, or access your Nextcloud while you’re on vacation.

Final Tips: Security & Stability

  • 🔁 Backups: Always back up your data. Keep at least one copy off-site.
  • ☁️ Cloud fallback: Use a trusted cloud provider as a secondary backup if you’re not 100% self-hosted.
  • 🔒 Close unused ports: Only expose what’s necessary (like your public website). Keep sensitive apps within your Tailnet.
  • 🧠 Stay informed: Keep learning. The self-hosting community is huge and super helpful.

🤖 What’s Next?

At this point, you’re in control of your digital life. You’re running your own cloud, your own password vault, and your own personal web — and it’s all hosted by you. That’s powerful.

🧱 I’ll share a diagram or screenshots of my setup soon — stay tuned!

This post is part personal reflection, part call to action. If you’ve made it this far, thank you — and maybe take one small step today to take back control of your data and privacy.