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Deploy Suwayomi Server with PostgreSQL and Docker Compose

·605 words·3 mins·
Self-Hosted Suwayomi Docker Postgresql Flaresolverr
Table of Contents

In this guide, you’ll learn how to deploy Suwayomi Server with PostgreSQL using Docker Compose. PostgreSQL provides better reliability and scalability than the default SQLite database, making it a good choice for larger libraries and long-term deployments.

By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a fully functional Suwayomi Server with persistent storage and a PostgreSQL backend

What you need (Prerequisites) :
#

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • Docker installed
  • Docker Compose installed
  • At least 2 GB RAM
  • A Linux server (Ubuntu, Debian, Alpine, etc.)

Docker Compose Overview
#

The compose file contains three services:

  • Suwayomi Server
  • PostgreSQL
  • FlareSolverr (optional)

Suwayomi server
#

This container hosts the application.

PostgreSQL
#

Stores metadata, users, and manga information.

FlareSolverr
#

Optional. Required only if some extensions need Cloudflare bypass.

Why Use PostgreSQL?
#

Suwayomi Server supports multiple database backends. While SQLite is suitable for testing and small libraries, PostgreSQL offers several advantages:

  • Better performance with large libraries
  • Improved reliability
  • Concurrent database access
  • Easier backup and recovery
  • Better scalability for long-term use

Create the docker-compose.yml File
#

---
services:
  suwayomi:
    image: ghcr.io/suwayomi/suwayomi-server:preview
    user: 1000:1000
    environment:
      - TZ=${TZ:-Etc/UTC} # Add a TZ variable to .env to change it
      - DATABASE_TYPE=POSTGRESQL
      - DATABASE_URL=postgresql://postgresql:5432/${POSTGRES_DB}
      - DATABASE_USERNAME=${POSTGRES_USER}
      - DATABASE_PASSWORD=${POSTGRES_PASSWORD}
      - FLARESOLVERR_ENABLED=true
      - FLARESOLVERR_URL=http://flaresolverr:8191

    depends_on:
      postgresql:
        condition: service_healthy
        #restart: true
    volumes:
      - ./data:/home/suwayomi/.local/share/Tachidesk
    ports:
      - "4567:4567"
    restart: on-failure:3

  postgresql:
    image: postgres:17.6
    environment:
      - POSTGRES_USER=${POSTGRES_USER}
      - POSTGRES_PASSWORD=${POSTGRES_PASSWORD}
      - PGDATA=/data/postgres
      - POSTGRES_DB=${POSTGRES_DB}
      - TZ=${TZ:-Etc/UTC}
      - PGTZ=${TZ:-Etc/UTC}
    volumes:
      - ./postgres:/data/postgres
    restart: unless-stopped
    healthcheck:
      test: ["CMD-SHELL", "pg_isready -d ${POSTGRES_DB} -U ${POSTGRES_USER}"]
      interval: 10s
      timeout: 5s
      retries: 5
      start_period: 30s
  
  flaresolverr:
    image: ghcr.io/thephaseless/byparr:latest
    environment:
      - TZ=${TZ:-Etc/UTC}
    restart: unless-stopped

Environment variable Example
#

environment variable

VariableDescription
TZContainer timezone
POSTGRES_DBDatabase name
POSTGRES_USERPostgreSQL username
POSTGRES_PASSWORDDatabase password

Create the .env File
#

touch .env

copy this to .env

# ================================
# Global
# ================================
TZ=UTC

# ================================
# PostgreSQL Database
# ================================
POSTGRES_DB=suwayomi
POSTGRES_USER=suwayomi
POSTGRES_PASSWORD=Z9!aQ2Lk7rP#3dS

# ================================
# Optional (advanced)
# ================================
# If you later want to move DB to another server:
# DATABASE_HOST=postgresql
# DATABASE_PORT=5432

Create the Data Directory
#

This directory that will store Suwayomi’s data outside the container.

mkdir data
sudo chown -R 1000:1000 data

Directory layout
#

project/
├── docker-compose.yml
├── .env
├── data/
└── postgres/
PathPurpose
docker-compose.ymlDefines all containers
.envStores environment variables
data/Suwayomi application data
postgres/PostgreSQL database files

Pull the required container images:

docker compose pull

Start the services in detached mode:

docker compose up -d

Verify the Deployment
#

Check that all containers are running:

docker compose ps

Example output:

NAME                      IMAGE                                      COMMAND                  SERVICE        CREATED         STATUS                             PORTS
suwayomi-flaresolverr-1   ghcr.io/thephaseless/byparr:latest         "uv run main.py"         flaresolverr   5 minutes ago   Up 23 seconds (health: starting)   8191/tcp
suwayomi-postgresql-1     postgres:17.6                              "docker-entrypoint.s…"   postgresql     5 minutes ago   Up 23 seconds (healthy)            5432/tcp
suwayomi-suwayomi-1       ghcr.io/suwayomi/suwayomi-server:preview   "tini -- /home/suway…"   suwayomi       5 minutes ago   Up 17 seconds                      0.0.0.0:4567->4567/tcp, [::]:4567->4567/tcp

Open your browser:

http://localhost:4567

or

http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:4567

Conclusion
#

You have successfully deployed Suwayomi Server with PostgreSQL using Docker Compose.

This setup provides:

  • Persistent storage
  • A dedicated PostgreSQL database
  • Optional Cloudflare bypass with FlareSolverr
  • Easy upgrades using Docker Compose

For production deployments, consider placing Suwayomi behind an Nginx reverse proxy and enabling HTTPS with Let’s Encrypt.

Frequently Asked Questions
#

Can I use SQLite instead?
#

Yes. SQLite is suitable for smaller libraries, but PostgreSQL is recommended for better reliability and scalability.

Is FlareSolverr required?
#

No. It is only needed for extensions that require Cloudflare bypass.

Can I change the PostgreSQL password later?
#

Yes. Update the .env file and restart the containers.

Can I expose Suwayomi to the Internet?
#

Yes. Use a reverse proxy such as Nginx and enable HTTPS with Let’s Encrypt.

Youcef
Author
Youcef
My name is youcef and i’m linux user who fool in love with linux , like free and open software .