Question

How do I make my Docker container restart automatically if it crashes?

Posted on March 19, 2025
Docker
Asked by 5451d0e45f6b4c8796f9561bf01326

I have a Docker container running on my Droplet, and I’d like it to restart automatically if it crashes or the server reboots. What’s the best way to configure that? Is there a specific Docker command or setting I should use?

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Bobby Iliev

Site Moderator

• March 20, 2025

Accepted Answer

Hey there 👋

You can use the --restart flag when running your container to make it restart automatically. For example:

docker run --restart unless-stopped your-image-name

This tells Docker to always restart the container unless you manually stop it. Super useful for making sure your app stays up, even after a reboot or crash.

If you’re just getting started with Docker, check out this free Docker eBook that covers this and a lot more: 👉 https://github.com/bobbyiliev/introduction-to-docker-ebook

Hope that helps!

- Bobby