To bring a Dockerized Restreamer back after a VPS reboot, give its container a Docker restart policy and make sure the Docker service starts at boot. For most setups, use unless-stopped: Docker will restart the container unless you deliberately stopped it. Before changing anything, record the existing container settings and preserve its data mounts, ports, environment, and any hardware options.
1. Confirm how Restreamer is running
These steps apply when Restreamer runs as a Docker container on your VPS. The Restreamer Linux installation guide covers Docker deployments on 64-bit Intel/AMD systems and current Linux distributions such as Ubuntu and Debian. If your installation uses a different method, such as a manually managed process or another container platform, Docker restart policies will not control it.
Before making changes, identify the container and inspect its current configuration:
- Run
docker ps -ato find the Restreamer container, including one that is currently stopped. - Record its name or ID, image, port mappings, environment variables, mounts, and any hardware-specific runtime options. Use
docker inspect <container>to review its configuration and current restart policy. - Check that configuration and data are stored persistently. Restreamer’s guide shows host directories mounted into
/core/configand/core/data; preserve the actual paths used by your deployment.
Do not recreate a container from a shortened example unless you have accounted for all the options in your existing configuration.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
2. Set a restart policy on the container
Update the existing container
If the container already exists and was not created with --rm, update its policy without recreating it:
docker update --restart unless-stopped <container>
Replace <container> with the name or ID shown by docker ps -a. Docker documents this command for changing a container’s restart policy. Check the result with docker inspect <container>; the policy is shown under the container’s host configuration.
Rank #2
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 16GB with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (16GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
Set the policy when recreating the container
If you need to recreate the container, include --restart unless-stopped in the new docker run command and carry over the current image, mounts, ports, environment, and runtime options. Do not add --rm: Docker says that using --restart together with --rm results in an error. This is especially worth noting because the Restreamer Quick Start example includes both flags; adjust it before using that example to create a container that should restart automatically.
Restreamer’s Linux guide shows common examples including web access on ports 8080 and 8181, RTMP on 1935, RTMPS on 1936, and SRT on UDP 6000. These are examples, not a replacement for your own settings: retain the host-side mappings and protocols your installation actually uses.
Rank #3
- CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Essentials Starter Kit
3. Choose between unless-stopped and always
| Policy | What happens after a manual stop | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
unless-stopped |
A container you manually stopped stays stopped when the Docker daemon restarts. | Choose it when an intentional stop should remain in effect across a VPS reboot. |
always |
Docker restarts a stopped container when the daemon restarts, including one previously stopped manually. After a manual stop, it restarts only when the daemon or container is manually restarted. | Choose it when the container should resume after Docker restarts, even if it had been manually stopped. |
Both policies are Docker-supported ways to start containers automatically when they exit or when Docker restarts. Restreamer’s Linux guide uses --restart=always in its guidance, but the right choice depends on whether you want a manual stop to persist. See Docker’s container run reference for the policy behavior.
4. Ensure Docker starts when the VPS boots
A container policy can act only when Docker is running. Docker says Debian and Ubuntu start Docker at boot by default. On other systemd-based Linux distributions, Docker’s Linux post-installation steps give these commands to enable Docker and containerd at startup:
Rank #4
- All-in-One Complete Kit: This SANOOV RPi 5 bundle comes with Raspberry Pi 5 4GB RAM single board, active cooler, durable ABS case and screwdriver. No extra parts needed, ready to use right out of the box for beginners and hobbyists
- Powerful Single Board Computer: Equipped with 4GB RAM and high-performance processor, delivers fast running speed for 4K playback, AI projects, programming and daily computing tasks. SANOOV for raspberry pi 5 4GB is equipped with broadcom 64 quad-core Arm Cortex A76 processor with gigabit ethernet and upgraded with IEEE 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 dual-band 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz and Power Over Ethernet (POE). Upgrading delivers 2-3 x speed vs Pi 4, redefining the experience
- Efficient Active Cooler: Effectively lowers operating temperature and prevents performance throttling. Runs quietly even under long-time heavy load, ensures stable operation all day long. SANOOV RPi 5 4GB kit offer an active cooler, which combines an aluminium heatsink with a high-performance PWM fan. Active cooler is fully compatible with the Pi OS, which can effectively reduce the temperature of RPi5 and ensure its good performance during long-term high load operation
- Sturdy ABS Protective Case: Well-fitted for Raspberry Pi 5 board, can be secured with 4 screws to effectively protect the Pi 5 motherboard from damage, reserves full access to all ports and buttons. SANOOV uses ABS material to produce the case, which has a softer texture and feel. Meanwhile, SANOOV case adopts a layered design for easy disassembly and installation. (Tip: The Case cannot install M.2 HAT Add on Board and Solid State Drive!)
- Wide Application & Full Compatibility: Seamlessly compatible with official OS and mainstream peripheral accessories for Raspberry Pi 5. Whether you are a beginner, student, electronics hobbyist or professional developer, this all-in-one kit meets your diverse needs. It excels in IoT projects, robotics design, retro gaming devices, home media servers and other DIY creations. Backed by a large global community, you can easily find guides, technical support and shared projects online
sudo systemctl enable docker.service
sudo systemctl enable containerd.service
Check your VPS distribution and how Docker was installed before changing service startup. You can inspect Docker’s service state with systemctl status docker; enabling a service for boot and checking whether it is running now are separate checks.
Recommended Free Tools
Best Value
- 【What you Get】You will get 1*Pi 5 8GB Single Board,1*RasTech Case,1*Active Cooler,1*Screwdriver,1*Installation instructions,12-month free warranty, lifetime service, 24-hour prompt and friendly response.
- 【More Connectors】There are two USB 3.0 ports(5Gbps simultaneously) and two USB 2.0 ports, which triple total bandwidth ,support any combination of up to two cameras or displays. Peak SD card performance is doubled through support for the SDR104 high-speed mode. It provides a smooth desktop experience for you. Offer Gigabit Ethernet and a PCIe interface, along with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0/BLE wireless capability. The RasTech Pi 5 Kit use the new 27W 5.1V 5A USB-C power connector.
- 【 Support Dual 4Kp60 Display 】Each of the two microHDMI sockets can control a 4K display at 60 Hertz, now support HDR, offering super HD video for media streaming projects. RPi 5 is the first RPi model that comes with a PCI Express port (PCIe 2.0 x1 with 500 MB/s) to attach SSDs (requires separate M.2 HAT).
- 【 Excellent Chips And Applications】Pi 5 is a full-size Pi computer using silicon built in-house at Pi. The RP1 “southbridge” provides the bulk of the I/O capabilities for Pi 5. Pi 5 is more friendly and convenient in the development of Internet of Things, Web development, machine identification, automatic control and other electronic equipment applications and network.
- 【 Faster CPU, Better GPU 】 Pi 5 features a Broadcom BCM2712 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz, it delivers a 2–3× increase in CPU performance relative to RaspberryPi 4. The 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU is compatible to OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, substantial uplift in graphics performance. Pi 5 Offers lightning-fast CPU speed, a PCI Express interface, a Real Time Clock (RTC) and a power button and runs significantly cooler than Pi 4.
5. Verify the setup after reboot
- Reboot the VPS using your provider’s console or the normal system method for your distribution.
- After the server is reachable, run
docker ps. Confirm Restreamer appears as running. - If it is absent, run
docker ps -ato see whether the container exited, then inspect it withdocker inspect <container>for its state, restart policy, and restart count. - Review container logs with
docker logs <container>. If necessary, check Docker events and the Docker service logs for evidence of daemon startup or container failures. - Test Restreamer’s web interface and the stream path you rely on. A running container alone does not establish that an upstream source is available or that streaming is healthy.
6. Troubleshoot if Restreamer does not return
- Docker is not running after the reboot: Check
systemctl status dockerand confirm that Docker is enabled for boot on your distribution. Enable the appropriate services only after verifying the installation method. - The container is stopped but has no restart policy: Inspect the policy with
docker inspect <container>, then usedocker update --restart unless-stopped <container>if the container was not created with--rm. - The container was created with
--rm: Docker does not allow setting a restart policy on that container, and--rmcannot be combined with--restartat creation. Recreate it without--rm, preserving the existing run configuration. - It exits immediately on its first start: Docker’s restart policy takes effect only after the container has started successfully and Docker has monitored it for at least 10 seconds. Inspect logs and the container configuration to diagnose the startup failure; a policy does not fix a bad configuration.
- The container is running but Restreamer is unreachable: Check the preserved port mappings, firewall rules, and whether the expected address and protocol are available. A restart policy does not restore missing network connectivity.
- The interface works but the stream does not: Check Restreamer’s logs and the upstream source. Docker can restart the application, but the policy does not establish that the source is ready or repair application-level problems.
For production deployments, Restreamer’s official recommendations strongly recommend its official Docker images to reduce dependency and operating-system mismatch issues. That recommendation does not establish one release tag as the latest or best choice for every VPS.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a continuous YouTube stream from uploaded video rather than managing a VPS, StreamNeo runs the loop from the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It streams uploaded videos to YouTube, not a live camera feed.
Quick Recap
- Each slot streams the video as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot.
- It can recover automatically if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
- Monthly pricing: $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo day.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
