How to Set Up and Use Nextcloud on Nife Deploy

Nextcloud is an open-source, self-hosted file sharing and collaboration platform that gives you full control over your data.
It allows users to store, share, and collaborate on files securely — similar to Google Drive or Dropbox, but fully private.
Deploy it easily in just a few clicks using Nife Deploy.

How to Deploy Nextcloud on Oikos#

Access the Platform#

Navigate to OpenHub#

  • On the sidebar, click on OpenHub to explore available applications.

Search for the App#

  • In the OpenHub search bar, type Nextcloud.
  • Locate the Nextcloud application from the results.

Start Deployment#

  • Hover over the Nextcloud app card.
  • Click on Deploy.

Wait for Deployment Completion#

  • The deployment process usually takes a few moments.
  • Once completed, you will see an Open App button.

Accessing Nextcloud#

  • Click Open App to open your Nextcloud instance.
  • The setup wizard will appear for the first-time configuration.

How to Configure Nextcloud#

When you open Nextcloud for the first time, you’ll be guided through an initial setup screen.

1. Create Admin Account#

  • Enter a username and password for the administrator account.
  • This account will be used to manage users, apps, and settings.

2. Configure Database#

  • In the setup screen, choose MySQL/MariaDB (recommended).
  • Provide the following credentials (from your environment variables or setup form):
    • Database User: nextcloud_user
    • Database Password: (your chosen password)
    • Database Name: nextcloud
    • Host: mysql or the database service name used during deployment

If MySQL was deployed along with Nextcloud, you can find these values in the deployment environment configuration.

3. Storage Location#

  • Nextcloud stores uploaded files inside /var/www/html/data.
  • This path is mounted as a persistent volume, so your files remain safe even after redeployment or restarts.

4. Complete Setup#

  • Click Finish Setup.
  • Nextcloud will initialize the database and create necessary tables.
  • Once done, you’ll be redirected to the Nextcloud dashboard.

How to Use Nextcloud#

1. Upload and Manage Files#

  • Drag and drop files or folders directly into your Nextcloud web interface.
  • Files are automatically synced to your server’s storage volume.

2. Create and Share Folders#

  • Create new folders to organize files.
  • Share links with team members or external users with password protection and expiration options.

3. Collaborate on Documents#

  • Install collaboration apps like OnlyOffice or Collabora Online for real-time editing of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

4. Sync with Desktop and Mobile#

  • Download the Nextcloud Desktop Client or Mobile App.
  • Log in using your instance URL to sync files automatically between devices.

5. Manage Users and Groups#

  • Navigate to Settings → Users.
  • Add new users, set roles (Admin/User), and assign groups for collaboration.

6. Extend with Apps#

  • Nextcloud has a rich App Store with plugins for:
    • Calendars and Contacts (CalDAV & CardDAV)
    • Notes, Tasks, and Bookmarks
    • End-to-end encryption and security tools

7. Monitor System Status#

  • Go to Settings → Overview to check system health, performance, and storage usage.

Official Documentation#

For advanced setup