from $60
I deploy the private messenger SimpleX Chat stack on your VPS: SMP Relay, XFTP, and TURN — no third-party accounts and no chat history on the server. Ports are chosen for stable connectivity across networks. You get ready addresses and help adding them in the app.
- Your SMP
- XFTP + calls
- Non-standard ports
- No server-side history
For two people or a small group: a private messenger with no accounts and no chat history on the server. An IP is enough — a domain is optional.
Usually within one business day after VPS access and a short scope check.
After setup you get ready server addresses and guidance on adding them in the SimpleX Chat app.
- SSH access is only needed while I set things up
- You keep root and the server
- At handover: addresses, config, and a short guide
Work beyond “What’s included”, and payment for the setup, is agreed in chat before I start. There is no separate price list on the site.
Why self-host the private messenger SimpleX
- The server cannot read chats SMP and XFTP are relays. Message and file contents stay E2E on the client — unlike Matrix and Nextcloud Talk.
- Stable connectivity The server runs on common ports that are open on most networks, including corporate and guest Wi-Fi.
- Full stack, turnkey SMP + XFTP + coturn, autostart, access handover, and help wiring servers in the app.
- You keep control Everything on your VPS with root. An IP is enough. Minimum 2 vCPU / 2 GB RAM / 20 GB.
Want your own private messenger Message on Telegram
What’s included
- SMP Server (simplexchat/smp-server) — message delivery relay
- XFTP Server (simplexchat/xftp-server) — file and media transfers
- coturn — STUN/TURN for voice and video calls
- Common ports that are open on most networks — instead of SimpleX’s default port 5223
- Autostart, basic hardening, and health checks
- Ready server addresses plus help adding them in the app
- Handover of access, config, and a short guide
What you need
- VPS/VDS with a public IP and SSH access
- Minimum: 2 vCPU / 2 GB RAM / 20 GB disk
- Recommended OS: Ubuntu or Debian
- An IP address is enough — a domain is optional
- SimpleX Chat client — download from the official site simplex.chat
- I can help pick a VPS if needed
How it works
- Message me Describe the service and your VPS (OS, domain, goals).
- Agree on scope We confirm what’s included, optional extras, and timing.
- Setup & handover I deploy, verify, and pass access, config, and a short guide.
Install details
What gets installed
| Service | Image | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| SMP Server | simplexchat/smp-server |
Message delivery relay |
| XFTP Server | simplexchat/xftp-server |
File and media transfers |
| coturn | coturn/coturn |
STUN/TURN for voice calls |
Instead of SimpleX’s default port 5223, ports of common protocols are used: they are open on most networks, including corporate and guest Wi-Fi where uncommon ports are often firewalled.
App setup examples
SMP and XFTP servers
Settings → Network & servers → SMP servers (and XFTP similarly). Exact addresses with fingerprints are provided after setup.
smp://<fingerprint>@your-server.com:<port>
xftp://<fingerprint>@your-server.com:<port>TURN for voice calls
Settings → Privacy & security → WebRTC ICE servers → disable defaults → add yours. The TURN password is provided at handover.
turn:simplex:<password>@your-server.com:<port>?transport=udp
turn:simplex:<password>@your-server.com:<port>?transport=tcp
stun:your-server.com:<port>Security
- TURN password is randomly generated on each install
- Credentials file is created with owner-only permissions
- SMP and XFTP use their own TLS certificates (generated on first start)
- Message and file contents are not readable by the server — E2E on the client
Important
The price covers setup work only. VPS/VDS rent, domain, DNS, traffic, disk space, and other hosting fees are paid by you directly to the provider.
FAQ
Why not the default port 5223?
Uncommon ports like 5223 are often closed on corporate networks, guest Wi-Fi and by some providers. So the server runs on ports of common protocols (IMAPS/POP3S and similar) that are open almost everywhere.
Do I need a domain, or is an IP enough?
An IP is enough. A domain is optional and not strictly required.
What about push notifications?
SimpleX push goes through simplex.im servers. If they are unavailable, switch the app to Periodic mode so it polls your SMP server without third-party push.
How is SimpleX different from Matrix and Nextcloud Talk?
SimpleX is a private messenger: it does not store chat contents on the server — relays only. Matrix/Element and Nextcloud Talk keep accounts, rooms, and message history on the server.
Do I need my own VPS?
Yes. Setup runs on your server. Minimum: 2 vCPU / 2 GB RAM / 20 GB. I can help choose a suitable VPS if needed.
Is there a DIY guide?
Yes — “SimpleX Chat: a private messenger and your own server” on this site covers how it works, plus SMP, XFTP, and calls. This service is for a turnkey result without doing the install yourself.
How long does setup take?
Usually within one business day after VPS access and scope agreement. Timing depends on the server and network readiness.
Guide on this site
SimpleX Chat: a private messenger and your own server
How SimpleX works, and how to run your own SMP, XFTP, and calls. If you want a turnkey result — order the setup from me.