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. Non-standard ports pass providers more reliably than default 5223. You get ready addresses and help adding them in the app.
- Your SMP
- XFTP + calls
- Non-standard ports
- No server-side history
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.
- More resilient to blocks Non-standard mail-related ports are rarely filtered. Default 5223 often fails — even behind a VPN.
- 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 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 |
Non-standard ports are used — ones related to mail and other common protocols that providers rarely block, unlike SimpleX’s default port 5223.
After setup you get ready server addresses and guidance on adding them in the SimpleX Chat app.
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
- Non-standard ports (mail-related and similar) — less likely to be blocked than 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
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
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.
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.
Payment
Payment: USDT-ERC20.
FAQ
Does this work where SimpleX is blocked?
Non-standard ports related to mail protocols (IMAPS/POP3S and similar) are rarely blocked. SimpleX’s default port 5223 often is — so we do not use it. Blocks can still happen: even with a VPN, public SimpleX servers are sometimes unreachable.
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.
How long does setup take?
Usually within one business day after VPS access and scope agreement. Timing depends on the server and network readiness.