> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.repocloud.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Deploy as VPS

> Any container app with a GitHub link can be deployed as a VPS instead, giving you root access and SSH

## Deploy as VPS Toggle

The deploy-as-VPS toggle lets you take any application in the RepoCloud marketplace that has a linked GitHub repository and deploy it as a dedicated VPS instead of a managed container. This gives you the convenience of the one-click catalog combined with the full control of a VPS deployment.

## How It Works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Find an Application">
    Browse the [RepoCloud marketplace](https://repocloud.io/results) and click **Deploy Now** on any application.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable the VPS Toggle">
    On the deploy page, look for the **Deploy as VPS** toggle. This toggle appears on any application that has a linked GitHub repository.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tier Selection Changes">
    When the toggle is enabled:

    * The \$3 Tier 1 is disabled (VPS apps require at least \$6/month, Tier 2)
    * The tier selection auto-adjusts to the first eligible VPS tier
    * The form shows VPS-specific pricing and features
  </Step>

  <Step title="Redirect to AI Deploy">
    Clicking **Deploy** redirects you to the [AI Deploy](/deployment/ai-deploy) page with the application's GitHub repository URL pre-filled. The AI agent handles the rest — provisioning a VPS, analyzing the repository, and deploying the application.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  The deploy-as-VPS toggle is only available for applications that have a public GitHub repository linked in the RepoCloud catalog. Applications without a GitHub link do not show the toggle.
</Note>

## What Changes with VPS Deployment

When you deploy as VPS instead of a container:

| Aspect            | Container (default)          | VPS (toggle enabled)                |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| Server access     | Web dashboard only           | Full root SSH + browser console     |
| Deployment method | One-click container template | AI agent deploys from GitHub source |
| Minimum tier      | Tier 1 (\$3/mo)              | Tier 2 (\$6/mo)                     |
| Autoscaling       | Available                    | Not available                       |
| Snapshots         | Not available                | Up to 5 snapshots                   |
| Dedicated IPv4    | No                           | Yes, included                       |
| Updates           | One-click Rebuild            | Manual via SSH                      |
| Deposit required  | No                           | \$1 minimum deposit                 |

## Requirements

The same requirements as [AI Deploy](/deployment/ai-deploy) apply:

* A RepoCloud account with a verified email
* \$1 minimum deposit (free sign-up credit cannot be used for VPS)
* The application must have a public GitHub repository

## Use Cases

The deploy-as-VPS toggle is useful when you want:

* **Root access** to an application you would normally deploy as a container — for example, to customize system-level configuration, install additional packages, or run background services
* **SSH access** for debugging or development workflows
* **Snapshots** for point-in-time backups before making risky changes
* **Dedicated IPv4** for applications that need direct IP access or A-record DNS

## Next Steps

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="AI Deploy" icon="robot" href="/deployment/ai-deploy">
    Learn more about the AI-powered deployment process
  </Card>

  <Card title="VPS Apps" icon="server" href="/deployment/vps-apps">
    Explore the pre-configured VPS templates
  </Card>

  <Card title="Container Apps" icon="box" href="/deployment/container-apps">
    Learn about the standard container deployment path
  </Card>
</CardGroup>