qBittorrent in Docker on a Synology NAS

Unlocking the Power of Self-Hosting with qBittorrent

In the world of self-hosting, qBittorrent stands out as a robust torrent downloader designed to simplify both downloading and seeding activities. If you want to harness the full potential of your own server, this guide will walk you through the effortless setup of qBittorrent using Docker. Let’s explore the essentials of self-hosting, setting up folders, configuring containers, and much more.

What is qBittorrent?

qBittorrent is an efficient torrent downloader that combines torrent management and seeding functions into one user-friendly interface. Whether you’re an experienced user or a newcomer, qBittorrent offers a versatile solution for downloading large files securely and effectively. To maximize your setup, consider integrating a VPN. Check out the GlueTUN guide on the left menu for a seamless combination!

Essential Links for Your Journey

• Linuxserver qBittorrent Container GitHub
• qBittorrent Forums

Getting Started with qBittorrent and Docker

This guide will take you through each step of installing qBittorrent in Docker. Before diving in, ensure you have completed the three preceding guides to maximize your success.

Folder Setup for qBittorrent

First, let’s create the necessary folders that the qBittorrent container will use. Launch File Station and establish the following structure:

• /docker/projects/qbit-compose
• /docker/qbittorrent

Creating a Project in Container Manager

Next, open Container Manager to set up a ‘Project’. This allows multiple containers to load together using Docker Compose:

1. Select “Project” and click “Create”.
2. In the General Settings, enter:
• Project Name: qbit-project
• Path: /docker/projects/qbit-compose
• Source: Create docker-compose.yml

Docker Compose Configuration

Now you’ll need to input your Docker Compose configuration. Copy the following code and paste it into line ‘1’:

services:
  qbittorrent:
    image: linuxserver/qbittorrent:latest
    container_name: qbittorrent
    environment:
      - PUID=1234 #CHANGE_TO_YOUR_UID
      - PGID=65432 #CHANGE_TO_YOUR_GID
      - TZ=Europe/London #CHANGE_TO_YOUR_TZ
      - WEBUI_PORT=8090
      - TORRENTING_PORT=9854
    volumes:
      - /volume1/docker/qbittorrent:/config
      - /volume1/data/torrents:/data/torrents
    ports:
      - 9854:9854/tcp
      - 9854:9854/udp
      - 8090:8090/tcp
    network_mode: synobridge
    restart: always

Configuring Environment Variables

Now, let’s adjust the key variables to ensure qBittorrent accesses your folders correctly:

• Ensure the PUID and PGID correspond to your user account.
• WEBUI_PORT should be set to 8090, while TORRENTING_PORT is set at 9854.

Firewall Exceptions

If you have a firewall enabled, ensure you follow the setup guides to create the necessary exceptions to allow traffic through ports 9854 and 8090.

Changing Login Credentials

Before proceeding, it’s crucial to change the default WebUI login credentials to secure your qBittorrent container:

1. Access the Docker UI and review the logs to find your default login.
2. Log into the WebUI via your NAS IP followed by port 8090 and change the credentials immediately.

Router Port Forwarding

For optimal connectivity, perform port forwarding for TCP and UDP on port 9854. Check your router’s manual, as configurations can vary greatly.

Finalizing qBittorrent Setup

Once installed, ensure qBittorrent uses your specified file paths for downloads:

• Keep Incomplete Torrents at: /data/torrents/incomplete
• Default Save Path: /data/torrents/completed

Additionally, avoid exposing the WebUI directly to the internet. Implement solutions like Tailscale or WireGuard for secure access.

FAQs About Self-Hosting qBittorrent

Here are some common questions that arise when self-hosting qBittorrent:

Q: What does it mean if my torrents show an ‘errored’ status?

This often indicates a permissions issue. Check your User and Group settings to resolve this.

Q: Why is my connection established, but nothing is downloading?

Try accessing the Ubuntu torrent to test your download capability, as it typically has a high number of seeds available.

Join Our Community

If you run into issues or need assistance, feel free to join our Discord community. Share tips, ask questions, and learn more about self-hosting.

Last updated on 21 April 2025

Read the original article