Nextcloud is the leading open-source platform for files, calendars, contacts, and collaboration – your private cloud on your own domain. On WebRock you don’t need a manual download, FTP upload, or custom database configuration: the App Installer in your dashboard handles setup for you.
What you need first
- An active WebRock hosting account
- At least one domain in WebRock (create or connect it under Domains)
- SSL on that domain (Let’s Encrypt) – Nextcloud expects HTTPS; without a certificate, login and sync become unnecessarily painful
Without a domain, the installer has no target. Add the domain first and ideally enable SSL.
How to install Nextcloud
1. Open Apps
Sign in to the WebRock dashboard and go to Apps (under Management).
You’ll see the catalog of available applications – including Nextcloud.
2. Select Nextcloud
Use the search (“Search apps…”) and type Nextcloud. Click Install on Nextcloud.
3. Choose domain and credentials
In the dialog, set:
- Domain – where your cloud should be reachable (Note: existing files in the web root may be overwritten. Use an empty domain or one you intentionally dedicate to Nextcloud.)
- Site name / display name – label for your instance (editable later)
- Admin email – for the Nextcloud administrator
- Admin password – a strong password for the first admin login
4. Start installation
Click Start installation. The process runs in the background and can take a few minutes – Nextcloud is larger than a simple website; the dashboard shows progress.
When it’s done you can:
- Open the cloud in your browser
- Sign in with the admin credentials you chose
Why use the App Installer?
| Manual setup | With WebRock Apps |
|---|---|
| Download Nextcloud & upload via SFTP | One click in the dashboard |
| Create the database and enter credentials yourself | Automatic |
| Check PHP modules, write permissions, and cron | Tuned for your hosting |
| Easy to stumble on first-time configuration | Installer handles the basics |
In short: you start with a hosting-ready Nextcloud instance and can focus on apps, users, and content.
Tips after installation
- Sign in as admin once and store your credentials safely.
- Configure the default apps you need (Files, Calendar, Contacts, etc.).
- For desktop and mobile: use the official Nextcloud clients; the server URL is your domain with HTTPS.
- Keep Nextcloud and installed apps up to date.
- For email notifications, create a mailbox under WebRock Mail and configure it as SMTP in Nextcloud.
Need help?
If the installer fails or Nextcloud is missing from the catalog, open a support ticket – we’re happy to help.