Rancher is a complete software stack for teams adopting containers. It addresses the operational and security challenges of managing multiple Kubernetes clusters across any infrastructure, while providing DevOps teams with integrated tools for running containerized workloads. In this step by step guide I will show you how to install Rancher on your Synology NAS using Docker.

💡Note: This guide works perfectly with the latest RANCHER v2.11.2 release.

• STEP 1

Please Support My work by Making a Donation.

• STEP 2A

Install Container Manager via Synology “Package Center”. If you run an older DSM version (under 7.2), search for Docker instead of Container Manager.

• STEP 2B

Go to File Station and open the docker folder. Inside the docker folder, create one new folder and name it rancher. Follow the instructions in the image below.
Note: Be careful to enter only lowercase, not uppercase letters.

• STEP 3

Go to Control Panel / Task Scheduler / Create / Scheduled Task / User-defined script. Follow the instructions in the image below.

• STEP 4

Once you click on User-defined script a new window will open. Follow the instructions below:

1. General: In the Task field type in Install Rancher. Uncheck the “Enabled” option. Select root User.
2. Schedule: Select Run on the following date then select “Do not repeat“.
3. Task Settings: Check “Send run details by email“, add your email then copy paste the code below in the Run command area. After that click OK.

docker run -d --name=rancher \
-p 8064:80 \
-p 5443:443 \
-e CATTLE_BOOTSTRAP_PASSWORD=mariushosting \
-v /volume1/docker/rancher:/var/lib/rancher \
--privileged \
--restart always \
rancher/rancher

Note: Before you paste the code above in the Run command area, change the value for CATTLE_BOOTSTRAP_PASSWORD and add your own password.
Note: mariushosting is an example of a password. You have to insert your own password.

• STEP 5

After you click OK on STEP 4 a new warning pop up window will open. Click OK.

After you click OK, type in your DSM Password then click Submit. Follow the instructions in the image below.

• STEP 6

After you click Submit on STEP 5, select your “Install Rancher” Task then click the “Run” tab. You will be asked to run Install Rancher – click OK. Follow the instructions in the image below.

• STEP 7

Make sure you have a synology.me Wildcard Certificate. Follow my guide to get a Wildcard Certificate. If you already have a synology.me Wildcard certificate, skip this STEP.

• STEP 8

Go to Control Panel / Login Portal / Advanced Tab / click Reverse Proxy. Follow the instructions in the image below.

• STEP 9

Now click the “Create” button. Follow the instructions in the image below.

• STEP 10

After you click the Create button, the window below will open. Follow the instructions in the image below.

On the General area, set the Reverse Proxy Name description: type in Rancher. After that, add the following instructions:

Source:
Protocol: HTTPS
Hostname: rancher.yourname.synology.me
Port: 443

Check Enable HSTS

Destination:
Protocol: HTTP
Hostname: localhost
Port: 8064

• STEP 11

Activate WebSocket. Go to Control Panel / Login Portal / select your Reverse Proxy then click the Custom Header tab. Click Create and then, from the drop-down menu, click on WebSocket. After you click on WebSocket, two Header Names and two Values will be automatically added. Click Save. Follow the instructions in the image below.

• STEP 12

🟢Please Support My work by Making a Donation. Almost 99,9% of the people that install something using my guides forget to support my work, or just ignore STEP 1. I’ve been very honest about this aspect of my work since the beginning: I don’t run any ADS, I don’t require subscriptions, paid or otherwise, I don’t collect IPs, emails, and I don’t have any referral links from Amazon or other merchants. I also don’t have any POP-UPs or COOKIES. I have repeatedly been told over the years how much I have contributed to the community. It’s something I love doing and have been honest about my passion since the beginning. But I also Need The Community to Support me Back to be able to continue doing this work.

• STEP 13

The installation process can take up to a few seconds/minutes. It will depend on your Internet speed connection. Now open your browser and type in https://rancher.yourname.synology.me Add your own Password which you have chosen at STEP 4. Click Log in. Follow the instructions in the image below.

• STEP 14

Confirm your Server URL. Click Continue. Follow the instructions in the image below.

• STEP 15

After you click Continue on STEP 14, click Local. Follow the instructions in the image below.

• STEP 16

Rancher is installed on your Synology NAS.

The Rancher Cluster Dashboard.

Dark Mode Dashboard.

Enjoy Rancher!

🆘TROUBLESHOOTING

If you encounter issues by using this container, make sure to check out the Common Docker issues article.

Note: Can I run Docker on my Synology NAS? See the supported models.
Note: How to Back Up Docker Containers on your Synology NAS.
Note: Find out how to update the Rancher container with the latest image.
Note: How to Free Disk Space on Your NAS if You Run Docker.
Note: How to Schedule Start & Stop For Docker Containers.
Note: How to Activate Email Notifications.
Note: How to Add Access Control Profile on Your NAS.
Note: How to Change Docker Containers Restart Policy.
Note: How to Use Docker Containers With VPN.
Note: Convert Docker Run Into Docker Compose.
Note: How to Clean Docker.
Note: How to Clean Docker Automatically.
Note: Best Practices When Using Docker and DDNS.
Note: Some Docker Containers Need WebSocket.
Note: Find out the Best NAS Models For Docker.
Note: Activate Gmail SMTP For Docker Containers.

This post was updated on Tuesday / June 24th, 2025 at 10:48 AM