Synology: 30 Second Watchtower Install Using Task Scheduler & Docker

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Synology 30 Second Watchtower Install Using Task Scheduler Docker

Do you want to install Watchtower via Docker without a terminal? Are you tired of complicated guides? Do you want something quick and easy? Well today I will teach you how to install Watchtower on your Synology NAS in less than 30 seconds directly through the Task Scheduler option. It’ll be over in a couple of seconds and it’s essentially child’s play. With Watchtower you can update the running version of your docker container app simply by pushing a new image to the Docker Hub or your own image registry. Watchtower will pull down your new image, gracefully shut down your existing container and restart it with the same options that were used when it was deployed initially. ⚠️Warning: Watchtower will do upgrades of your docker containers automatically. This means that, if a docker image has a bug, it might destroy some containers you already have installed. For this reason, it is vital that you make Backups of your Docker folders using Hyper Backup.

💡Note: This guide works perfectly with the latest Watchtower v1.7.1 release.

💡Note: Check out my new guide on how to Install Watchtower Using Portainer.

💡Note: Check out my new guide on how to Install Watchtower With Prometheus Integration.

💡Note: Check out my new guide on how to Install Watchtower on Your UGREEN NAS.

  • STEP 1

Please Support My work by Making a Donation.

  • STEP 2

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

Download Container Manager Synology Docker

  • STEP 3

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

Synology User Defined Script

  • 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 Watchtower“. 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=watchtower \
-v /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock \
--restart=always \
containrrr/watchtower --cleanup

Watchtower Synology NAS Set up 2 new 2023

  • STEP 5

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

Watchtower Synology NAS Set up 3

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

Synology Task Scheduler Confirm Admin Password

  • STEP 6

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

Watchtower Synology NAS Set up 4

From now on, all your Docker Containers will be automatically updated without you having to do anything.

Note: If you are a more proficient user, I recommend the following installation for Watchtower which includes Monitoring for your updated containers.

  • STEP 7

🟢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.

🆘TROUBLESHOOTING

If you encounter issues by using this container, make sure to check out the Common Docker issues article.
Warning: Do NOT update any database DB image/container.

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: Watchtower has no graphical interface; it works via Docker in the background.
Note: I recommend you also install Portainer.
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 Sunday / January 19th, 2025 at 1:09 AM

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