How do I connect to PostgreSQL running in Docker?

Use host localhost, the port you chose (5432 by default), and the user, password and database from the file. For example: psql -h localhost -U app appdb.

Will I lose my data when I stop the container?

No, as long as the volume is in the file. Data is lost only if you run docker compose down -v, which deletes the volume.

Why does my password not change when I edit the file?

Postgres reads the password only the first time it creates the database. To start fresh, run docker compose down -v and then up again. This deletes the data.

docker-compose for PostgreSQL: example file and generator

Run a local PostgreSQL database that keeps its data.

For Docker Desktop (Windows, macOS) or Docker Engine with the Compose plugin (Linux). Use "docker compose", not "docker-compose".

This docker-compose file starts a PostgreSQL database on your computer with one command and keeps your data between restarts. Choose your version, user, password and port below, then run docker compose up -d.

Create your config file

Type your own values. The file below updates as you type, and nothing you type leaves your browser.

docker-compose.yml

services:
  db:
    image: postgres:16
    restart: unless-stopped
    environment:
      POSTGRES_USER: app
      POSTGRES_PASSWORD: change-me
      POSTGRES_DB: appdb
    ports:
      - "5432:5432"
    volumes:
      - pgdata:/var/lib/postgresql/data

volumes:
  pgdata:

How this setup works

Diagram: docker compose up, then Postgres container, then pgdata volume — docker compose up (one command) → Postgres container (your port) → pgdata volume (data is kept)

Step-by-step setup

Install Docker Desktop (Windows, macOS) or Docker Engine (Linux).
Save the config above as docker-compose.yml in an empty folder.
Change the password.
Run docker compose up -d.
Connect: psql -h localhost -p 5432 -U app appdb.

What the important lines mean

volumes keeps your data when the container is removed.
postgres:16 pins the version so updates do not surprise you.
"5432:5432" is computer port : container port.

Common errors and how to fix them

port is already allocated: Something else already uses port 5432. Pick another port above, such as 5433.
password authentication failed: The password is only set the first time. Reset with docker compose down -v (this deletes the data).

Frequently asked questions

How do I connect to PostgreSQL running in Docker?: Use host localhost, the port you chose (5432 by default), and the user, password and database from the file. For example: psql -h localhost -U app appdb.
Will I lose my data when I stop the container?: No, as long as the volume is in the file. Data is lost only if you run docker compose down -v, which deletes the volume.
Why does my password not change when I edit the file?: Postgres reads the password only the first time it creates the database. To start fresh, run docker compose down -v and then up again. This deletes the data.

Written for: Docker 27, Compose v2, Postgres 16 · Updated 2026-10-02

Free tools that help

Password generatorCreate a random password with the length and characters you choose. It runs in your browser, uses secure randomness and shows how strong it is.
Common ports listSearch a list of common TCP and UDP port numbers: SSH 22, HTTP 80, HTTPS 443, MySQL 3306, PostgreSQL 5432 and more, with dev server ports.

Fix a problem with this setup

Docker port already allocatedFix "port is already allocated" in Docker and Docker Compose: find the container or program that holds the port and free it.
Docker container cannot reach localhostFix "connection refused" when an app in Docker calls localhost: use host.docker.internal, a Compose service name or host networking.

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