docker-compose for Redis: example file with password and persistence

Run Redis in Docker with a password, saved data and a memory limit.

For Docker Desktop (Windows, macOS) or Docker Engine with the Compose plugin (Linux).

This docker-compose file runs Redis with a password, optional data saving and an optional memory limit. Choose your settings below, then run docker compose up -d and test it with redis-cli.

Create your config file

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

services:
  redis:
    image: redis:7
    restart: unless-stopped
    command:
      - redis-server
      - --requirepass
      - change-me-redis
      - --appendonly
      - "yes"
    ports:
      - "6379:6379"
    volumes:
      - redisdata:/data

volumes:
  redisdata:

How this setup works

Step-by-step setup

1. Save the config as docker-compose.yml in an empty folder.
2. Start it: docker compose up -d.
3. Test it: redis-cli -h 127.0.0.1 -p 6379 ping. With a password, add -a and your password. The answer PONG means it works.
4. Read the log if needed: docker compose logs redis.

What the important lines mean

• --requirepass sets the password. Without it anyone who can reach the port can use Redis.
• --appendonly yes writes every change to disk, so data survives a restart.
• --maxmemory with allkeys-lru removes the least used keys when the limit is reached. Use it for a cache.

Common errors and how to fix them

NOAUTH Authentication required

The server has a password. Use redis-cli -a yourpassword or put the password in your app’s connection string.

Could not connect to Redis: Connection refused

The container is not running, or you used the wrong port. Check docker compose ps.

Port 6379 is already allocated

Another Redis or container uses it. Pick another port above, such as 6380.

Data is lost after a restart

Save data to disk must be ticked, and the volume must stay. Do not use docker compose down -v.

Frequently asked questions

How do I test that Redis is working?

Run redis-cli ping. The reply PONG means it is running.

Is it safe to expose Redis to the internet?

No. Keep it on localhost or a private network, and always set a password.

What is the difference between a cache and saved data?

A cache can lose keys safely, so use a memory limit. For data you cannot lose, turn on saving to disk and skip the memory limit.

Written for: Docker 27, Compose v2, Redis 7 · Updated 2026-10-03

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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