How to Incrase Docker Image Size on Unraid: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Unraid, a popular NAS (Network-Attached Storage) operating system that also serves as a comprehensive solution for application hosting, data storage, backup, and media streaming, allows users to run Docker containers directly on their system. This flexibility has made Unraid a preferred choice for tech enthusiasts, small office/home office users, and even small to medium-sized businesses. However, as you begin to expand your use of Docker containers, you might find yourself in need of more space for Docker images. This article will guide you through the process of increasing the Docker image size on Unraid, ensuring that you have ample space to deploy and run your containers.

Table of Contents

Understanding Docker Image Size in Unraid

Unraid manages Docker containers through a file known as the “Docker image,” which acts as a storage space for your containers. When you first set up Docker on Unraid, you define the size of this image, but as you add more containers or if individual containers require more space, you may need to increase this size. Doing so ensures that your containers have enough room to operate efficiently and allows you to expand your Docker environment as needed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Increase Docker Image Size

Step 1: Check Current Docker Image Usage

Before making any changes, it’s wise to check your current Docker image usage to understand how much space you’re using and how much you might need to add. This can be done from the Unraid web interface:

Navigate to the “Docker” tab.
Look for the information at the bottom of the page, which shows your Docker image file’s current usage.

Step 2: Stop the Docker Service

To adjust the size of the Docker image, you first need to stop the Docker service, as the image file cannot be resized while it’s in use. This can also be done from the Unraid web interface:

Go to the “Settings” tab.
Select “Docker” from the submenu.
Click on the “Docker” tab if not already selected.
Toggle the “Enable Docker” setting to “No” to stop the Docker service.

Step 3: Increase Docker Image Size

With the Docker service stopped, you can now increase the size of the Docker image file:

Still in the Docker settings page, locate the “Docker Image Size” setting.
Enter the new size for your Docker image. The size is specified in gigabytes (GB), so ensure you provide enough space for your current and future needs.
Click “Apply” to save the changes.

Step 4: Start the Docker Service

After adjusting the Docker image size, you need to restart the Docker service:

Toggle the “Enable Docker” setting back to “Yes.”
Unraid will now apply the changes and start the Docker service with the new image size.

Step 5: Verify the Changes

Finally, verify that the Docker image size has been successfully increased:

Return to the “Docker” tab on the Unraid web interface.
Check the Docker image file usage at the bottom of the page to confirm that it reflects the new size.

Additional Tips

Backup Important Data: Before making changes to the Docker image size, consider backing up important data from your containers. While resizing the Docker image is generally safe, it’s always better to be cautious.
Monitor Space Usage: Regularly monitor your Docker image space usage to avoid running out of space unexpectedly, which could cause your containers to stop working correctly.
Prune Unused Containers and Images: To free up space within your Docker image, you can use Docker’s built-in commands to remove unused containers, images, and volumes. This can be done via the command line interface (CLI) on Unraid.

Conclusion

Increasing the Docker image size on Unraid is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your container deployment and management experience. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that you have sufficient space to grow your Docker environment, making your Unraid server even more versatile and capable of handling a wide range of applications and services. Remember to plan for future needs and regularly monitor your usage to maintain an efficient and effective Docker setup on Unraid.

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Anastasios Antoniadis

Anastasios Antoniadis is the founder and editor-in-chief of BORDERPOLAR... He is a software engineer, blogger, and avid gamer covering tech, gaming, and coding guides for over 4 years. He is a 2014 graduate of the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications of the University of Athens, an M.Sc. holder in Computer Science, and a Ph.D. student in Program Analysis.