Deploy Mozilla Firefox

Deploy and Host Mozilla Firefox on Railway

Mozilla Firefox is a free, open-source web browser developed by Mozilla, powered by the independent Gecko rendering engine. This Railway template allows you to deploy Firefox as a persistent cloud browser with remote desktop access, using the official LinuxServer.io Docker image and Selkies streaming technology, accessible through a web browser.

About Hosting Mozilla Firefox

Hosting Mozilla Firefox on Railway enables you to run a fully functional web browser in the cloud without managing virtual machines, configuring Linux desktop environments, or maintaining custom Docker repositories.

This template uses the official LinuxServer.io Firefox Docker image, integrated with Selkies for browser-based remote desktop streaming. Railway handles container deployment, public networking, and HTTPS termination, while persistent storage preserves browser profiles, bookmarks, extensions, and settings across deployments.

The deployment supports configurable authentication, desktop hardening, and shared memory allocation. With no external database or additional services required, Firefox can serve as a personal cloud browser, remote browsing environment, or browser compatibility testing workspace.

Common Use Cases

• Private Cloud Browser: Maintain a dedicated Firefox browsing environment separate from your local device.
• Remote Browser Access: Access Firefox through a web browser from laptops, desktops, and supported mobile devices.
• Cross-Browser Testing: Test websites and applications using Firefox's Gecko rendering engine.
• Persistent Browser Sessions: Preserve bookmarks, preferences, extensions, and browser profiles across deployments.
• Remote Development Workspace: Access web-based IDEs, API documentation, admin dashboards, and development tools.
• Browser Isolation: Separate browsing activity from your local operating system through a containerized environment.

Dependencies for Mozilla Firefox Hosting

• Docker Image: lscr.io/linuxserver/firefox:latest — official LinuxServer.io Firefox container.
• Selkies: Integrated remote desktop streaming technology.
• Persistent Volume: Railway volume mounted at /config for browser profiles and application data.
• Shared Memory: Recommended 1 GB allocation for browser stability.
• Networking: Railway-generated HTTPS domain forwarding traffic to port 3000.

No PostgreSQL, Redis, or external database is required.

Implementation Details

Docker Configuration

Environment Variables

RAILWAY_RUN_UID=0
RAILWAY_SHM_SIZE_BYTES=1073741824

PUID=1000
PGID=1000
TZ=Asia/Jakarta

PORT=3000
CUSTOM_PORT=3000

CUSTOM_USER=admin
PASSWORD=${{secret(32)}}

HARDEN_DESKTOP=true
SELKIES_ENABLE_SHARING=false

Environment Configuration Explained

Persistent Storage

Mount a Railway persistent volume at:

/config

The volume stores Firefox browser profiles, bookmarks, extensions, preferences, and user files.

Data is preserved across restarts and redeployments as long as the persistent volume remains attached.

Accessing Mozilla Firefox

1. Deploy the template to your Railway project.
2. Open the generated HTTPS domain.
3. Enter your configured CUSTOM_USER and PASSWORD.
4. Access the Firefox desktop through the Selkies web interface.
5. Customize your browser and enjoy persistent cloud browsing.

Security Considerations

This template includes basic authentication, desktop hardening, and disabled session sharing.

However, HTTP Basic Authentication alone is not sufficient protection for an internet-facing remote desktop. For public deployments, configure an additional authentication gateway or restrict network access to trusted users.

A private browser environment does not automatically provide anonymity, end-to-end privacy, or protection from malicious websites.

Resource Recommendations

• Memory: Start with 2 GB and scale based on usage.
• Shared Memory: 1 GB recommended.
• CPU: Start with 1–2 vCPUs.
• Storage: Allocate sufficient space for browser profiles, downloads, and cached data.
• GPU: Not required for standard browsing.

Why Use Mozilla Firefox?

Mozilla Firefox vs Alternatives

Mozilla Firefox is particularly suitable for developers who need an independent browser engine, users who prefer open-source software, and teams performing cross-browser compatibility testing.

Microsoft Edge and Chromium are strong alternatives for Chromium-based testing and workflows.

Why Deploy Mozilla Firefox on Railway?

Railway is a singular platform to deploy your infrastructure stack. Railway will host your infrastructure so you don't have to deal with configuration, while allowing you to vertically and horizontally scale it.

By deploying Mozilla Firefox on Railway, you are one step closer to supporting a complete full-stack application with minimal burden. Host your servers, databases, AI agents, and more on Railway.