---
title: "How do I connect with an external redis server?"
url: "https://ploi.io/documentation/redis-server/how-do-i-connect-with-an-external-redis-server"
published: "2020-10-05"
last_updated: "2020-11-03"
---

# How do I connect with an external redis server?

In order for you to connect to a separate, remote redis server we have to change some configuration values.

By default, your redis server is listening on this address:

```
0.0.0.0 ::1
```

This is normal, you can leave this as it is. It means that the redis service is listening on all connections. This also brings a dangerous fact: it allows everyone to connect to your redis server (if the firewall allows this).

By default, the port 6379 (the default redis port) is closed. You have 2 options to protect the redis server.

**Note:** If you're using AWS, you will also have to edit the security rules group inside AWS itself, to open up port 6379.

Allow from explicit IP address
------------------------------

Allow the port 6379 inside the firewall with an explicit IP address where the connection comes from:

![](https://ploi.io/storage/qcjZvefcKTyDPjQG6sRGwWOPU9EnLUc1Xfz6eXq2.png)

Using a password
----------------

Of course in this case you will also have to open up port 6379, which is also possible with an explicit IP address. Set a password inside the redis configuration, you can do this by editing the **/etc/redis/redis.conf** file.

You can specify a password using the **requirepass** key inside the configuration file. It is recommended to use a long string random string, an example:

```
requirepass VT0rZuyWBPd5UL5M3TGR
```

Next test if you can connect to your redis server with a remote application. A Laravel example inside the .env file could look like this:

```
REDIS_HOST=120.204.227.47
REDIS_PASSWORD=VT0rZuyWBPd5UL5M3TGR
REDIS_PORT=6379
```

We also have a sample installation for you to test if you're able to connect to your redis server remotely. You can clone this project from here: <https://github.com/ploi-deploy/laravel-redis-example>