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Deploy a Blink self-hosted Runner on a Linux host using Docker. The Runner uses Docker to start and manage plugin containers as workflows run.

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Prerequisites

  1. Docker Engine: Install and start Docker Engine on the host.
  2. At least 40 GB of available disk space: The file system that stores Docker data must have at least 40GB of free space for the Runner and plugin images. Check the available space on the Docker data file system:
    In the output, confirm that the Avail value is at least 40G.
  3. Docker Hub authentication: Authenticate before deployment to prevent rate limits, TLS handshake timeouts, or image pull failures:
  4. Blink permissions: Your Blink user must have the Owner role, Contributor role, or a custom role with the runners:view and runners:edit permissions.
Running multiple Blink Runners on the same host is not supported.

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Network requirements

Before deploying the Runner, verify the following:
  • Container communication: If the host uses a hardened firewall configuration, allow Docker containers to communicate with each other. Docker assigns ports dynamically, so the rule must permit internal container-to-container traffic rather than a single fixed port.
  • DNS resolution: Confirm that every DNS server configured on the host resolves external addresses correctly.
  • Outbound HTTPS: Allow the Runner to connect to Blink services and Docker Hub over port 443. See Runner network requirements for the required destinations.

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Deploy the Runner

1

Navigate to the Runners page

In the Blink console, select Runners in the left navigation, then click New Runner.
2

Configure the Runner group

Enter the Runner group details:
  • Name: Enter a name for the Runner group.
  • Tags: Add or create tags (optional).
  • Default: Enable this option to assign workflows that do not specify a Runner group to this group.
3

Choose the Runner type

Select Docker, then click Continue.
4

Copy the installation command

Click the icon in the top-right corner of the command box.
The installation command contains the Runner registration token, which cannot be retrieved again after you close the dialog. Treat the command as a secret and store it securely if you need it for future use.
5

Run the installation command

On the Docker host, paste and run the copied command. Wait for the installation to complete, then return to the Runners page and confirm that the Runner status is Connected.

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Video walkthrough

The following video demonstrates the Docker Runner deployment process.

Balancing the Load within a Runner Group

Learn how to balance workloads across a Docker or Kubernetes Runner group.

Scaling up a Runner Group

Learn how to scale a Docker or Kubernetes Runner group.