> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.vast.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Managing Instances

> Learn how to manage running instances - start, stop, destroy, monitor status, and handle common operational tasks.

## Overview

The Instances page ([cloud.vast.ai/instances](https://cloud.vast.ai/instances)) is your central hub for managing rented instances. From here you can:

* View instance status and information
* Start, stop, and destroy instances
* Access connection details
* Monitor resource usage
* Transfer data between instances

## Instance Card Interface

<Frame caption="Instances Page">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/vastai-80aa3a82/xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD/images/console-instance-guide.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD&q=85&s=122ccf4a5cabb0e8c40b476898bbee3e" alt="" width="865" height="421" data-path="images/console-instance-guide.webp" />
</Frame>

Each instance card displays comprehensive information about your rental:

### Main Status Button

<Frame caption="Open button">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/vastai-80aa3a82/xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD/images/console-instance-guide-2.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD&q=85&s=38a8c99429148ea4b347397c8b923e9b" alt="" width="800" height="202" data-path="images/console-instance-guide-2.webp" />
</Frame>

The main button (left side of card) shows instance status and provides quick access:

**Status Indicators:**

* **Open**: Instance loaded, click to access via browser
* **Connect**: Instance loaded, click for SSH info
* **Inactive**: Stopped but data preserved (can restart if GPU available)
* **Offline**: Machine disconnected from Vast servers
* **Scheduling**: Attempting to restart (waiting for GPU availability)
* **Creating**: Vast initiating instance creation
* **Loading**: Downloading Docker image
* **Connecting**: Docker running but connection not verified

### Instance Information

<Frame caption="ID numbers">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/vastai-80aa3a82/xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD/images/console-instance-guide-9.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD&q=85&s=45df3ca5eade69027abb1b63d11d2d91" alt="" width="1137" height="265" data-path="images/console-instance-guide-9.webp" />
</Frame>

**ID Information:**

* Instance ID - Unique identifier for your instance
* Host/Datacenter ID - Provider identification
* Machine ID - Physical machine identifier

**Hardware Details:**

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/vastai-80aa3a82/xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD/images/console-instance-guide-10.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD&q=85&s=e8598b22b07767de412534ef05d86644" alt="" width="800" height="194" data-path="images/console-instance-guide-10.webp" />

* GPU model and count
* CPU and RAM allocation
* Storage capacity
* Network configuration

**Contract Info:**

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/vastai-80aa3a82/xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD/images/console-instance-guide-12.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD&q=85&s=20d3f1379bd41e625f646ba9769a16eb" alt="" width="800" height="396" data-path="images/console-instance-guide-12.webp" />

* Instance age (time since creation)
* Rental end date
* Remaining duration

## Instance Operations

### Starting, Stopping, and Destroying

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/vastai-80aa3a82/xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD/images/console-instance-guide-5.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD&q=85&s=82cbb83c39d36a1f1127f5a4537d94eb" alt="" width="1280" height="307" data-path="images/console-instance-guide-5.webp" />

* **Stop Button** (square icon): Pauses instance, preserves data, continues storage charges
* **Destroy Button** (trash icon): Permanently deletes instance and all data
* **Restart Button** (play icon): Appears when stopped, attempts to reclaim GPU

<Warning>
  **Important:** Stopped instances continue incurring storage charges. Destroy instances when no longer needed to avoid ongoing costs.
</Warning>

### Restart Behavior

<Frame caption="Play button">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/vastai-80aa3a82/xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD/images/console-instance-guide-6.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD&q=85&s=7ab41ae42eb8246933307998fe70f765" alt="" width="1280" height="306" data-path="images/console-instance-guide-6.webp" />
</Frame>

When restarting a stopped instance:

1. Instance enters `SCHEDULING` status
2. Waits for GPU availability
3. If stuck >30 seconds, GPU likely rented by another user
4. Cancel scheduling by clicking stop again
5. Consider creating new instance if GPU unavailable

### Additional Controls

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/vastai-80aa3a82/xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD/images/console-instance-guide-13.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD&q=85&s=c9db6b0fcb2826990104f1df4b983f6c" alt="" width="1280" height="306" data-path="images/console-instance-guide-13.webp" />

* **Label Instance** - Add custom name for identification
* **Reboot Instance** - Restart without data loss
* **View Logs** - Access Docker container logs

## Data Management

<Frame caption="Data movement">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/vastai-80aa3a82/xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD/images/console-instance-guide-7.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=xCLov_y0JNSp_qUD&q=85&s=108aedecb03c94c20252d40845e2c4fb" alt="" width="1280" height="330" data-path="images/console-instance-guide-7.webp" />
</Frame>

* **Copy Data** - Transfer between your instances (see [Data Movement](/guides/instances/storage/data-movement))
* **Cloud Sync** - Sync with cloud providers (see [Cloud Sync](/guides/instances/storage/cloud-sync))

<Note>
  Use Cloud Sync only on trusted datacenters (indicated by **Secure** icon).
</Note>

## Connection Quick Reference

For detailed connection instructions, see [Connect to Instances](/guides/instances/connect/overview):

* **SSH button** - Shows SSH command
* **Open button** - Launches web UI
* **IP/Ports button** - Network information

## Troubleshooting Instance States

### Instance Stuck on "Loading"

* Normal for 30 seconds with cached images
* Can take hours with slow internet/large images
* Not charged during loading
* Try machines with faster internet

### Instance Stuck on "Scheduling"

When stopped instances try to restart:

* GPU may be reassigned to other users
* High-priority jobs block restart
* May wait indefinitely for GPU availability
* Consider copying data to new instance

### Instance Stuck on "Connecting"

* Port configuration may be broken
* Report the machine
* Try different machine

### Machine Shows "Offline"

* Lost connection to Vast servers
* Often internet/power issues
* Host notified automatically
* May be maintenance or unforeseen problems

## Important Considerations

### Data Persistence

* **Stopped instances**: Data preserved, storage charges continue
* **Destroyed instances**: All data permanently deleted
* **Before destroying**: Copy important data or sync to cloud

### Contract Expiration

<Warning>
  Expired instances may be deleted 48 hours after expiration. Expired instances cannot restart. Retrieve your data promptly.
</Warning>

### Security

* Hosts can technically access files on their machines
* For sensitive data, use verified datacenters
* Implement encryption for critical data

### IP Addresses

Some instances have dynamic IPs that may change. Check IP type via the IP button on instance card. For static IPs, filter by "Static IP Address" when searching.

## Common Questions

### Can I run Docker inside my instance?

No, instances are already Docker containers. Docker-in-Docker is not supported.

### Do I pay for "Loading" instances?

No, you're not charged while instances show "Loading" status.

### Can I view past instances?

No, destroyed instances cannot be viewed. Recent template history is preserved for configuration reference.

### Why is my machine location showing only ", US"?

This means geolocation couldn't determine the state. It's not an indication of reliability.

### Can I run VMs or bare metal?

Currently only Docker containers are supported. VM and bare-metal options planned for future.

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Data Movement" href="/guides/instances/storage/data-movement" icon="arrows">
    Transfer files to and from your instances
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reserved Instances" href="/guides/instances/choosing/reserved-instances" icon="calendar">
    Save up to 50% with long-term commitments
  </Card>

  <Card title="Instance Portal" href="/guides/instances/instance-portal" icon="browser">
    Access web services running in your instances
  </Card>
</CardGroup>