How to get a free Google server forever

Instructions on getting a Google f1-micro instance VPS for free

htop running on an f1-micro instance with swapfile enabled

I first heard you could get a free Virtual Private Server instance on the Google Compute Engine from a random person on Twitter.

So here’s how to do it.

1. Go to the Google Cloud Platform Console and sign up/in if you have to and go to the Compute Engine section using the hamburger menu top left.
2. Enable Compute Engine if it’s not already enabled and then set up billing (you need to add a credit card or PayPal but don’t worry you won’t be charged).
3. Create a new instance in one of the free tier locations (Iowa, Oregon, or South Carolina) with machine type f1-micro.

Your first 744 hours/month are free

Finish the server config (make sure you add the max 30GB free disk space) and spin up the server. Click the Connect via SSH button to log in.

And that’s about it for now. Enjoy your free server forever!

ps. I may update this page with more detailed instructions later if people want me to. Also NOTE: Even though you can run this server for free, Google may charge if you go over certain “free tier” limits etc so just keep a lookout for that in the terms and conditions…