Setting Up Your EC2 Instance for Next.js Hosting

For any React Native app developer expanding into full-stack and web solutions, deploying a Next.js app on AWS EC2 is a power move. This setup combines the flexibility of cloud infrastructure with the performance of server-side rendering, ideal for businesses needing scalable, cross-platform app development. Whether you’re managing custom business app solutions or an enterprise-grade product, learning to host Next.js on EC2 builds confidence in creating seamless digital ecosystems that connect your mobile app development with robust, production-ready web experiences.

Be sure to use the desired region.

Create an SSH key pair and upload it to AWS before generating an EC2 instance. Use this key when setting up your EC2.

Install and Configure Apache

sudo apt update

sudo apt install apache2

sudo systemctl start apache2

sudo systemctl enable apache2

sudo a2enmod proxy_http

sudo systemctl restart apache2

Modify files in /etc/apache2/sites-available accordingly and enable and restart, if necessary:

sudo cp /etc/apache2/sites-available/000-default.conf /etc/apache2/sites-available/<domain>.conf

sudo rm -R /var/www/html

Example File:

<VirtualHost *:80>
    ServerAdmin webmaster@localhost
    ServerName <domain>
    ServerAlias <subdomain>.<domain>
    DocumentRoot /var/www/<project>
...
    ProxyPass / http://localhost:3000/
    ProxyPassReverse / http://localhost:3000/
</VirtualHost>

sudo a2dissite 000-default

sudo a2ensite <domain>

sudo systemctl reload apache2

Generate an SSL Certificate

Make sure to add the elastic IP address to the DNS records so the app resolves before completing the next steps.

sudo apt-get install certbot python3-certbot-apache

sudo certbot --apache

Install Node and NPM

sudo apt install nodejs

sudo apt install npm

Install PM2

sudo npm install pm2 -g 

Clone Project

ssh-keygen

Add your public key to GitLab through the Console.

sudo chown -R $USER /var/www

git clone [email protected]:<something>/<something>.git

git fetch

git checkout <branch>

git pull

Start App

Add your variables with:

sudo nano .env

Inside the project run

npm install

npm run build

pm2 start npm --name <project> -- run start -- -p 3000

Gotchas

Cloning your Project

Do not use sudo when cloning your project.

Make Changes

Pull, install, and:

pm2 restart <project>

Deploying a Next.js app on AWS EC2 gives you a solid foundation for growth, from performance-driven websites to cross-platform apps that feel polished, fast, and dependable. For any React Native app developer, understanding how your web and mobile layers connect is what transforms good code into great user experiences. With custom app development and ongoing support in mind, this workflow keeps your projects secure, scalable, and ready to meet enterprise demands without losing the creative edge your users love.

If you’re ready to bring your Next.js, Expo, or React Native project to life, or need expert guidance deploying your app on AWS, let’s talk. As a React Native app developer and mobile software engineer, I help startups and organizations build, launch, and scale cross-platform apps that perform beautifully across iOS, Android, and the web. Reach out today!