AWS  

How to Deploy Node.js App on AWS EC2 with Nginx and PM2

Introduction

Deploying a Node.js application to production can feel confusing at first, especially if you are new to cloud platforms like AWS. But once you understand the flow, it becomes a repeatable and simple process.

In this guide, you will learn how to deploy a Node.js app on AWS EC2 using Nginx as a reverse proxy and PM2 as a process manager. We will use simple language, real-world examples, and practical steps so that you can follow along easily.

This setup is commonly used in real-world production environments because it is reliable, scalable, and cost-effective.

What You Will Learn

  • How to launch an EC2 instance on AWS

  • How to install Node.js, Nginx, and PM2

  • How to deploy your Node.js application

  • How to configure Nginx as a reverse proxy

  • How to keep your app running using PM2

Real-World Analogy

Think of your application like a restaurant:

  • Node.js → The kitchen (where food is prepared)

  • PM2 → The manager (ensures kitchen keeps running)

  • Nginx → The waiter (handles customer requests and serves responses)

  • AWS EC2 → The building (where everything runs)

Without Nginx and PM2, your system becomes unstable and hard to manage.

Step 1: Launch an AWS EC2 Instance

First, you need a virtual server.

Steps:

  • Go to AWS Console → EC2

  • Click on "Launch Instance"

  • Choose Ubuntu Server (recommended for beginners)

  • Select instance type (t2.micro is free tier eligible)

  • Configure security group:

    • Allow SSH (port 22)

    • Allow HTTP (port 80)

    • Allow HTTPS (port 443)

After launching, download your .pem key file.

Step 2: Connect to EC2 Server

Use SSH to connect:

ssh -i your-key.pem ubuntu@your-ec2-public-ip

Example:

ssh -i mykey.pem [email protected]

Step 3: Update Server and Install Node.js

Update packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Install Node.js (using NodeSource):

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_18.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs

Check installation:

node -v
npm -v

Step 4: Upload Your Node.js Application

You can upload your app in multiple ways:

Option 1: Using Git

git clone https://github.com/your-repo.git
cd your-repo
npm install

Option 2: Using SCP

scp -i your-key.pem -r ./your-app ubuntu@your-ip:/home/ubuntu/

Step 5: Run Your App (Test)

Start your app manually:

node app.js

Visit:

http://your-ec2-ip:3000

If it works, you are ready for production setup.

Step 6: Install PM2 (Process Manager)

PM2 keeps your app running even if it crashes.

Install PM2:

sudo npm install -g pm2

Start your app with PM2:

pm2 start app.js

Save process:

pm2 save

Enable auto-start on reboot:

pm2 startup

Step 7: Install Nginx

Nginx will handle incoming traffic.

Install Nginx:

sudo apt install nginx -y

Start Nginx:

sudo systemctl start nginx
sudo systemctl enable nginx

Check in browser:

http://your-ec2-ip

Step 8: Configure Nginx as Reverse Proxy

Edit default config:

sudo nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/default

Replace with:

server {
    listen 80;

    server_name your_domain_or_ip;

    location / {
        proxy_pass http://localhost:3000;
        proxy_http_version 1.1;
        proxy_set_header Upgrade $http_upgrade;
        proxy_set_header Connection 'upgrade';
        proxy_set_header Host $host;
        proxy_cache_bypass $http_upgrade;
    }
}

Restart Nginx:

sudo systemctl restart nginx

Now open:

http://your-ec2-ip

No need to use port 3000 anymore.

Step 9: (Optional) Setup Domain and SSL

If you have a domain:

  • Point domain to EC2 public IP

  • Install Certbot:

sudo apt install certbot python3-certbot-nginx -y

Run:

sudo certbot --nginx

Now your site runs on HTTPS.

Before vs After Deployment

Before:

  • App runs on local machine only

  • Stops if terminal closes

  • No domain or HTTPS

  • Direct port access (unsafe)

After:

  • App runs on cloud (AWS EC2)

  • Always running (PM2)

  • Clean URL without port (Nginx)

  • Secure with HTTPS

Common Issues and Fixes

  1. App not loading

  • Check PM2 logs:

pm2 logs

  1. Nginx error

  • Check status:

sudo systemctl status nginx

  1. Port not accessible

  • Check security group rules

  1. Permission issues

  • Use:

sudo chown -R ubuntu:ubuntu /your-app

Advantages

  • Reliable production setup

  • Auto restart using PM2

  • Improved performance with Nginx

  • Supports domain and SSL

  • Scalable architecture

Disadvantages

  • Initial setup takes time

  • Requires basic Linux knowledge

  • Debugging can be tricky for beginners

Final Thoughts

Deploying a Node.js application on AWS EC2 with Nginx and PM2 is one of the most practical and industry-used approaches.

Once you understand this setup, you can deploy almost any backend application confidently.

Start simple, follow each step carefully, and soon this entire process will feel like a routine DevOps task.

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