> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://vastai-80aa3a82-ltxv2-serverless.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# QuickStart

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    "text": "Browse Templates for pre-built setups like PyTorch, TensorFlow, or ComfyUI. Go to Search and filter by GPU type, count, RAM, CPU, network speed, and price. Remember that disk space is permanent and cannot be changed later. Click Rent when you find a match and wait for the instance to start."
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    "text": "Use Stop to pause GPU billing (storage still accrues charges). Use Delete when finished to stop all charges."
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This Quickstart will guide you through setting up your Vast.ai account and running your first instance in just a few steps.&#x20;

### 1. Sign Up & Add Credit

* Create an account on [vast.ai.](https://cloud.vast.ai/)
* Verify your email address.
* Go to [**Billing**](/documentation/reference/billing) → **Add Credit** and top up using [credit card, Coinbase, or Crypto.com](/documentation/reference/billing#payment-methods).
* Learn about [auto-billing](/documentation/reference/billing#auto-debit) to avoid interruptions.

  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/vastai-80aa3a82-ltxv2-serverless/JhQSAfRh8QywTqSv/images/guides-overview-quick-start.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=JhQSAfRh8QywTqSv&q=85&s=b5361fc93030d38c04f3d60c2e697a77" alt="Billing" width="800" height="853" data-path="images/guides-overview-quick-start.webp" />
* Your balance appears at the top right of the dashboard.

  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/vastai-80aa3a82-ltxv2-serverless/JhQSAfRh8QywTqSv/images/guides-overview-quick-start-2.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=JhQSAfRh8QywTqSv&q=85&s=c7f798bc06f748d0f2911367484d634e" alt="" width="973" height="65" data-path="images/guides-overview-quick-start-2.webp" />

<Note>
  Before you can **rent a machine** or **create a team**, you must [verify your email address](/documentation/reference/account-settings#email-verification). After signing up, check your inbox (and spam folder) for the verification email and click the link inside. You can resend the verification email anytime from [**Settings**](/documentation/reference/account-settings) → Resend Verification Email. Learn more about [teams](/documentation/teams/teams-overview) and [instance management](/documentation/instances/manage-instances).
</Note>

### 2**. Prepare to Connect**

* **For SSH access**: generate an [SSH key pair](/documentation/instances/connect/ssh#generating-ssh-keys) following our [complete SSH guide](/documentation/instances/connect/ssh) and upload your **public key** in [Keys page](https://cloud.vast.ai/manage-keys/) or via [account settings](/documentation/reference/keys).

  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/vastai-80aa3a82-ltxv2-serverless/JhQSAfRh8QywTqSv/images/guides-overview-quick-start-3.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=JhQSAfRh8QywTqSv&q=85&s=377221500bda35dc5db2a179ed58406a" alt="Keys" width="1279" height="579" data-path="images/guides-overview-quick-start-3.webp" />
* **For Jupyter access**: download and install the provided [TSL certificate](/documentation/instances/connect/jupyter#certificate-installation) following our [Jupyter setup guide](/documentation/instances/connect/jupyter) (needed for secure browser access).

<Note>
  If you don’t install the provided browser certificate:&#x20;

  * **Windows / Linux** – You’ll see a **“Your connection is not private”** privacy warning. You can still connect by clicking **Advanced** → **Proceed**, but the warning will appear every time.
  * **macOS** – Browsers will block Jupyter until you install and trust the provided certificate in **Keychain Access**. Without it, you won’t be able to connect.

  Installing the certificate once removes the warning permanently.
</Note>

### 3. Pick a [**Template**](/documentation/templates/introduction) & Find a Machine

* Browse [**Templates**](https://cloud.vast.ai/templates/) for pre-built setups (e.g., [PyTorch](/pytorch), TensorFlow, ComfyUI) or [create custom templates](/documentation/templates/creating-templates).
* Go to [**Search**](https://cloud.vast.ai/create/) and filter by GPU type, count, RAM, CPU, network speed, and price. Learn about [search filters](/documentation/instances/choosing/overview#search-filters) and [instance types](/documentation/instances/choosing/instance-types).
* **Disk Space is Permanent.** The disk size you choose when creating an instance cannot be changed later. If you run out of space, you'll need to create a new instance with a larger disk. Learn about [storage types](/documentation/instances/storage/types) and [volumes](/documentation/instances/storage/volumes). Tip: Allocate a bit more than you think you need to avoid interruptions.
* Click **Rent** when you find a match. Consider [reserved instances](/documentation/instances/choosing/reserved-instances) for 50% savings on long-term projects.
* Wait for the instance to start—cached images launch quickly, fresh pulls may take 10–60 minutes. Check [instance status](/documentation/instances/manage-instances#status) for progress.
* Click **Open** button to access your instance via your chosen [connection method](/documentation/instances/connect/overview).

### **4. [Manage or End Your Instance](/documentation/instances/manage-instances)**

* Use **Stop** to pause GPU billing ([storage still accrues charges](/documentation/instances/storage/types#costs)). Learn about the [instance lifecycle](/documentation/instances/manage-instances#lifecycle).
* Use **Delete** when finished to stop *all* charges. See [data movement](/documentation/instances/storage/data-movement) if you need to save data first.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/vastai-80aa3a82-ltxv2-serverless/JhQSAfRh8QywTqSv/images/guides-overview-quick-start-4.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=JhQSAfRh8QywTqSv&q=85&s=fcbd107d0f8aac47a8300ef8545d36a0" alt="Manage or End Your Instance" width="1018" height="249" data-path="images/guides-overview-quick-start-4.webp" />

## Common Questions

### What is a minimum deposit amount?

The minimum deposit amount on Vast.ai is \$5.

### What happens when my balance runs out? Can I avoid interruptions?

When your balance reaches zero, your running instances will automatically stop. To avoid this, you can enable [**auto-billing**](/documentation/reference/billing#auto-debit) on the [Billing page](/documentation/reference/billing). Set an auto-charge threshold higher than your average daily spend, so your card is automatically charged when your balance falls below that amount. We also recommend setting a [**low-balance email alert**](/documentation/reference/account-settings#notifications) at a slightly lower threshold to notify you if the auto-charge fails for any reason. Learn more about [billing management](/documentation/reference/billing) and [cost optimization](/documentation/instances/pricing).

### How can I customize a template?

You can create a new template from scratch, or you can edit an existing template. You can find a guide [here](/documentation/templates/creating-templates). See also [template settings](/documentation/templates/template-settings) and [advanced setup](/documentation/templates/advanced-setup) for more customization options. Learn about [managing templates](/documentation/templates/managing-templates) for organizing your template library.

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Instances Overview" href="/documentation/instances/overview" icon="server">
    Complete guide to GPU instances, types, and management
  </Card>

  <Card title="Instance Pricing" href="/documentation/instances/pricing" icon="dollar-sign">
    Marketplace pricing, instance types, and saving strategies
  </Card>

  <Card title="Templates Introduction" href="/documentation/templates/introduction" icon="layer-group">
    Pre-built environments, customization, and Docker setup
  </Card>
</CardGroup>