☁️ LobstaCloud
Updates

Self-Update

Update your Lobsta instance directly from the dashboard — no SSH access, no manual commands, no downtime hassle.

Overview

LobstaCloud instances can be updated to the latest version with a single click from the web dashboard. The system handles downloading the update, applying it, and restarting the service automatically.

How It Works

Version Check

Your dashboard displays the current running version alongside the latest available version from npm. When a new version is available, you'll see an Update Available badge.

FieldDescription
Current VersionThe version currently running on your instance
Latest VersionThe newest version published to npm
Status"Up to date" or "Update available"

Updating

  1. Navigate to your instance detail page in the dashboard.
  2. If an update is available, click the Update Now button.
  3. The system will:
    • Download the latest version from npm
    • Install the updated package
    • Automatically restart the systemd service
  4. The instance briefly goes offline during the restart (typically 5–15 seconds).
  5. Once restarted, the dashboard reflects the new version.

No SSH access is needed. The entire update process is handled through the dashboard.

Behind the Scenes

For those curious about the technical details:

Version Check API

GET /api/version

Returns the current running version and the latest available version from the npm registry.

{
  "current": "1.8.2",
  "latest": "1.9.0",
  "updateAvailable": true
}

Update API

POST /api/update

Triggers the update process:

  1. Runs npm install to fetch the latest package
  2. Restarts the systemd service (systemctl restart clawdbot)
  3. Returns a success response before the restart takes effect
⚠️

The update endpoint requires authentication. Only organization owners and admins can trigger updates.

Rollback

Since Lobsta is distributed via npm, previous versions remain available. If you need to roll back to a previous version:

  1. Contact support with the version you'd like to roll back to.
  2. We can pin your instance to a specific version if needed.

Automatic rollback from the dashboard is on the roadmap for a future release.

Update Notifications

When a new version is available:

  • The dashboard shows an Update Available badge on the instance card
  • The instance detail page displays a version comparison
  • Team owners receive an optional email notification (configurable in Settings)

FAQ

Does updating cause downtime?

There is a brief restart period (typically 5–15 seconds) while the systemd service restarts. During this time, the instance will not respond to requests.

Can I schedule updates?

Not yet — updates are currently manual (one-click). Scheduled update windows are planned for a future release.

What if an update fails?

If the npm install fails, the existing version continues running unchanged. The dashboard will show an error message with details. Contact support if the issue persists.

Managing InstancesSecurity