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

# Rent your first GPU

### 1. Sign Up & Add Credit

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

Your current **credit balance** is always shown in the top right of the console header.

<Note>
  Before you can **rent a machine** or **create a team**, you must [verify your email address](/guides/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](/guides/reference/account-settings) → Resend Verification Email. Learn more about [teams](/guides/teams/teams-overview) and [instance management](/guides/instances/manage-instances).
</Note>

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

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

  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/vastai-80aa3a82-docs-screenshot-updates/_9MO9vdms3QoS_EE/images/guides-overview-quick-start-3-light.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=_9MO9vdms3QoS_EE&q=85&s=157b1636de97c36766603350aff02dc9" className="block dark:hidden" alt="Keys" width="2480" height="660" data-path="images/guides-overview-quick-start-3-light.webp" />

  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/vastai-80aa3a82-docs-screenshot-updates/Tz2R51zywwNe091R/images/guides-overview-quick-start-3-dark.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=Tz2R51zywwNe091R&q=85&s=45dc9eca5938aebd3925ad1ff7359a2a" className="hidden dark:block" alt="Keys" width="2480" height="660" data-path="images/guides-overview-quick-start-3-dark.webp" />
* **For Jupyter access**: download and install the provided [TSL certificate](/guides/instances/connect/jupyter#certificate-installation) following our [Jupyter setup guide](/guides/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](/guides/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](/guides/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](/guides/instances/choosing/overview#search-filters) and [instance types](/guides/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](/guides/instances/storage/types) and [volumes](/guides/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](/guides/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](/guides/instances/manage-instances#status) for progress.
* Click **Open** button to access your instance via your chosen [connection method](/guides/instances/connect/overview).

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

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

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/vastai-80aa3a82-docs-screenshot-updates/_9MO9vdms3QoS_EE/images/guides-overview-quick-start-4-light.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=_9MO9vdms3QoS_EE&q=85&s=717c78f25830118f5299978e4da0d4f0" className="block dark:hidden" alt="Manage or End Your Instance" width="1795" height="413" data-path="images/guides-overview-quick-start-4-light.webp" />

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/vastai-80aa3a82-docs-screenshot-updates/_9MO9vdms3QoS_EE/images/guides-overview-quick-start-4-dark.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=_9MO9vdms3QoS_EE&q=85&s=df13467bc8e20667a65095b13ce481eb" className="hidden dark:block" alt="Manage or End Your Instance" width="1795" height="413" data-path="images/guides-overview-quick-start-4-dark.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 [autobilling](/guides/reference/billing#autobilling-credit-card-only) on the [Billing page](/guides/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](/guides/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](/guides/reference/billing) and [cost optimization](/guides/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](/guides/templates/creating-templates). See also [template settings](/guides/templates/template-settings) and [advanced setup](/guides/templates/advanced-setup) for more customization options. Learn about [managing templates](/guides/templates/managing-templates) for organizing your template library.

## Next Steps

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

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

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