Fix: Google Calendar Redirects To Localhost In Dokploy

Encountering issues with Google Calendar authentication redirecting to localhost:3000 in your self-hosted Dokploy setup can be frustrating. This article breaks down the problem, explains why it happens, and provides a detailed guide on how to resolve it. Let's dive in and get your calendar integration working smoothly.

Understanding the Issue: Google Calendar and Localhost Redirection

When integrating Google Calendar with a self-hosted application managed by Dokploy, the authentication process involves redirecting the user between your application and Google's servers. After you successfully authenticate with Google, the application should redirect you back to your application's domain. However, if the application is incorrectly configured, it might redirect you to localhost:3000 instead, leading to a connection failure.

The Root Cause: Incorrect Environment Variables

The primary reason for this issue is usually missing or incorrect environment variables within your Dokploy setup. Specifically, the application's public URL is not correctly set, causing it to default to localhost:3000. This default behavior is common when the application cannot determine its correct public-facing domain. To fix this, you need to ensure that your application knows its actual URL.

Steps to Reproduce the Problem

To better understand the issue, here are the steps to reproduce it:

1. Access the Calendar integration settings in your self-hosted instance managed by Dokploy.
2. Click the option to add a Google Calendar.
3. Proceed with signing in using your Google account; the authentication is typically successful at this stage.
4. After Google redirects back to your server, the server incorrectly redirects your browser to a localhost URL.

Expected vs. Actual Behavior

Expected Behavior: After authenticating with Google, the application should redirect you back to your production domain, such as https://apse1.pa.email.useprivate.ai/calendars.

Actual Behavior: Your browser is redirected to a URL like https://localhost:3000/cmh05tt43000bl70swpnin53q/calendars?error=connection_failed, which results in a connection failure.

Resolving the Localhost Redirection Issue

To fix this redirection problem, you need to configure the correct environment variables in your Dokploy setup. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Identify the Correct Environment Variables

The key environment variables that control the application's public URL need to be identified. While the exact variable name might vary depending on the application, common names include PUBLIC_URL, APP_URL, or ROOT_URL. Consult your application's documentation or Dokploy configuration to determine the specific variable that needs to be set.

Step 2: Access Your Dokploy Configuration

Log in to your Dokploy server and access the configuration settings for your application. This typically involves using the Dokploy command-line interface (CLI) or accessing the Dokploy web interface if available. Navigate to the environment variables section for your application.

Step 3: Set the Public URL Environment Variable

Add or modify the environment variable for the public URL. Set its value to your application's correct domain, including the protocol (https://). For instance, if your domain is https://apse1.pa.email.useprivate.ai, the variable should be set to this value. Ensure there are no trailing slashes.

Example:

PUBLIC_URL=https://apse1.pa.email.useprivate.ai

Step 4: Restart Your Application

After setting the environment variable, restart your application for the changes to take effect. This can usually be done through the Dokploy interface or CLI using a restart command. Restarting the application ensures that it reads the new environment variable and uses the correct public URL.

Step 5: Verify the Configuration

To verify that the configuration is correct, repeat the steps to reproduce the issue:

1. Go to the Calendar integration settings.
2. Click to add a Google Calendar.
3. Sign in with Google.

This time, after Google redirects back to the server, you should be redirected to your production domain instead of localhost:3000. If the redirection is successful, the issue is resolved.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re still encountering issues after setting the environment variables and restarting the application, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

1. Check Your Application's Configuration Files

Some applications may have configuration files that override environment variables. Review your application’s configuration files to ensure that the public URL is not hardcoded to localhost:3000 or any other incorrect value. Update these files as necessary.

2. Review Dokploy Logs

Check the Dokploy logs for any error messages or warnings related to the application's URL or redirection. Logs can provide valuable insights into what might be going wrong and help you pinpoint the exact cause of the issue.

3. Examine Google Cloud Console Settings

In your Google Cloud Console project, verify the authorized redirect URIs for your application. Ensure that your production domain is listed as an authorized redirect URI. If localhost:3000 is listed, remove it and add your correct domain. This step is crucial for Google to correctly redirect back to your application.

4. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, cached data in your browser can cause redirection issues. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try the Google Calendar integration process again. This ensures that your browser is not using any outdated information.

5. Consult Application Documentation and Community Forums

Refer to your application’s official documentation for specific instructions on configuring the public URL and Google Calendar integration. Additionally, check community forums or support channels for similar issues and their solutions. Other users may have encountered the same problem and found a fix.

6. Verify DNS Settings

Ensure that your DNS settings are correctly configured and that your domain is properly pointing to your server. Incorrect DNS settings can sometimes lead to redirection issues.

Preventing Future Issues

To prevent this issue from recurring, establish a clear process for setting and verifying environment variables during deployment. Use a configuration management tool or script to automate the setup of environment variables. Regularly review your application’s configuration and logs to identify and address potential issues early.

Best Practices for Environment Variable Management

• Use a .env file for local development: Store environment variables in a .env file for local development and ensure this file is not committed to your repository.
• Set variables in Dokploy: Use Dokploy's interface or CLI to set environment variables for your production environment.
• Automate deployment: Use a CI/CD pipeline to automate the deployment process, including setting environment variables.
• Regularly review settings: Periodically review your application’s configuration to ensure all settings are correct.

Conclusion: Getting Your Google Calendar Integration Right

Dealing with redirection issues like the Google Calendar redirecting to localhost:3000 can be a hurdle, but with the right steps, it’s a manageable problem. By ensuring your environment variables are correctly set in Dokploy and following the troubleshooting tips provided, you can get your Google Calendar integration working smoothly. Remember, the key is to correctly configure your application's public URL and verify all settings to avoid future issues. With these practices, you'll be on your way to a seamless experience with your self-hosted platform.

For more information on Dokploy and self-hosting applications, visit the official Dokploy Documentation.