---
title: Introduction to PostgreSQL monitoring with NRDOT
source: https://docs.newrelic.com/docs/opentelemetry/database/postgresql/introduction
---

> #### 💡 PREVIEW
>
> We're still working on this feature, but we'd love for you to try it out!
>
> This feature is currently provided as part of a preview pursuant to our [pre-release policies](https://docs.newrelic.com/docs/licenses/license-information/referenced-policies/new-relic-pre-release-policy/).

Monitor your PostgreSQL database performance using New Relic Distribution of OpenTelemetry (NRDOT) with comprehensive insights into database metrics, query performance, and system health.

This NRDOT-based approach complements our existing On-Host Integration (OHI) by leveraging OpenTelemetry standards for database monitoring, making it easier to integrate with your existing observability stack.

## Choose your installation method [#install]

You can install NRDOT Collector for PostgreSQL monitoring in following ways:

-   [Self-hosted setup](https://docs.newrelic.com/docs/opentelemetry/database/postgresql/hosted)
-   [AWS RDS or Aurora setup](https://docs.newrelic.com/docs/opentelemetry/database/postgresql/rds)

## Installation at a glance [#glance]

The high-level tasks for installing NRDOT Collector for PostgreSQL monitoring are:

### Prerequisites [#prerequisites]

Before you install, make sure you have:

-   PostgreSQL `14` and above
-   A New Relic [license key](https://docs.newrelic.com/docs/apis/intro-apis/new-relic-api-keys/#ingest-license-key).
-   Network connectivity between the host where you install the NRDOT Collector and your PostgreSQL database.
-   Network connectivity to [New Relic OTLP endpoints documentation](https://docs.newrelic.com/docs/opentelemetry/best-practices/opentelemetry-otlp/)
-   This integration is available as a part of New Relic public preview program. Check with your Organization Manager to opt in from the [Previews & Trials](https://one.newrelic.com/admin-portal/promotion-management/home) page.

For supported detailed prerequisites, refer to [Compatibility](https://docs.newrelic.com/docs/opentelemetry/database/postgresql/compatibility) document.

### Install NRDOT Collector [#install]

Choose your installation path based on your infrastructure:

-   **[Self-hosted PostgreSQL](https://docs.newrelic.com/docs/opentelemetry/database/postgresql/hosted)**
-   **[RDS PostgreSQL monitoring](https://docs.newrelic.com/docs/opentelemetry/database/postgresql/rds)**

### Configure PostgreSQL monitoring user [#user]

Create and provides necessary permissions to the monitoring user for NRDOT Collector to collect metrics and query samples.

### Configure NRDOT Collector [#configure]

Configure the NRDOT Collector to connect to your PostgreSQL database and New Relic account. This includes setting up the connection details, authentication, and any additional configuration options.

### Find and use your data [#find]

Once your data is being collected, you can access comprehensive PostgreSQL database monitoring through New Relic's UI.

To find your PostgreSQL database entity in New Relic:

1.  Go to **<https://one.newrelic.com> > All Capabilities > Databases**.
2.  From the **Entity type** dropdown, select **PostgreSQL instance**, then click **Apply**.
3.  Select your PostgreSQL database from the list of entities.

## Related documentation [#related]

[Instrumentation in self-hosted environments](https://docs.newrelic.com/docs/opentelemetry/database/postgresql/hosted)

Learn how to set up PostgreSQL monitoring in self-hosted environments with New Relic.

[Instrumentation in RDS environments](https://docs.newrelic.com/docs/opentelemetry/database/postgresql/rds)

Learn how to set up PostgreSQL monitoring in RDS environments with New Relic.

[Metrics reference](https://docs.newrelic.com/docs/opentelemetry/database/postgresql/metrics-reference)

Learn about the available metrics collected by the NRDOT Collector.