When you scale a Managed AI Agent, you change the size of its instance. By default, scaling changes compute only, which means CPU and RAM. Your disk stays the same size.
If your agent collects data, logs, or files over time, you may need more storage as well. The Include disk space option lets you grow your agent's disk at the same time as its CPU and RAM, in a single scaling action.
This guide explains what the option does, when to use it, how to scale your agent with disk space included, and what to expect afterwards.
Before You Start
Before scaling your agent with disk space, make sure you have:
An active paid Cloudways account with access to Managed AI Agents.
A Managed AI Agent already deployed on the Cloudways Platform.
A clear idea of the plan you want to move to. For plan sizes, see How to Choose the Right Instance Size for Your Managed AI Agent on Cloudways.
Important: Disk size cannot be reduced later. Once you scale your agent with disk space included, the new disk size is permanent. Read the section below before you continue.
What Does Include Disk Space Do?
The Include disk space option is a toggle on the scaling screen. It controls whether your disk is resized along with CPU and RAM.
Toggle | What changes | What stays the same |
OFF (default) | CPU and RAM move to the new plan | Your disk size |
ON | CPU, RAM, and disk all move to the new plan | Nothing. Everything follows the new plan |
The toggle is OFF by default, so scaling works exactly as it always has unless you choose to turn it on.
What is Disk Space ?
Disk space is the storage your agent uses for its files, data, logs, and installed packages. You can check how much of it your agent has used under Monitoring on the Instance tab.
Note: Scaling changes the size of your agent's instance. It does not change the agent's configuration, connected channels, or MCP connections.
When Should You Include Disk Space?
Turn the toggle ON when:
Your agent's Disk Usage is close to running out.
Your agent stores growing amounts of data, logs, or files.
You are moving to a bigger plan and want the extra storage that comes with it.
Leave the toggle OFF when:
You only need more CPU or RAM.
Your disk usage is low and you do not need extra storage.
You may want to move back to a smaller plan later.
How to Scale Your Agent With Disk Space
Step #1. Go to AI Agents
Log in to your Cloudways Platform account.
From the left side navigation menu, click AI Agents under the Cloudways AI section.
This opens the Managed AI Agents page, where all your agents are listed.
Step #2. Open Your Agent
Find the agent you want to scale.
Click the agent card to head inside the agent.
Step #3. Go to the Instance Tab
Click the Instance tab.
Under Monitoring, review your Disk Usage along with RAM, CPU, and bandwidth.
Under Instance Size, you will see your current plan and its price.
Click Manage Plan.
Note: You can also open the plan window without going inside your agent. On the Managed AI Agents page, click the three dot menu next to your agent and select Manage Plan. Then continue from Step #4.
Step #4. Choose a Plan
A window opens showing all available plans with their RAM, CPU, storage, and bandwidth.
Your current plan is marked as Current Plan and cannot be selected again.
Choose the plan you want to move to.
Step #5. Turn On Include Disk Space
Turn on the Include disk space toggle.
The summary updates to show your current and new CPU, RAM, and disk, along with the updated price.
A warning appears explaining that disk size cannot be reduced later. Read it carefully and confirm that you understand.
Tip: If you leave the toggle off, the summary shows your disk staying at its current size. Use this to double check what will change before you confirm.
Step #6. Confirm and Wait for Scaling to Complete
Review the summary one last time and confirm the change.
Your agent's status changes to Scaling Instance.
This usually takes a few minutes. Your agent may be briefly unavailable during this time.
Step #7. Confirm the New Disk Size
Once scaling is complete, a confirmation message appears.
Go to the Instance tab and check the Instance Size section for your new plan.
Under Monitoring, refresh the page to see your updated disk size.
Scaling Without Disk Space
If you only need more CPU and RAM, follow the same steps and leave Include disk space turned off. Your agent scales to the new plan's CPU and RAM, and your disk stays exactly as it was.
For the full upscale and downscale steps, see How to Upscale or Downscale Your Managed AI Agent on Cloudways.
Troubleshooting
I do not see the Include disk space toggle
Make sure you opened Manage Plan from the Instance tab of your agent and selected a plan to move to. If you still do not see it, reach out to us via chat.
I cannot downscale with Include disk space turned on
This is expected. Disk size cannot be reduced, so a downscale that includes disk is blocked. Turn off Include disk space to downscale CPU and RAM only.
My disk size did not change after scaling
Check that Include disk space was turned on when you confirmed the change. If it was off, only CPU and RAM were scaled. To grow your disk, scale again with the toggle on. Also refresh the page and check Monitoring on the Instance tab, as the updated disk size appears after a refresh.
The scaling failed
A clear error message is shown, and your agent stays as it was, with no changes made. Try again after a few minutes. If it keeps failing, contact Cloudways Support.
Scaling is taking longer than expected
Scaling can occasionally take a few extra minutes. If the status does not update after 10 to 15 minutes, refresh the page or contact Cloudways Support.
I turned on the toggle by mistake after confirming
Disk size cannot be reduced once it has been scaled. If you need help, contact Cloudways Support through chat before making further changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Include disk space turned on by default?
No. It is off by default, so scaling changes CPU and RAM only unless you choose otherwise.
Can I reduce my disk size later?
No. Disk size cannot be reduced once it has been scaled.
Will I see the price before I confirm?
Yes. The summary shows your current and new CPU, RAM, and disk, along with the updated price, before you confirm.
Will scaling affect my agent's settings or connections?
No. Scaling does not change your agent's configuration, connected channels, or MCP connections.
Will my agent be unavailable while it scales?
Your agent may be briefly unavailable while its status shows Scaling Instance.
Can I scale compute only?
Yes. Leave Include disk space turned off and only CPU and RAM change.
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Need More Help?
If you get stuck, reach out to our support team via chat. You can also learn from and share tips with other users in our communities.
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