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Set Up a Self-Hosted VPN

General Information​

This guide shows you how to install VPN on your own or leased Linux server using the AmneziaVPN app — no terminal or manual commands required.

If the server doesn't meet the requirements, installation may fail.

Don't have a server yet? Check out our guide on choosing a hosting provider: How to Run Your VPN (mirror).

Installing VPN on the Server​

  1. Download and install AmneziaVPN from the official download page (mirror).
  2. Open AmneziaVPN and click ➕ (plus icon) or Get Started if you have no other connections.
  3. Select Self-hosted VPN.
  4. Enter:
  • Server IP address and port if it's not the default 22 (e.g., 203.0.113.10:2221)
  • SSH username (e.g., root or a user with sudo privileges who can run commands as administrator)
  • Password or SSH private key

When you order a server, your hosting provider sends connection credentials by email or stores them in your account.

  1. Choose the installation type and click Continue:
  • Automatic — installs only the AmneziaWG protocol. Other protocols can be added later.

  • Manual — installs one protocol of your choice. Others can be added later. After selecting a protocol, click Install.

If prompted for a port, leave the default unless you know it's already used by another service.

Once installed, you'll have a ready-to-use VPN connection in AmneziaVPN.

If you installed the AmneziaWG protocol, adjust its settings right away to better bypass restrictions: Using AmneziaWG 1.5 Protocol on Self-hosted Servers.

Skip Setup​

If you click Skip setup, AmneziaVPN creates an empty connection without running any commands on the server.

Use this to connect to a server that already has Amnezia services installed, without needing a backup file or full access key.

To restore settings from a server you've already configured:

  1. Click any connection name.
  2. Click ⚙️ (gear icon) next to your server connection.
  3. Go to Management → Check the server for previously installed Amnezia services.

The connection updates to show any VPN protocols and services already on the server.

If you skipped setup by accident and the server is clean:

  1. Click any connection name.
  2. Click ⚙️ (gear icon) icon next to your server connection to see available protocols.
  3. Click 📥 icon next to the protocol you want and click Install.

Once installed, you'll have a ready-to-use VPN connection.

If you installed the AmneziaWG protocol, adjust its settings right away to better bypass restrictions: Using AmneziaWG 1.5 Protocol on Self-hosted Servers.

VPN Connection Features​

Once you've set up VPN on the server, you can connect to it and manage the server with these features: