How to Install Pi-hole on an Ubuntu VPS Server

Pi-hole is a network-wide ad blocker that acts as a DNS sinkhole. It’s an effective tool for blocking ads and trackers on all devices connected to your network. This guide will walk you through the process of installing Pi-hole on an Ubuntu VPS server step-by-step.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure you have the following:

• An Ubuntu VPS server with root access.
• A basic understanding of using the terminal and SSH.
• The server’s IP address and a secure method of accessing it (SSH keys are recommended).

How to Install Pi-hole on an Ubuntu VPS Server

In order to install Pi-hole on Ubuntu VPS, follow the steps provided:

1. Update Your Server

   First, log in to your Ubuntu VPS server via SSH. Update the package list and upgrade all packages to their latest versions.

   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

2. Install Required Dependencies

   Pi-hole requires certain software packages to function correctly. Install these dependencies using the following command:

   sudo apt install curl git -y

3. Download and Install Pi-hole

   You can download and install Pi-hole using a single command provided by the Pi-hole team. This command uses curl to download and execute the Pi-hole installation script.

   curl -sSL https://install.pi-hole.net | bash

   The installation script will guide you through the installation process, including setting up your DNS settings.

4. Configure Pi-hole

   During the installation process, you’ll be prompted to configure Pi-hole. Here are the key configuration steps:

   1. Choose an Interface: Select the network interface Pi-hole will use. For a VPS, this is typically eth0.
   2. Select Upstream DNS Providers: Pi-hole needs an upstream DNS server to forward queries it cannot answer. You can choose from providers like Google, OpenDNS, or Cloudflare.
   3. Block Lists: Pi-hole comes with default block lists, which you can customize later.
   4. Set IP Address: Ensure your VPS’s IP address is correct. This step is crucial as Pi-hole needs a static IP address.
   5. Install Web Admin Interface: It’s recommended to install the web admin interface to easily manage Pi-hole.
   6. Web Server Configuration: You can choose to install the Lighttpd web server or use an existing web server.
   7. Admin Password: Set an admin password for accessing the web interface.

5. Access the Web Interface

   After the installation, you can access the Pi-hole web interface to manage and monitor your Pi-hole instance.

   1. Open your web browser.
   2. Navigate to http://<your-server-ip>/admin.
   3. Log in using the password you set during the installation.

6. Configure Your Network to Use Pi-hole

   For Pi-hole to work effectively, you need to configure your network devices to use Pi-hole as the DNS server. You can do this in two main ways:

   Option 1: Configure Individual Devices

   Change the DNS settings on each device to point to your Pi-hole server’s IP address.

   Option 2: Configure Your Router

   Set your router to use Pi-hole as its DNS server. This will automatically apply Pi-hole’s filtering to all devices connected to your network.

7. Update Pi-hole Block Lists

   Pi-hole uses block lists to block ads and trackers. You can update these lists through the web interface.

   1. Log in to the Pi-hole admin interface.
   2. Go to “Group Management” > “Adlists”.
   3. Add new block lists URLs or manage existing ones.
   4. Click “Update Gravity” to apply the changes.

8. Regular Maintenance

   To keep Pi-hole running smoothly, perform regular maintenance:

   • Update Pi-hole: Regularly check for updates and install them.

     pihole -up

   • Monitor Logs: Use the web interface to monitor logs and ensure Pi-hole is functioning correctly.
   • Backup Configuration: Regularly backup your Pi-hole configuration to avoid data loss.

Troubleshooting Tips

• DNS Resolution Issues: If you experience DNS resolution issues, check the Pi-hole logs and ensure your upstream DNS servers are correctly configured.
• Accessing the Web Interface: If you can’t access the web interface, ensure your server’s firewall allows traffic on port 80.

Conclusion

You’ve successfully installed Pi-hole on your Ubuntu VPS server. By following these steps, you can enjoy an ad-free browsing experience on all your network devices. Remember to regularly update Pi-hole and its block lists to maintain optimal performance and protection.

If you encounter any issues, refer to the Pi-hole documentation or seek help from the Pi-hole community.