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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). Step 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 Step 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 Step 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. Step 4: Configure Pi-hole During the installation process, you'll be prompted to configure Pi-hole. Here are the key configuration steps: Choose an Interface: Select the network interface Pi-hole will use. For a VPS, this is typically eth0. 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. Block Lists: Pi-hole comes with default block lists, which you can customize later. Set IP Address: Ensure your VPS's IP address is correct. This step is crucial as Pi-hole needs a static IP address. Install Web Admin Interface: It's recommended to install the web admin interface to easily manage Pi-hole. Web Server Configuration: You can choose to install the Lighttpd web server or use an existing web server. Admin Password: Set an admin password for accessing the web interface. Step 5: Access the Web Interface After the installation, you can access the Pi-hole web interface to manage and monitor your Pi-hole instance. Open your web browser. Navigate to http:// /admin. Log in using the password you set during the installation. Step 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. Step 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. Log in to the Pi-hole admin interface. Go to "Group Management" > "Adlists". Add new block lists URLs or manage existing ones. Click "Update Gravity" to apply the changes. Step 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.

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