How to Set Up a VPS VPN: Step-by-Step Guide

Suppor: In This part of setting up VPS, you should ensure the hosting provider offers reliable customer support. Look for options like 24/7 live chat, email support, and a knowledge base. Quality support is crucial, especially if you encounter technical issues.

• Features: Pay attention to additional features such as:
• Backup: Check if the provider offers automated backups to safeguard your data. For complete instructions, see our guide on how to backup a server or VPS securely.
• Security: Look for features like firewalls, DDoS protection, and SSL certificates.
• Scalability: Determine whether you can easily upgrade your plan as your needs evolve.
• User Reviews: Read reviews from other customers to get insights into their experiences with the provider. Positive reviews can indicate a provider's reliability and quality of service.

Select and Purchase: Once you've compared plans and identified the right provider and plan for your needs:

• Click the "Select Plan" or "Get Started" button on the provider's website. If you want an optimal baseline, you can explore premium cloud options like a Cloud VPS plan.
• Choose your desired plan based on resources, OS, and any additional features.
• Enter your payment information and complete the purchase.

Setup and Configuration: After purchase, follow the provider's instructions to set up your VPS:

• Choose the operating system and any software applications you need.
• Configure security settings, including firewalls and SSH access.
• Access your VPS using the provided IP address, username, and password or SSH key.

Remember that managing a VPS requires technical knowledge. If you're not comfortable with server management, consider managed VPS hosting, where the provider handles maintenance tasks. For general information, check out VPS server solutions to choose what fits your criteria.

By carefully considering your needs, comparing plans, and selecting a reliable provider, you can choose and purchase a VPS hosting plan that aligns with your goals and requirements.

2. Log Into Your VPS Using Secure Shell (SSH)

In the Second step of setting up VPS, you should learn how to gain Entry to Your VPS via Fortified Shell Access (SSH). SSH provides encrypted communication between your local computer and the server, ensuring that sensitive information is protected during transmission. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how to log into your VPS using SSH:

Obtain Server Details:

Before you can log in, you'll need the following information from your hosting provider:

• IP addres: The unique address that identifies your VPS on the internet.
• Username: The username you'll use to log in (usually "root" or a specific username provided by the hosting provider).
• Password or SSH key: The authentication method you'll use to access the server.

Open a Terminal

On your local computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux), open a terminal or command prompt. You'll use this terminal to establish the SSH connection.

Initiate SSH Connection

Use the following command to initiate an SSH connection to your VPS. Replace username with your actual username and your_server_ip with the VPS's IP address:

ssh username@your_server_ip

For example, if your username is "root" and your server's IP address is "123.456.789.123":

ssh root@123.456.789.123

Authentication:

Depending on the authentication method you're using, you'll need to provide your password or SSH key passphrase:

• Password

If you're using a password, you'll be prompted to enter it after running the SSH command. Note that the cursor won't move as you type your password for security reasons.

• SSH key

In this part of how to set up VPS, if you're using an SSH key for authentication, ensure that your local computer has the private key associated with the public key stored on the server. The server will recognize your key and grant access without requiring a password.

Trust the Server (First Time Only):

The first time you connect to a server, SSH will ask you to verify the server's fingerprint. This is to ensure you're connecting to the correct server and not a malicious one. Compare the fingerprint with the one provided by your hosting provider and type "yes" to continue.

Successful Login:

If you've entered the correct credentials, you'll successfully log in to your VPS via SSH. You'll now have access to the command line interface of your server.

Perform Server Management:

Once logged in, you can perform various server management tasks using command-line commands. These tasks might include:

• Installing software and updates
• Configuring server settings
• Managing files and directories
• Monitoring server resources
• Running scripts and programs

Logout:

When you finish your SSH session, you can type the command exit to log out of the server.

After doing these things, you have completed the steps related to setting up the VPS server in Windows. Remember to keep your login credentials secure and not share them with anyone. Additionally, using SSH keys for authentication is generally more secure than passwords, as they provide an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.

3. Update Your VPS

Updating your VPS (Virtual Private Server) is crucial to maintain security, stability, and performance. Regular updates ensure that your server's operating system and software are up-to-date with the latest security patches and bug fixes. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how to update your VPS:

Log into Your VPS:

In This part of how to set up VPS, you should use SSH to log into your VPS. Refer to the previous explanation for instructions on how to do this.

Update Package Lists

Before performing any updates, update the package lists for your package manager. Depending on your VPS's operating system, the command might vary:

• On Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt update

• On CentOS/RHEL:

sudo yum update

Perform System Updates

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For macOS/Linux, open Terminal and run:

ssh username@your-vps-ip

Replace username with your actual VPS username. Enter your password when prompted (note that characters will not appear as you type for security reasons). If logged in successfully, you’ll see a command-line prompt.

4- Install OpenVPN Server on VPS

To set up an OpenVPN server on your VPS, follow these steps:

1. Open your SSH client and enter the following command:

wget https://git.io/vpn -O openvpn-install.sh && bash openvpn-install.sh

2. Press Enter to execute the command. The system will begin installing OpenVPN on your VPS. For a more tailored deployment on specific distributions, you can review our dedicated post on how to install OpenVPN on Ubuntu.

3. Once the installation is complete, the command line will display a set of options. Choose: “Add a new client”

4. To select this option, type 1 and press Enter.

5. Create a New Client. The system will prompt you with Name. Enter a name for the new VPN client and press Enter.

6. After the client is created, the system will display the location of the .ovpn file, which contains the necessary key to configure the VPN connection.

7. To access the file contents in the SSH client, go to the folder containing the file using: ls

8. Open the file by running: cat filename.ovpn

9. Press Enter to execute the commands.

10. The .ovpn file content will appear, starting with: client and ending with: </tls-crypt>

Your OpenVPN server is now set up.

5- Download the ovpn file with the key to the PC

To download an OVPN file from a VPS server using an FTP client, follow these steps:

Open your FTP client and enter the following details:

• Host: VPS server IP address
• Username: your login name
• Password: your password

Click on the "Connect" button.

Once connected, the FTP client window will show two sections: the left side displays folders and files on your PC, while the right side shows the folders and files on the VPS server. To download the OVPN file, simply drag it from the right side (VPS) to the left side (PC). If you are using Microsoft operating systems, learning how to transfer files to and from Windows VPS can make management much smoother.

Note: On a Linux PC, the OVPN file will appear as a regular text file. On a Windows PC, it will display as an icon.

6- Create a VPN Connection

To create a VPN connection for Windows:

• Install OpenVPN Client from openvpn.net. For more detailed instructions on client setup, see our dedicated article on how to install OpenVPN on Windows.
• Copy the .ovpn file to C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config\.
• Right-click OpenVPN GUI and select Run as Administrator.
• Click Connect.

For Linux:

Run the following command in the terminal:

sudo openvpn --config ~/Downloads/client.ovpn

If the IP changes to your VPS’s IP, the VPN will work correctly.

🚀 Best VPS Providers for Hosting a VPN

For a VPS VPN setup, it’s better to choose the best VPS providers that support setting up a VPN. To make this choice easier for you, we’ll mention the best providers:

• MonoVM: Offers high-speed VPS with full root access, SSD storage, and multiple OS options, making it ideal for VPN hosting. Provides global server locations and strong security features. If you are specifically looking for optimized virtual environments, our specialized VPN server landing page delivers unparalleled speeds and secure infrastructure for deploying OpenVPN or WireGuard.
• Cloudzy: Offers high-performance VPS with NVMe SSD, DDR4 RAM, scalable bandwidth, and 99.95% uptime. Provides pre-installed Linux distros for easy VPN setup.
• Hostinger: Features DDoS protection, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and dedicated IPs. Supports only Linux-based VPS with limited locations.
• DreamHost: Known for quality and performance but offers only managed Linux VPS with no root access, making VPN setup restrictive.
• Vultr: Provides multiple locations and partnerships with VPN providers but has additional costs for DDoS protection and a complex pricing system.
• DigitalOcean: Ideal for developers with advanced security features like SSH keys and cloud firewalls but is expensive and best suited for tech-savvy users.
• A2 Hosting: Supports various VPN platforms with its QuickInstaller™ system but has high renewal prices and only offers Linux-based VPS.
• Liquid Web: Provides advanced firewalls and DDoS protection with a free CDN but has fewer data centers and an average uptime of 96%.
• BlueHost: Primarily a web hosting provider but allows VPN hosting with SSD storage and free SSL certificates. Lacks dedicated VPN features.

🛡️ Security Considerations for VPN on VPS

When you use a VPN on VPS server, there are some security measures you need to implement to increase security and prevent vulnerabilities:

• Employ Strong Encryption: To protect your data while it is in transit, make sure your VPN is using extremely strong encryption, such as AES-256-bit encryption.
• Update Software Frequently: To address any vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit, keep your VPN and VPS software updated. For complete baseline security tips, take a look at our guide on how to VPS security tips.
• Turn on a Firewall: Configure firewall rules (such as UFW or iptables) to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your VPN server and to prohibit unauthorized users.
• Use Fail2Ban: Install Fail2Ban on your server to prevent persistent password-guessing attempts by restricting users' IP addresses after an excessive number of unsuccessful attempts.
• Disable Root Login: Prevent users from using SSH to log in as root, the primary administrator. Make use of a different user who is nevertheless capable of sudo admin tasks. For a systematic breakdown on locking down your deployment, consult our detailed instructions on how to secure Linux VPS servers.
• Monitor records: Keep an eye on your computer and VPN records frequently to spot any unusual activity that might indicate an intrusion attempt.
• Modify Default Ports: Avoid using your VPN's default port. To make it more difficult for hackers to locate and target your VPN server, choose a different port.

💎 Benefits of Running a VPN on Your VPS

If you configure a VPN on VPS, some benefits will be provided for you compared to using a third-party VPN provider. Here are the benefits:

• Complete Privacy & Security: Unlike traditional VPN providers, if you use a virtual private server (VPS), no one else can see what you do online. You have complete control over how your data is encrypted, what records are stored, and what security rules are applied, ensuring that your online activities remain completely private.
• No Data Logging or Tracking: Many VPN providers claim not to track your activities, but occasionally they are compromised, so this proves to be untrue. If you use a VPS, you can disable all logging, ensuring your information remains secure. If you want to dive deep into differences between various private infrastructures, read our article analyzing VPS vs VPN setups.
• Protection on Public Wi-Fi: When you use public Wi-Fi at coffee shops, airports, or hotels, hackers will find it extremely difficult to steal your information because your own VPN on a VPS renders your internet traffic unreadable.
• Get Around Geo-Restrictions & Censorship: To bypass blocked websites or see content that is only accessible in specific locations, you can set up your VPN in a nation with less restrictive internet regulations. However, in contrast to standard VPNs, you will need to set up multiple VPSs if you wish to move to a new region.
• Steer clear of bandwidth throttling and ISP monitoring: Internet service providers frequently monitor your activities and may slow down your connection for various reasons. They can't slow you down because your own VPN conceals your traffic. For an expanded analysis on maximizing speeds, look through our optimization tutorial about increasing internet speed with VPN services.
• Secure Online Transactions: When you shop or bank online, your personal VPN renders your sensitive data unintelligible, protecting you from scammers and hackers.
• The ability to select VPN protocols and software: You have a variety of VPN programs to choose from when setting up your own VPN, including WireGuard, SoftEther, and OpenVPN. Additionally, you can modify the encryption parameters to suit your requirements. If you want to compare options, check our article on WireGuard vs OpenVPN.
• No Risk of Data Sharing with Third Parties: If required to, standard VPN providers may be required to provide your data to the government. You don't have to be concerned about your data being sold or shared when you have a VPN on your own VPS.
• Economical for Extended Use: In the long run, using your own VPN on a VPS can be less expensive than regular VPNs, particularly if you utilize a low-cost VPS service like MonoVM.
• Complete Command Over Terms of Service & Server Location: When selecting a VPS provider, you can examine their policies to ensure that they protect your data and select the location of your server to meet your privacy requirements.

👤 Who Should Use a VPN on VPS?

If you’re not sure using the best VPS for VPN, here we mention who should use VPS for VPN:

• Remote Workers & Digital Nomads: Work safely from any location.
• Businesses: Keep company information safe and let workers connect securely from far away. You can review the widespread utility of these setups in our overview detailing what is a VPN used for.
• Gamers: Play games with less lag, stop your internet provider from slowing you down, and play on game servers in other places.
• Privacy-Conscious Individuals: Stay hidden online and stop your internet provider and the government from watching what you do.

📊 Deep-Dive Comparison: VPN Protocols on VPS

Choosing the right protocol dictates the ultimate security and performance profile of your self-hosted VPN. Below is an analytical breakdown comparing three popular open-source options:

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid During Setup

• Leaving Default SSH Ports Open: Leaving port 22 open unconditionally invites automated brute-force scripts. It is highly recommended to change your default configurations.
• Neglecting Automated Security Patches: Forgetting to run scheduled system updates exposes the underlying virtualization layer to exploits.
• Mismatched Subnet Routings: Allocating server-side VPN subnets that directly overlap with local client networks, causing immediate routing deadlocks.

💡 Expert Pro-Tips for Advanced Optimization

Pro-Tip: To maximize absolute connection privacy and eliminate tracking signatures, supplement your OpenVPN setup with a custom DNS configuration or run it alongside tools like Pi-hole on your virtual private instance. If you require alternative multi-layered tunneling approaches, consider examining a modern V2Ray VPS deployment.

Conclusion

To make your own VPN on a VPS server, you'll need: a VPS server, a program to connect to it like PuTTY or Terminal, a way to move files (optional), the OpenVPN program, and your VPS login info. First, pick a VPS company like MonoVM, DigitalOcean, Linode, or AWS, and make sure you can install a VPN on it. Then, set up your VPS by choosing an operating system (Ubuntu or Debian are good choices), where you want the server to be located, and how powerful you want it to be. Write down the server's IP address, username, and password. Next, connect to your VPS using PuTTY (if you're on Windows) or Terminal (if you're on a Mac or Linux computer). Install OpenVPN by typing a simple command, make a new user, and create a .ovpn file that has the needed security keys. Download the .ovpn file to your computer using a file transfer program, and set up the VPN connection by installing the OpenVPN program on your computer. If you're using Windows, put the .ovpn file in the OpenVPN config folder and connect using the OpenVPN program. If you're using Linux, use a command in the terminal to connect. If your computer's IP address matches your VPS's IP address, then your VPN is working.