Set Up a Self-Hosted VPN
Overview
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
- Download and install AmneziaVPN from the official download page (mirror).
- Open AmneziaVPN and click ➕ (plus icon) or the Get Started button if you have no other connections.
- Select Self-hosted VPN.
- Enter:
- Server IP address and port if it's not the default
22(e.g.,203.0.113.10:2221) - SSH username (e.g.,
rootor 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.
- 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.
Once installation finishes, AmneziaVPN will create a ready-to-use VPN connection with full access to the server.
We recommend reading the guide next: How to Share VPN Access.
AmneziaWG is installed with a random port by default. Some ISPs block UDP traffic on high ports, so we recommend changing the port immediately to any number up to 9999, for example 585 or 1234. Make sure the port is not already used by another service on the server.
For full diagnostics (network checks, I values, and ports), see Self-Hosted Connection via the AmneziaWG Protocol Does Not Work.
Skip Setup
If you click Skip setup when creating a connection to the server, you get an empty connection — no commands are sent to the server.
Use this when you want full access to a server that already has Amnezia VPN on it — without using a backup file or full access key.
How to use a server that already has Amnezia installed:
- Click any connection name.
- Click ⚙️ (gear icon) next to the connection to your server.
- Go to the Management tab and click Check the server for previously installed Amnezia services.
The app will refresh the connection; any VPN protocols and services already on the server will show up in its settings.
If you skipped setup by mistake and the server is clean, you can continue installation:
- Click any connection name.
- Click ⚙️ (gear icon) next to the connection to your server — you'll see a list of protocols you can install.
- Click 📥 icon next to the protocol you want and click Install.
Once installation finishes, AmneziaVPN will create a ready-to-use VPN connection with full access to the server.
You may also find these guides helpful:
AmneziaWG is installed with a random port by default. Some ISPs block UDP traffic on high ports, so we recommend changing the port immediately to any number up to 9999, for example 585 or 1234. Make sure the port is not already used by another service on the server.
For full diagnostics (network checks, I values, and ports), see Self-Hosted Connection via the AmneziaWG Protocol Does Not Work.
VPN Connection Features
Once a VPN protocol is installed, the connection lets you use the VPN and gives you full access to the server with these options:
- manage VPN access
- manage VPN protocols
- install SOCKS5 proxy on the server
- set up your own DNS server
- create SFTP service for file storage and transfer
- deploy a site on the Tor network
