How to Install HestiaCP on Debian Server

If you’ve ever tried to manage a website, you probably know how tricky server stuff can be. I’ve been there too. Back when I started, just logging in to the server felt scary. But tools like Hestia Control Panel, or HestiaCP, made things much easier for me. It’s a free and open-source control panel. That means anyone can use it and even help improve it. I use it on some of my own websites because it’s clean, simple, and works well on Debian.

Now, Debian is a type of Linux operating system. It’s stable and great for servers. Some folks prefer Ubuntu, which is based on Debian. But I like going straight to the source.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to install HestiaCP on a fresh Debian system. Don’t worry—I’ll keep things clear and simple. If you can copy and paste, you’re halfway there.

What Is HestiaCP and Why Use It?

Let me break it down.

HestiaCP is like a dashboard for your server. Instead of typing a bunch of commands in the terminal, you can click buttons. You can:

• Add websites
• Set up email accounts
• Manage databases
• Install SSL for HTTPS
• Create backups

You don’t have to be a tech wizard. If you’ve used cPanel or Plesk before, this feels kind of similar—but without the price tag. I like HestiaCP because it doesn’t try to do too much. It sticks to the basics and keeps things light.

Here’s a little joke to lighten the mood:
Why did the web server break up with the database?
Because it found too many connections elsewhere.

Okay, now let’s roll up our sleeves and get into it.

What You Need Before Installing

Before we install HestiaCP, let’s make sure we’ve got everything ready. I don’t want you to get stuck halfway through. Trust me—I’ve done that, and it’s not fun.

Here’s what you need:

• A fresh Debian server (version 11 or newer)
• Root access (so you can install stuff)
• A domain name (optional, but useful for later)
• About 15–20 minutes

You can get a VPS (virtual private server) from many providers. I won’t name names, but just make sure it’s running Debian 11 (Bullseye) or Debian 12 (Bookworm). I usually go with 1GB RAM minimum, though more is always better.

Also, avoid installing other web tools before Hestia. It likes a clean kitchen to cook in.

Step-by-Step: Installing HestiaCP on Debian

Step 1: Connect to Your Server

Use SSH to log in. On your computer, open a terminal and type:

ssh root@your-server-ip

Replace your-server-ip with your server’s actual IP address.

If this is your first time using SSH, don’t worry. It just means you’re opening a secure line between your computer and the server. Like walkie-talkies, but for geeks.

Step 2: Update Your System

Let’s make sure your server is up to date. Run:

apt update && apt upgrade -y

This grabs the latest security patches and system updates. It’s like brushing your teeth before going to the dentist. Just polite.

Step 3: Download the Hestia Installer

Hestia has a script that sets everything up. First, download it:

wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/hestiacp/hestiacp/release/install/hst-install.sh

This grabs the script from Hestia’s GitHub page.

Step 4: Run the Installer

Now run the installer script:

bash hst-install.sh

The installer will ask you a few questions:

• Your email address
• Your domain or hostname (e.g. panel.yoursite.com)
• What services you want (web, email, database, etc.)

Tips:

• Use a subdomain like panel.example.com for your Hestia login
• Choose only what you need (less is more)
• Write down the admin password when it finishes

The install takes about 10–15 minutes. You can go grab coffee—or a banana if you like healthy snacks. (Banana for scale? No. Banana for break.)

Step 5: Access Your Control Panel

Once it’s done, the script will show you something like:

https://panel.yoursite.com:8083
Username: admin
Password: ********

Open that link in your browser. You’ll likely see a warning about the certificate being unsafe. That’s okay for now. Click “Advanced” and “Proceed Anyway.”

You can fix the SSL warning later by installing a free Let’s Encrypt certificate inside Hestia.

What Happens After Installation?

Once you log in, you’ll see the Hestia dashboard. From here, you can:

• Add domains
• Upload websites
• Create databases
• Add FTP users
• Install SSL certificates

It’s like having your own mini cPanel, but it doesn’t nag you with payment reminders.

Here’s a quick look at some features you’ll love:

What You Can Do with HestiaCP:

• 📁 Add multiple websites and manage them separately
• ✉️ Set up your own email addresses like [email protected]
• 🗃️ Backup your websites with one click
• 🔒 Secure your sites with HTTPS (free SSL)

Things I Like (and Don’t Like)

I always think it’s good to share both sides of the story.

👍 What I Like:

• Free and open-source
• Clean design
• Active community
• Works well on small servers

👎 What Could Be Better:

• Some advanced settings need the terminal
• No built-in file manager (yet)
• Emails sometimes land in spam without tweaking DNS

That last one bugged me. But I fixed it by setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records. (Those are special DNS records that help email servers trust your messages.)

Simple Mistakes to Avoid

Let me save you some frustration. I made a few rookie errors when I started.

Here are a few common mistakes:

• Installing Hestia on a server that’s not clean – always use a fresh Debian setup
• Using a domain without DNS setup – make sure your domain points to your server
• Not saving your admin password – take a screenshot or copy it somewhere safe

You don’t want to get locked out and have to reset it the hard way.

How Does HestiaCP Compare to Others?

I’ve tried a few panels—cPanel, Plesk, Webmin, and a few others. Here’s how HestiaCP stacks up for me:

So yeah, Hestia isn’t perfect. But for a free tool, it punches above its weight.

Final Thoughts

If you’re like me and want to manage websites without digging through terminal commands all day, HestiaCP is a great tool to learn. It turns a plain server into a control center that makes sense.

And the best part? You control everything.

You can host websites, emails, and databases—all from one place. No license fees, no drama. Just a clean setup that works.

So, have you tried HestiaCP before? Or maybe you’re using something else? Either way, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Oh, and if you ever feel stuck, remember:
Why did the sysadmin cross the road?
To fix the other side.