How to Install Outline VPN on a VPS

I remember, I was looking for a simple way to browse the internet safely and privately. I wanted something I could control myself—no middleman, no funny business. That’s when I found Outline VPN.

Outline VPN is a tool that lets you create your own VPN (Virtual Private Network) server. It runs on a VPS, which stands for Virtual Private Server. Think of a VPS as your own little computer in the cloud—it’s always online, even when your home PC is off.

The cool thing about Outline is how easy it is to use. It’s made for people who aren’t experts. Even if you’ve never used a VPN before, Outline gives you a head start.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how I installed Outline VPN on a VPS. I’ll keep it simple. No tech jargon unless I explain it first. And yes, I’ll share a few jokes to keep things from getting too dry.

What Is Outline VPN?

Outline VPN is a free and open-source project. It was made by a team at Jigsaw (a company owned by Google). You use it to make your own VPN server that lets you browse the web safely.

Let’s break that down a little:

• VPN = It hides your internet activity. Websites can’t see who you really are or where you’re from.
• Open-source = Anyone can look at the code. That makes it safer, because it’s harder to sneak bad stuff in.
• VPS = A rented server on the internet, like a tiny hotel room where your VPN lives.

Why do I like Outline? Because it’s easy. I’ve tried other VPNs like OpenVPN and SoftEther. They work, but setting them up felt like trying to read a map upside-down. Outline just works.

What You Need Before You Start

Let’s gather our tools first. Here’s what I used:

• A VPS with Ubuntu (I used Ubuntu 20.04, but others work too)
• Root or sudo access (you’ll need permission to install stuff)
• Internet access (obviously)
• 15 minutes of your time (and maybe a snack)

You can get a VPS from places like DigitalOcean, Hetzner, Vultr, or others. Choose one with at least 1GB RAM. You don’t need anything fancy—this isn’t a Hollywood movie.

Step 1: Log In to Your VPS

Once you get a VPS, you’ll get an IP address and login details.

Open your terminal and connect using SSH:

ssh [email protected]

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

If this is your first time using SSH, it’s like sending commands through a text message—but for computers.

Step 2: Install Docker (Required by Outline)

Outline runs using Docker. Docker is like a container—it wraps software with everything it needs so it runs the same everywhere.

To install Docker:

apt update
apt install docker.io -y
systemctl enable --now docker

That last command makes sure Docker starts now and also every time the server reboots.

Step 3: Install the Outline Server

Now it’s time to install the Outline VPN server.

Run this one-liner:

sudo bash -c "$(curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Jigsaw-Code/outline-server/master/src/server_manager/install_scripts/install_server.sh)"

This script downloads and installs everything automatically. Sit back, let it do its thing.

When it’s done, you’ll see something like this:

CONGRATULATIONS! Your Outline server is up and running.

To manage it, connect using this link in the Outline Manager:
https://XXXXXXXXX.on.getoutline.org/XXXXXX

Copy that link and save it. That’s your golden ticket. Don’t lose it.

Step 4: Install Outline Manager

To manage the VPN and create access keys, you need Outline Manager. It’s a free app that runs on your computer.

Download it from: https://getoutline.org

Once it’s installed, open it, and paste the magic link you got earlier. That’s how you connect the app to your server.

Now you can:

• See who’s connected
• Create keys for friends
• Limit data usage (if needed)

Step 5: Connect to the VPN

To actually use the VPN, install the Outline Client on your device.

It’s available for:

• Windows
• macOS
• Android
• iOS
• Linux

Once you install it, add the access key from the Manager. Boom—you’re connected.

It’s like giving your phone a secret tunnel to the internet.

Step 6: Make It More Secure (Optional, But Smart)

I like to lock things down a little more. Here are some extra steps I take:

• Change the SSH port to something else (like 2222) to avoid bots
• Set up a firewall with ufw:

apt install ufw -y
ufw allow 22
ufw allow 80
ufw allow 443
ufw enable

• Keep your system updated:

apt update && apt upgrade -y

It’s like brushing your teeth—you don’t always feel like it, but it saves trouble later.

What Makes Outline Different?

I’ve tried a few VPN tools, and here’s how Outline compares:

So if you’re just starting out, Outline is a great first VPN.

Benefits of Using Outline VPN

Here’s what I’ve liked about using Outline:

• Control: I own the server. Nobody logs my data.
• Privacy: My browsing is hidden from nosy providers.
• Easy sharing: I can make access keys for friends or family.

Outline also avoids censorship in many countries, since it uses normal web ports (like 443). To the internet, it just looks like a secure website. Clever, huh?

Quick Tips for a Smoother Experience

Here are a few lessons I learned the hard way:

• Keep your VPS region close: Picking a server close to your country gives you better speed.
• Test before sharing: Try connecting yourself before sending keys to friends.
• Don’t overload it: Outline works great, but don’t add 50 people to a tiny 1GB server.

Three Handy Checklists

VPS Setup Checklist

• Bought a VPS with Ubuntu 20.04 or newer
• Logged in using SSH
• Installed Docker

Outline Installation Checklist

• Ran the install script
• Got the Manager link
• Installed Outline Manager

Client Setup Checklist

• Installed Outline Client
• Pasted access key
• Connected successfully

Wrapping Up

Setting up Outline VPN on a VPS was easier than I expected. It took me about 15 minutes, and most of that was waiting for downloads. Since then, I’ve used it on my phone, laptop, and even helped my cousin set it up.

Now I don’t have to worry about public Wi-Fi, internet snooping, or sites that block my country. My data stays mine.

And best of all? No monthly fees. I only pay for the VPS, and that’s usually pretty cheap.

So—what do you think? Ready to give your internet a disguise?

If you have questions or funny VPN stories (I once named my server “VPNana,” like a banana in disguise), feel free to share them. The internet is more fun when we learn together.