Pi-hole is a popular open-source tool used as a network ad blocker and DNS server. Its primary advantage lies in the ability to block ads at the network level, meaning ads will be filtered for all devices connected to that network. Setting up Pi-hole on a Virtual private server (VPS) is an effective way to gain control over ads and tracking on the internet without the need for installing ad blockers on individual devices. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to set up Pi-hole on a VPS.
Preparation
Before we begin installing Pi-hole, it's necessary to have a VPS ready. Most VPS providers offer a choice of several operating systems. For the purposes of this guide, we will assume you are using Debian or Ubuntu, as these distributions are widely supported and well-documented.
- System Update: First, it's important to update the system. Log in to your VPS via SSH and run the following commands:
sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade -y - Setting Up Static IP Address: Although not always necessary, it's recommended to set a static IP address on your VPS to ensure Pi-hole is always accessible at the same address. Setting this up varies depending on your network configuration and VPS provider.
Installing Pi-hole
After the preparatory steps, let's proceed with the installation of Pi-hole.
- Download and Install: Pi-hole offers a simple installation script that automates the entire installation process. Run the script using the following command:
curl -sSL https://install.pi-hole.net | bash - Configuration: During the installation, you will be prompted for basic configuration such as interface selection, DNS providers, and blocking level. For starters, you can leave the default settings, which can be adjusted later in the Pi-hole admin interface.
Setting Up DNS
After installing Pi-hole, you need to configure your devices (or the entire network) to use Pi-hole as their primary DNS server.
- Router Configuration: The easiest way to ensure all devices in your network use Pi-hole is to change the DNS server settings directly on your router. In the router's DHCP server settings, set the IP address of your Pi-hole as the primary DNS server.
- Individual Device Configuration: If you cannot or do not want to change settings on the router, you can set up Pi-hole as the DNS server on each device separately. The process varies depending on the operating system, but generally, you can find the DNS settings in the network connection settings.
Management and Maintenance
Pi-hole offers a web interface for management and monitoring. After installation, you can access the Pi-hole admin interface via the IP address of your VPS in a web browser.
- Updates: To keep the system secure and efficient, it's recommended to regularly update Pi-hole and the VPS operating system.
- Blocklists: Pi-hole allows you to add and edit lists of domains to block. For maximum effectiveness, you can continuously add lists specialized in blocking different types of content.
Setting up Pi-hole on a VPS is an effective way to enhance online privacy and security by getting rid of unwanted ads and tracking scripts at the network level. With some configuration, you can create a robust ad-blocking solution that serves all devices in your home or organization.
