How to Install Outline VPN Server on a VPS?

How to Install Outline VPN Server on a VPS?

This guide will show you how to install and configure Outline VPN Server on your VPS using very simple and easy steps. You do not need advanced Linux knowledge or server experience. Outline is designed for beginners and allows you to set up a fast, secure, private VPN for personal or team use.

By the end of this article, you will learn:

• - What Outline Server is
• - How to install Outline Manager
• - How to install the Outline server on a VPS
• - How to generate and share access keys
• - How to connect your devices to your new VPN
• - How to test and secure your VPN
• - How to fix common Outline installation problems
   

This article is written in a friendly, human tone to make sure everything is easy to understand.

What You Need Before You Begin?

To install Outline on your VPS, you only need:

• - A VPS with root or sudo access
• - Any Linux OS (Ubuntu recommended)
• - Your server’s IP address
• - A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux
• - Internet connection
• - Basic copy-paste skills
  
   

That’s all. You do not need: 

• - Server administration experience
• - Docker knowledge
• - Network configuration skills
• - Security certifications
   

Outline is designed to be simple, even for beginners.

Understanding How Outline VPN Works?

Before installing, here is a quick explanation of how Outline works so you know what you’re setting up:

1. Outline Manager

1. Installed on your compute
2. Used to install and manage your VPN server
3. Allows you to create access keys

2. Outline Server

1. Installed on your VPS
2. Handles your VPN connections
3. Encrypts your traffic
4. Runs automatically in the background

3. Outline Client

1. Installed on any device (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux)
2. Connects to your VPN using the access key
3. Outline uses modern encryption standards and is based on Shadowsocks, which is lightweight, fast, and secure.

Step 1: Install Outline Manager on Your Computer

Outline Manager is required for installing the Outline server and managing VPN access.

How to Install?

1. Open the Outline download page
2. Download Outline Manager for your operating system
3. Install it using the normal installation steps
4. Open Outline Manager
   
    

You will see an option saying “Setup Outline anywhere.”
Do not click anything else for now.

Step 2: Prepare Your VPS

Login to your VPS using SSH:

# ssh root@your_server_ip

If your hosting panel provides a web-based terminal, you can use that too.

No prep commands needed

Outline automatically installs all required packages, including:

1. Docker
2. Outline server components
3. Networking dependencies
4. You do not need to update the server or install packages manually.
   Outline handles everything.

Step 3: Install Outline Server on Your VPS

1. In Outline Manager, choose “Set up Outline anywhere.”
2. You will see a long installation command.
3. Copy that command.
   
    

It usually looks like:

# curl -sS https://getoutline.org/install_server.sh | sudo bash

Paste the command into your VPS terminal and press Enter.

 

After running the command:

The installer will:

1. Download the Outline Server installer
2. Install Docker
3. Install Shadowsocks
4. Configure your VPN
5. Generate encryption keys
6. Start the server

• 
  Display two keys:
   
  1. Server management key
  2. Access key
     
      

Copy the Server Management Key.
You will need it in the next step.

Step 4: Connect Your Server to Outline Manager

1. Go back to Outline Manager
2. Paste the Server Management Key
3. Click Done
   
    

Outline Manager will now connect to your VPS and display:

1. Server name
2. Bandwidth usage
3. Connected devices
4. Access keys
5. Security settings
    

Your VPN server is now fully working.

Step 5: Create and Manage Access Keys

Access keys are used by people or devices to connect to your Outline VPN.

To create a new access key:

1. Open Outline Manager
2. Click Add a Key
3. Name it (example: "My Phone" or “Laptop”)
4. Copy the key
    

Each user gets a unique access key so you can:

1. Monitor usage
2. Revoke access
3. Limit bandwidth
   
    

Sharing the key

You can share the access key:

1. Through messaging apps
2. Through email
3. As plain text
4. As a QR code (supported by mobile apps)
    

Never share access keys publicly.

Step 6: Install Outline Client on Devices

Install the Outline Client app on your device:

1. Android

Available on Google Play Store

2. iOS

Available on App Store

3. Windows

Download from Outline website

4. macOS

Download from Outline website

5. Linux

Download the .AppImage

After installing:

1. Open the Outline Client
   Paste the access key
2. Click Connect
    

Your device will now route traffic securely through your VPS.

Step 7: Allow Firewall Ports on Your VPS

If your server firewall is enabled (UFW, CSF, or panel-based firewall), allow the Outline ports.

Most commonly:

# sudo ufw allow 80

# sudo ufw allow 443

# sudo ufw allow 1024:65535/udp

This ensures your Outline server works with all device types.

Step 8: Verify That Outline VPN Is Working

You can test your VPN using:

1. Check IP Address

Visit:
 https://whatismyipaddress.com

You should see your VPS IP.

2. Speed Test

Visit:
https://speedtest.net

3. DNS Leak Test

Visit:
 https://dnsleaktest.com

Everything should show VPS results, not your real location.

Optional Security Tips

1. Keep your server updated
2. Use strong passwords for control panel access
3. Revoke unused access keys
4. Do not share access keys in public groups
5. Enable automatic security updates on your VPS
6. Disable root login (optional)
    

Outline itself is secure, but server security is equally important.

Optional Advanced Settings

If you are more advanced, you can:

1. Change the server port

Inside Outline Manager → Settings

2. Add multiple servers

Use Outline Manager to manage them all

3. Monitor user bandwidth

Each access key shows individual usage

4. Enable Shadowsocks plugins (advanced)

Troubleshooting

1. Installation fails

Try:

# apt update && apt install curl -y

Then run the install command again.

2. Docker errors

Restart Docker:

# sudo systemctl restart docker

3. Outline Manager cannot connect

Check if port 443 is open.

4. Client cannot connect

Try generating a new access key.

5. Firewall blocking

Allow UDP ports above 1024
(very important for Shadowsocks)

FAQ:

1. Can I install Outline on any VPS provider?

Yes. Outline works on any VPS with Linux and root access.

2. Do I need technical experience?

No. Outline is designed for beginners.

3. Is Outline safe?

Yes. Traffic is encrypted using secure Shadowsocks protocols.

4. Can I share access keys with others?

Yes, but share privately.

5. How many devices can connect?

Unlimited. It depends on your VPS bandwidth.

6. What ports does Outline use?

Usually:

• 80
• 443
  Random UDP ports
   

7. Can I uninstall Outline?

Yes. To remove it:

# sudo docker stop shadowbox && sudo docker rm shadowbox

# sudo rm -rf /opt/outline

8. Will Outline slow down my internet?

VPN speed depends on your VPS speed and location.

9. Can I block a user without deleting the server?

Yes, simply delete their access key.

Need Help?

If you need assistance installing or managing Outline VPN, feel free to contact your hosting support team or refer to the Outline documentation.