How to Set Up and Install CloudPanel on Ubuntu in 7 Easy Steps?

• 3 Methods to Ensure Long-Term Stability for CloudPanel on Ubuntu

• 7 Key CloudPanel Ubuntu Server Features

• 7 Steps to Install CloudPanel on Ubuntu

• CloudPanel Installation Prerequisites for Ubuntu

• 3 Best Practices for Securing & Optimizing Your CloudPanel Installation on Ubuntu

• Troubleshooting Common CloudPanel Installation Issues on Ubuntu

• FAQs

• Summary

3 Methods to Ensure Long-Term Stability for CloudPanel on Ubuntu

Method 1: Keep CloudPanel Updated

CloudPanel updates by default. To check for updates:

1. Navigate to 'Server Settings'.
2. Click "Updates".
3. Review available updates and install them as needed.

Method 2: Scale Considerations

As your needs grow, consider:

• Vertical Scaling: Increase CPU/RAM through your cloud provider.
• Horizontal Scaling: Set up various CloudPanel servers with load balancing.
• Database Clustering: Optimize tasks for high-traffic applications.

Method 3: Track and Maintain Operations

Set up monitoring for:

• Server resource usage
• Website uptime
• SSL certificate validity period
• Backup completion status

7 Key CloudPanel Ubuntu Server Features

Feature Category	CloudPanel Ubuntu Server Features	Why It Matters (Real-World Impact)
Performance-First Architecture	- NGINX web server with HTTP/3 support - QUIC protocol support - PHP-FPM optimization - Brotli compression - Redis caching integration	- QUIC slashes latency for mobile/cloud users. - PHP-FPM means your PHP apps run fast, even under load. - Brotli shrinks files, saves bandwidth. - Redis caching leads to instant site speed boosts.
Built-in Security Features	- Two-factor authentication (2FA) - UFW firewall management - Regular security updates - Cloud provider security group support	- 2FA keeps hackers out, even if they have your password. - UFW firewall blocks unwanted traffic, and is simple to manage. - Automate security updates to patch vulnerabilities fast. - Works with your cloud provider’s firewall for layered defense.
Database Options & Flexibility	- 'MySQL 8.0', 'MariaDB 10.11', or 'MariaDB 11.4' options - Zero-downtime database upgrades - Automated backups to 'AWS S3', 'DigitalOcean Spaces', etc.	- Pick the database you (or your app) want. - Upgrade your database without taking your site offline. - Offsite backups mean you’re covered if disaster strikes.
Resource Efficiency	- Lightweight stack ("120 MB RAM", "1% CPU" typical) - Minimal system overhead - Fast server startup time	- Won’t slow down your server or increase your budget. - Ideal for cloud hosting, VPS, or even small servers.
Automation & Ease of Use	- One-click setup for 'PHP', 'Node.js' - GUI and CLI management - Automated backups and updates - Real-time resource monitoring	- Get started in minutes, not hours. - Manage everything from a clean dashboard or command line. - Never miss a backup or update again. - See what’s happening on your server, live.
Cloud Integration	- Unified interface for 'AWS', 'DigitalOcean', and more - Cloud provider security group settings	- Manage all your cloud servers from one place. - Security policies stay consistent across your infrastructure.
Advanced Web Hosting Tools	- Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates - Varnish cache integration - Multi-PHP version support	- Free SSL keeps your sites secure. - Varnish makes your sites load fast. - Run any PHP app, old or new.

7 Steps to Install CloudPanel on Ubuntu

Step 1: Connect to Your Ubuntu Server

1. Access your server via 'SSH'.
2. You can also use a "private key".

Step 2: Update Your System

1. Update the required packages to the latest versions.
2. Run the commands given below:

sudo apt update && sudo apt -y upgrade

sudo apt -y install curl wget sudo

Note: Outdated packages can cause installation failures & create security vulnerabilities.

Step 3: Download & Verify the Installer

1. Download the installer script.
2. Then, verify the script's integrity using the 'SHA256 checksum'.

Note: This security step confirms that you're running the authentic CloudPanel installer.

Step 4: Choose Your Database Engine

CloudPanel supports several database engines. Select based on your project needs by running the commands given below:

i. For MySQL 8.0

sudo DB_ENGINE=MYSQL_8.0 bash install.sh

ii. For MariaDB 11.4 (recommended for new projects)

sudo DB_ENGINE=MARIADB_11.4 bash install.sh

iii. Default installation (MariaDB 10.11)

sudo bash install.sh

Step 5: Run the Installation

The installation takes 5-10 minutes. You'll see progress output as CloudPanel installs:

• NGINX web server
• PHP 8.3 (with FPM)
• Your chosen database engine
• Key security tools

Step 6: Access Your CloudPanel Dashboard

Once installation completes:

1. Open your browser and navigate to https://your-server-ip:8443.
2. You'll see a security warning about the self-signed certificate.
3. Click "Advanced" and "Proceed to [IP]" to continue.
4. Create your administrator account to complete the setup.

Step 7: Set Up CloudPanel After Installation

i. Create Your Admin Account

When first accessing CloudPanel:

1. Choose a strong username (avoid obvious names like "admin").
2. Create a secure password (at least "12 characters").
3. Enter your "email" for notifications.
4. Set your "timezone".

ii. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

1. Go to 'User Settings'.
2. Enable "2FA" using Google Authenticator or similar apps.
3. Save your backup codes in a secure place.

iii. Verify Firewall Configuration

1. As CloudPanel configures 'UFW', check the status using:

sudo ufw status

2. Port "8443" should be set up as allowed.

iv. Set Up SSL Certificates

CloudPanel includes Let's Encrypt integration for free SSL certificates. Configure this early for better security.

CloudPanel Installation Prerequisites for Ubuntu

Category	CloudPanel Installation Prerequisites for Ubuntu	Why It Matters
Operating System	Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (fresh install, no pre-installed web servers like 'Apache'/'NGINX')	Prevents conflicts and ensures a smooth CloudPanel installation.
Server Hardware (Basic Requirements)	- 1 CPU core -2 GB RAM - 10 GB storage	The bare necessities to get CloudPanel running.
Server Hardware (Recommended for Production)	- 2+ CPU cores - 4 GB+ RAM - 25 GB+ SSD storage	Handles real traffic, more sites, and better performance.
Network Requirements	- Static IP address - Open ports, such as "80" (HTTP), "443" (HTTPS), and "8443" (CloudPanel dashboard)	Keeps your server reachable and CloudPanel accessible.
Required Packages	- curl - wget - sudo	These are necessary to download and run the CloudPanel installer.
Root/Sudo Access	Must have 'root' or 'sudo' privileges	You need admin rights to install and configure everything.
Supported Databases	- MySQL 8.0 - MariaDB 10.11/11.4	CloudPanel supports these database engines.
Supported PHP Version	PHP 8.1+	Ensures compatibility with modern web apps.
Firewall	- UFW recommended - Cloud provider security group support	Protects your server and sites from attacks.
Fresh Install Required	No pre-installed Apache, NGINX, or other web services	Avoids port conflicts and installation errors.
System Updates	Run apt update && apt upgrade -y before starting installation	Ensures your system is up to date and secure.

3 Best Practices for Securing & Optimizing Your CloudPanel Installation on Ubuntu

1. Improve Security

• Restrict Dashboard Access: Limit CloudPanel access to specific IP addresses using these commands:

sudo ufw delete allow 8443

sudo ufw allow from YOUR_IP_ADDRESS to any port 8443

• Enable Automatic Updates: Configure automatic security updates with:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure unattended-upgrades

2. Boost Performance

• Enable HTTP/3: CloudPanel supports HTTP/3 for improved performance. Enable it in the panel's performance settings.
• Configure Redis Caching: Enable Redis through the CloudPanel interface for WordPress/dynamic sites.
• Optimize PHP Settings: Adjust PHP-FPM pool settings based on your server resources. Follow these steps:

i. Access 'Sites & Domains'. ii. Choose your site. iii. Navigate to 'PHP Settings'. iv. Adjust memory_limit as needed. v. Adjust max_execution_time if required.

3. Set Up Automated Backups

Configure cloud storage backups by:

1. Navigating to 'Backups' in CloudPanel
2. Add your "AWS S3 or DigitalOcean Spaces credentials".
3. Configure automatic backup schedules.

Troubleshooting Common CloudPanel Installation Issues on Ubuntu

Issue	What’s Happening	How to Fix It (Step-by-Step)	Extra Pro Tips
Checksum Verification Fails	The installer file may not be secure or tampered with.	- Delete the old installer using rm install.sh. - Download again via curl -sS https://installer.cloudpanel.io/ce/v2/install.sh -o install.sh. - Verify the 'checksum' from CloudPanel’s docs.	Always verify the checksum before running any installer script.
Can’t Access the Dashboard on Port 8443	The firewall or network config is blocking access, or CloudPanel isn’t running.	- Open port using sudo ufw allow 8443. - Check CloudPanel service via sudo systemctl status cloudpanel. - Check logs with sudo journalctl -u cloudpanel.	Restrict "port 8443" to your IP during setup for extra security.
Database Installation Fails	Conflicting database packages ("MySQL"/"MariaDB") are already installed.	Check for existing packages with the command sudo apt list --installed.	grep -i mysql and sudo apt list --installed
Dependency Errors During Installation	Missing or conflicting system packages.	- Fix broken dependencies using sudo apt install -f. - Clean package cache via sudo apt autoremove and sudo apt autoclean. - Try the installation process again.	Update your system before installing. Run the command sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y.
Installer Script Fails to Launch	Not enough 'RAM', 'disk space', or 'wrong OS version'.	- Ensure at least "2GB RAM" & "15GB free disk". - Check that the OS version is 'Ubuntu 22.04/24.04 LTS'. - Review logs for errors.	Always check system requirements before starting.
SSL Certificate Issues	SSL not working, or the browser shows warnings after installation.	- Make sure "port 8443" is open. - Verify DNS records. - Ensure the server can reach Let’s Encrypt. - Replace the self-signed cert after installation.	Restrict "8443" to your "IP" during setup; use SSL Labs to test your config.
Firewall Rule Resets	CloudPanel install overwrites existing firewall rules, opening more ports than intended.	- Apply your custom firewall rules after installation. - Double-check open ports ("22", "8443").	Document your firewall settings before installing CloudPanel.
Admin Account Not Set	The superuser account is blank after installation, risking unauthorized access.	- Set the admin password immediately after installation. - Restrict port 8443 during setup.	Never leave the default admin unset; rotate passwords.
SSH Connection Problems	Can’t connect to server via SSH (wrong "IP", "key", or "port" issue).	- Double-check server IP and credentials. - Ensure "port 22" is open - Use verbose mode with the command ssh -vvv.	Use the cloud provider’s console access if locked out.
Package Installer Errors	Errors like “Sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg returned an error code (1)” during install.	- Check logs via cat /var/log/syslog & cat /var/log/apt/term.log - Install missing packages using apt install default-mta apparmor. - Retry the install process.	If the installer is not secure, reinstall the OS and update all packages before retrying.

FAQs

1. Can I install CloudPanel on Ubuntu?

CloudPanel supports Ubuntu 22.04/24.04 LTS. You can use supported versions, which ensure stability and security.

2. What's the difference between CloudPanel CE and EE?

CloudPanel Community Edition (CE) is free and includes all necessary features. Enterprise Edition (EE) adds advanced functionality like Git integration, staging environments, & priority support.

3. Is CloudPanel suitable for production use?

Yes, CloudPanel is production-ready & powers thousands of websites globally, including high-traffic applications. Its security & performance features make it suitable for business use.

4. How much does CloudPanel cost to run on Ubuntu?

CloudPanel itself is free. You pay for server hosting, domain names, SSL certificates, & extra storage & backup services. For a small website, total monthly costs usually range from $5 to $20.

5. Can I run several websites on one CloudPanel installation?

Yes, CloudPanel supports unlimited sites on a single installation. Each site can have its domain, database settings, and operating configuration.

6. Does CloudPanel work with existing websites?

CloudPanel is beneficial for fresh installations. If you have existing websites, you'll need to recreate them in CloudPanel. You can then transfer your data, rebuilding sites from scratch.

Summary

Installing CloudPanel on Ubuntu gives you the security and performance you need. This process helps you:

• Run a small business website/manage client projects without paying enterprise licensing fees.
• Use current web technologies and work with cloud-native architectures.
• Boost professional web hosting without enterprise-level costs.
• Build a modern architecture with built-in security features and cloud integrations.

Consider installing CloudPanel on Ubuntu to transform server management into a simplified process.