# How to Set Up a WireGuard VPN on Your VPS

> Canonical: https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-set-up-a-wireguard-vpn-on-your-vps/ · Last modified: 2026-08-20T06:47:46+00:00

Running your own VPN on a VPS gives you a private, encrypted connection that you fully control - no third-party logs, and an exit point in the region you choose. WireGuard is modern, fast and simple to set up.

## Install WireGuard

Connect over SSH and install it with `sudo apt update && sudo apt install wireguard`. WireGuard is built into modern Linux kernels, so there's very little overhead.

## Configure the server and a client

- Generate server and client key pairs with `wg genkey`
- Create `/etc/wireguard/wg0.conf` with your server keys and address range
- Enable IP forwarding and start it: `sudo wg-quick up wg0`
- Add each device as a peer, or use a helper script like **wireguard-install**

## Open the VPN port

Add a firewall rule for WireGuard's UDP port (default **51820**) in the VPS **Firewall** tab, then import the client config onto your phone or laptop.

## JetHost Experts Tip

A quick, well-maintained shortcut is the community **wireguard-install** script, which generates the server config and client files for you in a couple of minutes. Prefer OpenVPN? The same VPS handles it just as well.

## Need More Help?

Your own WireGuard VPS gives you a private, fast connection wherever you are. If you get stuck, the JetHost team is available 24/7 and usually answers in under five minutes - just [contact us](https://jethost.com/contact-us/) and we'll help you sort it out. Explore our other [VPS tutorials](https://jethost.com/kb/category/vps/) to get the most out of your server.