How to Install aaPanel on a Linux VPS

aaPanel is a free, lightweight control panel that gives your Linux server a clean web interface for managing websites, databases, SSL and more — without living on the command line. If you have a fresh VPS and want a friendly GUI, aaPanel is a popular, quick-to-install choice.

Before you begin

A fresh VPS running a supported Linux distribution (such as AlmaLinux, CentOS, Ubuntu or Debian).
Root SSH access — see connecting via SSH.
Install on a clean server; running it over an existing web stack can cause conflicts.

Step 1: Connect to your server

Log in to your VPS as root over SSH. It is best to install aaPanel first, before configuring anything else, so it can set up its own stack cleanly.

Step 2: Run the official installer

aaPanel provides an official installation script on its website for each Linux distribution. Copy the correct command for your distro from the aaPanel site and run it as root. The installer downloads and sets up the panel along with its web, database and PHP components.

Installing directly from the official source matters for security — only use the script aaPanel publishes, not copies from unofficial sites.

Step 3: Note your login details

When the installer finishes, it prints your panel URL, port, username and a temporary password. Save these immediately — you will need them to log in. The panel typically runs on its own port, which must be open in your firewall.

Step 4: Log in and secure it

Open the panel URL in your browser and log in with the details shown.
Change the default password to a strong one right away.
Enable any available two-factor or security options.

Frequently asked questions

Is aaPanel free?

The core panel is free. Some add-ons and plugins are paid, but you can run and manage websites fully on the free version.

Can I install aaPanel on shared hosting?

No — a control panel needs a server you fully control, so it is for VPS and dedicated servers. On shared hosting you already have a panel (like cPanel) provided for you.

The panel won't load after installing.

Almost always the panel's port is blocked by the firewall. Open that port (the installer tells you which), then try the URL again. See checking open ports.