iRedMail

How To Install iRedMail On Ubuntu 24.04

If you’re looking to set up your own mail server, iRedMail offers a powerful and easy solution. iRedMail is a full-featured mail server solution that can be installed quickly, and it supports various backend database options. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to install iRedMail on Ubuntu 24.04.

Prerequisites

Before we start, make sure you have the following:

  1. A Fresh Ubuntu 24.04 Server – You can use a virtual machine, dedicated server, or cloud instance.
  2. Root or Sudo Access – You need administrative privileges on your server.
  3. A Domain Name – You’ll need a domain name that points to your server’s IP address for email functionalities.
  4. Basic Command Line Knowledge – Be comfortable using the terminal.

Step 1: Update the Server

Start by updating your server to ensure that all packages are up to date. Open your terminal and type the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Required Dependencies

iRedMail requires several dependencies. Install them by running:

sudo apt install wget bison pkg-config curl software-properties-common -y

Step 3: Download iRedMail

Go to the official iRedMail website and grab the latest version of the software. You can use wget to download it directly to your server:

cd /tmp
wget https://github.com/iredmail/iRedMail/archive/refs/tags/1.6.3.tar.gz
tar xvf 1.6.3.tar.gz
cd iRedMail-1.6.3

Make sure to replace the version number with the latest one available.

Step 4: Run the iRedMail Installer

To start the installation, execute the following command:

sudo bash iRedMail.sh

The installer will prompt you for several configurations, and you’ll need to choose:

  1. Installation Mode: Choose the one that fits your needs between the default package and a more customizable option.
  2. Mail Store Backend: You can choose between various backends like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or OpenLDAP.
  3. Mail Domain: Enter the domain name for the mail server.
  4. Admin Email: Create an email address for admin access.
  5. Password: Set a secure password for your admin account.

Step 5: Configure DNS Records

After the installation, you need to configure your DNS records to point to your mail server:

  • A Record: Point your domain to the IP address of your mail server.
  • MX Record: Specify that your domain handles mail for your domain (e.g., 10 mail.yourdomain.com).
  • SPF Record: Add an SPF record to allow your server to send email for your domain.
  • DKIM: Set this up for email authentication.
  • DMARC: Optional but recommended for enhanced security.

Step 6: Access the iRedMail Admin Panel

Once the installation is complete, you can access the iRedMail admin panel by visiting:

https://yourdomain.com/iredadmin

Log in using the admin credentials you created earlier.

Step 7: Firewall Configuration

If you have UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) enabled, you’ll need to allow access to necessary ports:

sudo ufw allow OpenSSH
sudo ufw allow 80/tcp
sudo ufw allow 443/tcp
sudo ufw allow 25/tcp
sudo ufw allow 587/tcp
sudo ufw allow 993/tcp

Enable UFW if it’s not already enabled:

sudo ufw enable

Step 8: Testing Your Mail Server

It’s essential to test your mail server after installation. You can send a test email using a mail client or through the terminal with the following command:

echo "Test email body" | mail -s "Test Subject" [email protected]

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed iRedMail on Ubuntu 24.04. You now have your mail server up and running. Make sure to regularly update your server and iRedMail to keep everything secure.

If you experience issues or have questions, the iRedMail community forums are a great resource for troubleshooting.

Remember, self-hosting your email server can come with responsibilities regarding security, privacy, and maintenance. Make sure to stay informed and keep your system updated.

For more tips on cloud hosting and server management, stay tuned to our blog at Greenhost.cloud!