How to install CloudPanel

Quick answer: CloudPanel is a free, lightweight panel (nginx + PHP-FPM + MariaDB) for Debian 12 or Ubuntu 24.04/22.04. On a fresh server, run the official installer script from installer.cloudpanel.io as root, then open https://your-server-ip:8443 and create the admin user. Installation takes about 3–5 minutes.

Overview

CloudPanel is a modern panel focused on PHP applications: per-site PHP versions, one-click Let's Encrypt SSL, site isolation, cloning and built-in backups. It deliberately ships without a mail server, which keeps it light — pair it with an external mail provider if you need mailboxes. It runs well even on a small SSD VPS.

Before you start

• A fresh Cloud2Y server with Debian 12 or Ubuntu 24.04/22.04 — reinstall the OS if anything else is on it.
• At least 1 CPU core, 2 GB RAM and 10 GB free disk.
• Root SSH access.
• Optional: a domain with an A record pointed at the server for a trusted panel certificate.

Step-by-step guide

1. Update the system:

   apt update && apt -y upgrade

2. Download and run the installer (Cloud2Y is a self-managed environment, so use CLOUD=other):

   curl -sS https://installer.cloudpanel.io/ce/v2/install.sh -o install.sh
   sudo CLOUD=other bash install.sh

   Before running, compare the script checksum with the one published in the official CloudPanel documentation.
3. When the installer finishes, open https://your-server-ip:8443 in a browser (accept the self-signed certificate warning).
4. Create the admin account on the first-run screen — do this immediately, before sharing the URL anywhere.
5. Add your first site and issue SSL — see creating a website and issuing an SSL certificate.

Common issues

• Installer aborts on a used server: existing web/database servers conflict — start from a fresh OS.
• Port 8443 unreachable: allow it in your firewall (ufw allow 8443/tcp) — see UFW guide.
• Unsupported OS: CloudPanel v2 targets Debian 12/11 and Ubuntu 24.04/22.04 — other distros will not install.
• Need email? CloudPanel has no mail server by design — use an external provider or choose HestiaCP.

When to contact support

If you need a clean OS reinstall to start over, or the panel is unreachable although the service is Active and the firewall is open, open a support ticket with your server IP and what you have tried.

Frequently asked questions

Is CloudPanel really free?

Yes, CloudPanel is free to use with no site limits. You only pay for your server; there are no license fees for the panel itself.

Which OS does CloudPanel need?

CloudPanel v2 supports Debian 12/11 and Ubuntu 24.04/22.04. It will not install on AlmaLinux, Rocky or other RHEL-family distributions, so reinstall the OS first if needed.

Does CloudPanel include an email server?

No, and that is by design to keep the panel light and secure. Use an external mail provider for mailboxes, or choose HestiaCP or CyberPanel if mail must live on the same server.

Related articles

• Which control panel should I choose?
• How to create a website in a control panel
• How to issue an SSL certificate
• Control panel security checklist

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