Security
Self-host Pi-hole on a VPS
The classic network-wide DNS ad blocker.
A DNS sinkhole that blocks ads and tracking across your whole network, with a friendly dashboard.
Why self-host Pi-hole?
Pi-hole is the best-known way to stop ads and trackers at the network level, and it runs happily on a tiny VPS.
How to install Pi-hole
- 1
Provision a VPS
Choose a plan with room for your data as well as the app.
- 2
Install the stack
Install DNS + web dashboard (FTSL).
- 3
Deploy the application
Follow the project’s official install guide for your distribution.
- 4
Enable HTTPS
Serve it on your own domain behind a reverse proxy with a certificate.
- 5
Back it up
Schedule a database dump plus a copy of any uploaded files to an off-box location.
Practical tips
- Give Pi-hole its own database user with rights only on its own schema.
- Reverse-proxy Pi-hole and terminate TLS at the proxy so certificates are managed in one place.
- Take a VPS snapshot before major upgrades so you can roll back cleanly.
- Keep Pi-hole patched — most self-hosting incidents are unpatched software.
Frequently asked questions
- How much RAM does Pi-hole need?
- Plan on 512 MB–1 GB for typical use; add headroom if you expect many concurrent users.
- What stack does Pi-hole run on?
- DNS + web dashboard (FTSL).
- Can I run other things on the same VPS?
- Yes — size the plan so Pi-hole plus your other workloads fit in RAM with room to spare.
Looking for something else? Popular alternatives include AdGuard Home, Blocky, Unbound — browse all app guides.