Tailscale Setup on Ubuntu Server

What is Tailscale?

Tailscale is a secure, easy-to-use VPN that lets you create a private, encrypted network between your devices. Using Tailscale allows me to connect securely to your server, ensuring the safety of your data while I set up or configure your Docker containers or other services.

Why I use Tailscale

Tailscale makes it easy to access your server without complicated network configurations, like port forwarding. This keeps your network secure and simplifies the setup, making our work together seamless.

Step By Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to install and configure Tailscale on your Ubuntu server.

1. Install Tailscale

Open your server’s terminal and run the following commands to install Tailscale.

sudo apt update curl -fsSL https://tailscale.com/install.sh | sh

This will download and install the latest version of Tailscale on your server.

2. Log In to Tailscale

Once installed, start Tailscale and log in to authorize your device:

sudo tailscale up

This command will open a link. Copy it, paste it into your browser, and sign in using one of the following accounts:

• Google

• Microsoft

• GitHub

• (or a personal email if you signed up with one)

Once you’ve signed in, Tailscale will automatically add your device to your private network.

3. Verify Tailscale Connection

After logging in, go back to your terminal and check if Tailscale is running. Enter:

tailscale status

This command will display a list of devices connected to your Tailscale network. You should see your server’s IP address here, as well as any other devices you have connected.

4. Send Me Your Tailscale IP Address

To let me access your server, please share your Tailscale IP address with me. You can find it by entering:

tailscale ip -4

Copy the IP address that appears (it should look something like 100.x.x.x) and send it to me. This address lets me connect securely to your server without exposing it to the internet.

5. Stopping and Uninstalling Tailscale After Our Work Is Complete

Once my work is finished, I encourage you to disconnect and uninstall Tailscale to further secure your server. While I will fully disconnect from your network as soon as I complete my services, you can take these steps to disable and remove Tailscale:

To stop Tailscale temporarily (disconnect without uninstalling):

sudo tailscale down

To uninstall Tailscale (completely remove it from your system):

sudo apt remove tailscale

These steps are optional but recommended for added peace of mind once our session is complete.

What Happens Next?

After you’ve completed these steps and shared your Tailscale IP address, I’ll be able to connect securely and help set up the services you need. If you need any assistance with these steps, don’t hesitate to reach out!