Skip to main content

Installing NGINX

This guide will walk you through the steps to install NGINX on both Debian-based and RHEL-based systems.

Supported Distributions​

DistributionSupported
Debian 12✅
Debian 11✅
Ubuntu 22.04✅
Ubuntu 24.04✅
RHEL 9✅
RHEL 8✅

Steps to Install NGINX​

1. Update the Package Index​

Debian-based Systems:​

Run the following command to ensure your package index is up to date:

sudo apt update

RHEL-based Systems:​

Update the package index using dnf:

sudo dnf makecache

2. Install NGINX​

Debian-based Systems:​

Install NGINX using the apt package manager:

sudo apt install nginx -y

RHEL-based Systems:​

Install NGINX using the dnf package manager. First, ensure the EPEL repository is enabled:

sudo dnf install epel-release -y
sudo dnf install nginx -y

3. Start and Enable NGINX​

Debian-based Systems:​

Ensure NGINX starts automatically on boot and start the service:

sudo systemctl enable nginx
sudo systemctl start nginx

RHEL-based Systems:​

Similarly, enable and start the NGINX service:

sudo systemctl enable nginx
sudo systemctl start nginx

4. Verify Installation​

Debian-based Systems:​

Check if NGINX is running:

sudo systemctl status nginx

RHEL-based Systems:​

Verify the status of the NGINX service:

sudo systemctl status nginx

For both systems, you can also verify the installation by opening a web browser and navigating to http://your_server_ip. You should see the default NGINX welcome page.

5. Allow HTTP and HTTPS Traffic​

Debian-based Systems:​

Update your firewall rules to allow HTTP and HTTPS traffic:

sudo ufw allow 'Nginx Full'

RHEL-based Systems:​

Use firewalld to allow HTTP and HTTPS traffic:

sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=http
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=https
sudo firewall-cmd --reload

Conclusion​

You have successfully installed NGINX on your Debian-based or RHEL-based system. You can now proceed to configure it for your specific needs.