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Easy Duplicati Backups on Ubuntu for Dedicated Servers

Introduction

This beginner-friendly guide walks you through installing Duplicati (open-source backup with a simple web UI) on Ubuntu 24.04 running on a ServerStadium dedicated server. You’ll set a secure admin password, reach the web UI from your network, schedule encrypted backups, and send email reports. If you don’t have a server yet, spin up an instant dedicated server and follow along.

Prerequisites

  • A ServerStadium dedicated server running Ubuntu 24.04 (or similar).
  • SSH access with sudo privileges.
  • A workstation on the same network (or VPN) to access the web UI.

Step 1 — Update and Basics

Update packages and install a few helpers.

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade -y
sudo apt-get install -y curl gnupg ufw

Step 2 — Install Duplicati (.deb package)

Download a current stable Debian/Ubuntu package and install it (example below). Adjust the version if a newer stable build is available.

cd /tmp
wget https://updates.duplicati.com/stable/duplicati-2.1.0.5_stable_2025-03-04-linux-x64-gui.deb
sudo apt-get install -y ./duplicati-2.1.0.5_stable_2025-03-04-linux-x64-gui.deb

sudo systemctl enable duplicati
sudo systemctl start duplicati
sudo systemctl status duplicati --no-pager

By default, Duplicati’s server listens on port 8200 and only on localhost. We’ll securely expose it next so you can reach it from your LAN.

Step 3 — One-Time Secure Setup (password & remote access)

Set an initial web password and temporarily allow access from your network so you can finish setup in the browser:

# Stop the service
sudo systemctl stop duplicati

# Start Duplicati manually one time with a strong password and LAN access
# Replace YOUR_STRONG_PASSWORD and YOUR_SERVER_IP
nohup /usr/bin/duplicati-server \
  --webservice-password=YOUR_STRONG_PASSWORD \
  --webservice-interface=any \
  --webservice-port=8200 \
  --server-datafolder=/var/lib/duplicati \
  >/var/log/duplicati-initial.log 2>&1 &

# From your workstation, browse to:
#   http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:8200
# Sign in with the password above, open Settings, enable remote access if prompted, and Save.

# Then return to the server and switch back to the service:
sudo pkill -f duplicati-server
sudo systemctl start duplicati
sudo systemctl status duplicati --no-pager

Step 4 — Lock Down the Port (UFW)

Allow only your admin IP (replace 198.51.100.10) to reach the Duplicati UI on port 8200.

sudo ufw allow from 198.51.100.10 to any port 8200 proto tcp
sudo ufw enable
sudo ufw status

For public exposure, consider placing Duplicati behind a reverse proxy with HTTPS. For most beginners, restricting to an admin IP is simplest and safest.

Step 5 — First Backup (Web UI)

  • In the Duplicati UI → Add backup.
  • Choose Configure a new backup, set a Backup name and Passphrase (AES-256 encryption).
  • Destination: pick storage you control (local folder, SFTP, WebDAV, or any S3-compatible service you use).
  • Source data: select folders to protect (e.g., /etc, /var/www, /home).
  • Schedule: daily or hourly, with a practical retention (e.g., “smart” or 30–60 days).
  • Save and run your first backup.

Optional — Email Reports (Postfix + mailutils)

Install basic mail tools and, if needed, configure an SMTP relay. Then enable reports under Settings → Send reports in Duplicati.

sudo apt-get install -y postfix mailutils
# During Postfix setup, choose "Internet Site" and set the server's hostname.
# If using an SMTP relay, edit /etc/postfix/main.cf accordingly, then reload:
sudo systemctl reload postfix

Troubleshooting

  • UI won’t open: Confirm Duplicati is listening on 8200 and the firewall rule is correct:
    sudo systemctl status duplicati
    ss -ltnp | grep 8200
  • Can’t reach from LAN: Make sure you launched once with --webservice-interface=any and saved remote access in Settings. Then:
    sudo systemctl restart duplicati
  • Forgot the password: Stop the service, start once with an empty password to clear it, set a new one in Settings, then return to the service:
    sudo systemctl stop duplicati
    /usr/bin/duplicati-server --webservice-password=
    sudo pkill -f duplicati-server && sudo systemctl start duplicati

Why Host Duplicati on ServerStadium?

  • Instant dedicated servers with predictable CPU, RAM, and disk for consistent backup windows.
  • Scalable storage options and private networking for secure replication between nodes.
  • Easy to grow from one backup host to a fleet. Get started here: ServerStadium Dedicated Servers.

Conclusion

With Duplicati running on your ServerStadium dedicated server, you’ve got encrypted, scheduled backups managed from a clean web UI. Add more destinations, tune retention, and enable email reports for peace of mind. For more help or information about ServerStadium services, visit our knowledge base or the ServerStadium website.

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