How to Set Up a Mail Server on Your VPS (Postfix + Dovecot)

Setting up your own mail server may sound intimidating, but with the power of a Linux VPS, Postfix, and Dovecot, it becomes totally doable. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through creating a secure and functional email server on your VPS using Ubuntu.

“Running your own mail server gives you complete control over deliverability, privacy, and your domain’s reputation.”

Step 1: Update Your VPS

Start by updating your packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Postfix

Install Postfix to handle the sending and receiving of mail:

sudo apt install postfix

During installation, choose “Internet Site” and enter your domain (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com).

Step 3: Install Dovecot

Dovecot manages mailbox access via IMAP/POP3:

sudo apt install dovecot-core dovecot-imapd

Enable and start Dovecot:

sudo systemctl enable dovecot
sudo systemctl start dovecot
  

Step 4: Secure with SSL/TLS

Use Let’s Encrypt to add SSL support:

sudo apt install certbot
sudo certbot certonly --standalone -d mail.yourdomain.com
  

Then configure Postfix and Dovecot to use the certificates in their config files.

Step 5: Configure Mailboxes

Create a mail user and directories:

sudo adduser mailuser
mkdir -p /home/mailuser/Maildir
  

Edit Postfix’s main.cf and Dovecot’s 10-mail.conf to support Maildir format.

Step 6: Test Your Server

Send a test message:

echo "Test message" | mail -s "Hello from VPS" you@example.com

Use mail clients like Thunderbird or Outlook to connect with IMAP using your domain and user credentials.

“A properly configured VPS mail server can match the reliability of big-name providers—without the monthly fees.”

Final Tips

• ✅ Use SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to boost deliverability
• ✅ Set reverse DNS (PTR record) with your VPS provider
• ✅ Regularly monitor logs (/var/log/mail.log) for issues
• ✅ Consider using Mailcow or iRedMail for an all-in-one stack