How to Install iRedMail on Ubuntu 24.04: The Full Guide

Why Build Your Own Mail Server?

Relying on big tech for email means paying high monthly fees and sacrificing privacy. With iRedMail, you get a full-stack mail solution including Postfix, Dovecot, SpamAssassin, and Roundcube webmail—all on your own server.

Step 1: Prepare Your Hostname

iRedMail requires a Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN). If your domain is example.com, use mail.example.com.

sudo hostnamectl set-hostname mail.example.com
# Verify it
hostname -f

Step 2: Install iRedMail

We will download the latest script and start the installation wizard.

# Update System
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
# Download the Latest Stable iRedMail
wget https://github.com/iredmail/iRedMail/archive/refs/tags/$(curl -s https://api.github.com/repos/iredmail/iRedMail/releases/latest | grep tag_name | cut -d '"' -f 4).tar.gz
# Extract the downloaded file (Note: Folder name will change based on version)
tar xvf *.tar.gz
cd iRedMail-*
# Start Installer
bash iRedMail.sh

During Setup: Choose Nginx as the web server and MariaDB for the database. Enter your first mail domain (e.g., example.com) and set a strong admin password.

Configuration Wizard Tips:

• Default Storage: Simply press Enter (usually /var/vmail).
• Web Server: Select Nginx using the spacebar.
• Database: Choose MariaDB for the best performance on iRexta hardware.
• Domain: Don't enter the hostname (mail.example.com); enter your main domain (example.com).

Step 3: Crucial DNS Configuration

For your emails to be trusted, you must add these records to your DNS provider:

• MX Record: Points to mail.example.com
• SPF Record: v=spf1 ip4:YOUR_SERVER_IP -all
• DKIM: Found in ~/iRedMail-*/iRedMail.tips. This file contains your DKIM public key for DNS setup.
• DMARC: v=DMARC1; p=quarantine;

Bonus: Secure with Let's Encrypt SSL

To avoid "Insecure Connection" warnings, install a free SSL certificate:

# Install Certbot
sudo apt install certbot python3-certbot-nginx -y
# Request Certificate
sudo certbot --nginx -d mail.example.com
# iRedMail uses its own paths, so link the new certs (Pro Tip)
# Follow the iRedMail documentation to point the new certs in Postfix/Dovecot.

Step 4: Access Your Inbox

Once the installation finishes and you reboot the server, you can access your email interfaces:

• Webmail: https://mail.example.com/mail/
• Admin Panel: https://mail.example.com/iredadmin/

Conclusion

Building your own mail server gives you total data sovereignty. When hosted on iRexta Dedicated Hardware, you get the performance and IP reputation needed for enterprise-grade communication.