IPv6 is an internet protocol, designed to replace IPv4. It provides more address space, better security, and faster performance. For server operators, enabling IPv6 ensures future-proof networking and improved connectivity. This guide walks you through configuring IPv6 on your VPS step by step.
Cnfigure IPv6 on Your VPS
Before setting up IPv6, check if your server already has an IPv6 address:
ip -6 addr show If no IPv6 address appears, configure it manually.
For Ubuntu/Debian
Edit the Netplan configuration file:
sudo nano /etc/netplan/01-netcfg.yaml Add your assigned IPv6 address, then apply the changes:
sudo netplan apply For CentOS/RHEL
Edit the network script:
sudo nano /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth0 Restart the network service to apply the changes:
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager Testing IPv6 Connectivity
Once configured, verify IPv6 connectivity. First, check your routes:
ip -6 route show Then, ping a public IPv6 server to confirm functionality:
ping6 2606:4700:4700::1111 A successful response confirms IPv6 is working on your VPS.
Configuring Firewall Rules
Many firewalls block IPv6 by default. Allow necessary traffic using the commands below.
For UFW (Ubuntu/Debian)
sudo ufw allow 22/tcp sudo ufw allow 80/tcp sudo ufw allow 443/tcp For Firewalld (CentOS/RHEL)
sudo firewall-cmd --add-service=ssh --permanent sudo firewall-cmd --add-service=http --permanent sudo firewall-cmd --add-service=https --permanent sudo firewall-cmd --reload Contabo IPv6 Support & Reverse DNS Setup
If you’re using a Contabo VPS, IPv6 is fully supported. To verify:
If you’re using a Contabo VPS, IPv6 is fully supported. To verify:
- Log in to the Contabo Customer Control Panel.
- Navigate to Networking → IP Management.
- Check your assigned IPv6 address.
To prevent email delivery issues, configure Reverse DNS (PTR Record) in Reverse DNS Management in the Contabo Control Panel.
Watch Our YouTube Video on Configuring IPv6
If you prefer a visual walk-through we have a video on our YouTube ready for you:
Conclusion
You’ve now successfully configured IPv6 on your VPS, enabling better connectivity and future-proof networking. IPv6 improves security, expands addressing capacity, and ensures your server is ready for the next-generation internet.