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To install a TeamSpeak 3 server on Linux, run TeamSpeak’s official Docker image with TS3SERVER_LICENSE=accept, or download the Linux tarball, accept the licence and start it with ./ts3server_startscript.sh start. Open UDP port 9987 (voice) and TCP port 30033 (file transfer), then connect with the TeamSpeak client and enter the privilege key from the server log to become admin. FREAKHOSTING also offers managed servers on its Game Panel if you’d rather not run one yourself: see how to log in to the Game Panel.

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Before you start

  • Running the server means you accept the TeamSpeak licence. Without a licence key, TeamSpeak 3 allows 1 virtual server with up to 32 slots.
  • The current TeamSpeak 3 server is version 3.13.8. TeamSpeak 6 server is available as a beta; this guide covers TeamSpeak 3.
  • Log in as root or a sudo user. Root users can leave out sudo.

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Which ports does a TeamSpeak 3 server use?

Open only what you use. ServerQuery gives full control of the server, so keep 10011 and 10022 closed to the internet unless you need them.

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How to install the TeamSpeak 3 server

1

Create a project folder

2

Create compose.yaml

The teamspeak image is the official image maintained by TeamSpeak. All server data lives in /var/ts3server, stored here in the ts3-data volume.
3

Start the server

4

Get the admin password and privilege key

Save the ServerQuery admin password and the token= value. They are shown only on the first start.

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How to open the ports

With the Docker method, the published ports bypass ufw and firewalld, so they are open even without these rules. The rules matter for the manual method.
If you turn on ufw for the first time, run sudo ufw allow OpenSSH before sudo ufw enable, or you lock yourself out. Recovery: VNC console.

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How to become server admin

1

Connect with the client

In the TeamSpeak 3 client, open Connections > Connect and enter your server’s IP, for example 203.0.113.10.
2

Enter the privilege key

The client asks for a privilege key on the first connection. Paste the token= value. If it doesn’t ask, use Permissions > Use Privilege Key.
You are now in the Server Admin group and can create channels, groups and bans.

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How to check it worked

You see a line with :9987. Connecting from the client shows your server’s default channel.

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Frequently asked questions

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I lost the privilege key. How do I get a new one?

Connect to ServerQuery with the admin password and create a new key with the privilegekeyadd command, or with the Docker method look in the logs again: docker compose logs teamspeak | grep token. Keys are single-use.

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How many users can a free TeamSpeak 3 server have?

Without a licence key: one virtual server with up to 32 slots.

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Can I use a domain instead of an IP?

Yes. Create an A record such as ts.example.com pointing to your server. See point a domain to your server.

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How do I update the server?

Docker: change the image tag in compose.yaml to the new version, then run docker compose pull && docker compose up -d. Manual: stop the server, back up the folder, unpack the new version over it and start it again.

VPS and dedicated server guides

Every guide in this section.

Docker Compose tutorial

How compose.yaml works.

Host game servers with LinuxGSM

LinuxGSM also manages ts3server.

Host a Discord bot

Run a bot 24/7 on the same VPS.

Set up a firewall with UFW

Open only the ports you need.
Checked against the official TeamSpeak ports article, the TeamSpeak downloads page and the official Docker image docs on 4 November 2026 (TeamSpeak 3 server 3.13.8); compose.yaml validated on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Commands can differ on other releases.

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Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: November 2026