How to rent a VPS
A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a small computer on the internet that runs around the clock. For TiniTalk, one person rents it: the person who sets up calls for their family or friends.
Why you need it
The TiniTalk server runs on the VPS. It stores users, contacts, and a short call history, and it helps phones find each other and show incoming calls.
Audio and video usually go directly between phones. If a direct connection is not possible, TiniTalk uses your VPS as a relay. That is why video calls depend not only on the server price, but also on the quality of its network.
Step 1. Find a hosting provider
TiniTalk does not sell servers and is not tied to any company. You can choose any VPS provider you trust.
Search for “rent VPS”, “cloud server”, or “virtual server”. It is usually better to choose a company that has been around for a while, shows its plans clearly, and gives normal access to the server.
Step 2. Choose a suitable server
Many providers offer ready-made plans, not only a custom builder where you pick CPU, memory, and disk separately. Promo plans are sometimes much cheaper than a custom configuration, and in some regions a VPS suitable for TiniTalk can be found very cheaply.
When choosing a plan, look for these parameters:
- Region. Choose a city closer to you and your family. If everyone is in different countries, a large region with good connectivity in several directions is usually a good choice.
- Operating system. You need a clean Linux server without a graphical interface. Debian 12 or 13 is a good option. If your provider makes Ubuntu easier to choose, Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS is also fine.
- Architecture. Choose x86-64. Some providers call it amd64.
- IPv4 address. You need a public IPv4 address, for example 159.89.1.2. An IPv6-only server is not suitable for a simple setup.
- Network. If you can choose, take a plan with at least a 100 Mbit/s connection. 10 Mbit/s is not a good choice for video calls.
- CPU and memory. For a small family, 1 vCPU and 512 MB of RAM are usually enough. More is mainly useful when many video calls go through the VPS.
- Disk. 10 GB SSD is more than enough.
- Extra options. A control panel, an extra IP address, and paid backups are not required at the start.
It is better to use a new empty VPS just for TiniTalk. Do not choose Windows Server, regular “website hosting”, or plans without a public IPv4 address.
Step 3. Order the server
Register with the provider you chose and order the selected server. The button may be called “Create”, “Order VPS”, “Create server”, or something similar.
The order form usually asks you to choose:
- region;
- operating system image, for example Debian 12/13 or Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS;
- the smallest suitable plan, for example 1 vCPU and 512 MB of RAM;
- SSH login method, if the provider offers a choice.
Confirm the order and pay for it. Some providers ask you to pay for the server right away; others ask you to top up your balance first and then charge gradually. After payment, wait a few minutes for the server to start. You do not have to buy a domain for TiniTalk: in the next step, you can use the IP address.
Step 4. Save the access details
The provider usually shows the server details in your account or sends them by email. You will need them in TiniTalk Admin for automatic setup.
Save these details somewhere safe:
- server IP address, for example 159.89.1.2;
- username, most often root;
- server password, usually a long random string;
- SSH port, most often 22.
Do not confuse these details with the username and password for the hosting provider’s website. VPS access is only for the server owner; you do not need to send it to family or friends.
What next
Your VPS is ready. Now you can move to the next step.