Why You Might Want Your Own TS3 Server
Having your own TeamSpeak 3 (TS3) server gives you full control over voice communication. Whether managing a gaming clan, coordinating remote teams, or just looking for a private space for friends, self-hosting ensures privacy, customization, and stability.
The Benefits of Hosting TS3 on a VPS
A Linux VPS offers power without the overhead. You don’t need a data center in your basement—just a slice of reliable cloud infrastructure. With root access, low latency, and the ability to scale, a VPS provides the perfect sandbox for your TS3 setup.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
You’ll walk away knowing how to spin up a TS3 server from scratch on a Linux VPS—everything from system prep and installation to fine-tuned customization and performance tweaks.
Understanding the Basics
What Is a TeamSpeak 3 (TS3) Server?
TeamSpeak 3 is a low-latency, high-quality VoIP solution used widely in gaming and business. Unlike Discord, it gives server owners deeper control over permissions, security, and data.
How Does TS3 Compare to Other Voice Chat Platforms?
Compared to browser-based tools like Discord or Zoom, TS3 is more lightweight and less bloated. It runs without unnecessary visual clutter or memory hogs. You get stability and crisp audio without the fluff.
Why Choose a Linux VPS for Hosting?
Linux VPS hosting is cost-effective and efficient. No license fees. No GUI to slow things down. Just a command-line interface and raw power—perfect for TS3’s server-side simplicity.
Before You Begin
Things You’ll Need to Get Started
You’ll need a VPS (with root access), a domain (optional but helpful), basic terminal knowledge, and time. Oh—and a sense of adventure doesn’t hurt.
Choosing the Right Linux VPS Plan
Look for at least 1 GB of RAM, a dual-core CPU, and SSD storage. If you expect more than a handful of users, consider scaling up.
Recommended Linux Distributions for TS3 Hosting
Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and Debian 11 are great choices. They’re well-supported and stable. CentOS works too, but support varies depending on the version.
Preparing Your VPS
Logging Into Your VPS for the First Time
Use SSH to access your server:
ssh root@your-vps-ip
Once you’re in, you’re the captain of your ship.
Updating Your System and Packages
First order of business: bring everything up to date.
apt update && apt upgrade -y
This prevents pesky compatibility issues down the line.
Creating a Dedicated User for TS3
Avoid running services as root. Create a user just for TS3:
adduser ts3user
This adds a layer of security and keeps things tidy.
Downloading TeamSpeak 3 Server Files
Where to Find the Official TS3 Server Download
Head over to the TeamSpeak official downloads page and grab the Linux server package.
How to Download the TS3 Server Using the Terminal
Use wget to fetch the latest build:
wget https://files.teamspeak-services.com/releases/server/3.x.x/teamspeak3-server_linux_amd64-3.x.x.tar.bz2
Replace the version number with the latest.
Unpacking the TS3 Files into the Right Directory
Extract the archive:
tar -xvjf teamspeak3-server_linux_amd64-3.x.x.tar.bz2
Then move it into a logical directory, like /home/ts3user/teamspeak.
Installing the TS3 Server
Setting File Permissions Correctly
Assign ownership to your TS3 user:
chown -R ts3user:ts3user /home/ts3user/teamspeak
Running the Initial TS3 Server Setup
Switch to the TS3 user and start the server:
cd /home/ts3user/teamspeak
./ts3server_startscript.sh start
Saving Your Admin Privilege Key and Query Login Details
Don’t skip this part. The server will print a one-time admin key—copy it down immediately. Lose it and you’ll be locked out.
Configuring Your TeamSpeak Server
Understanding the Configuration Files
Settings are handled via .ini and .ts3server files. You can define ports, hostnames, and logging behavior here.
Setting a Custom Server Name and Welcome Message
Within your TS3 client, connect to your server and tweak the identity. A catchy welcome message sets the tone.
Limiting or Increasing the Number of Users
Control server load with user slot limits. You can do this through the client interface or config file.
Opening Firewall Ports
Which Ports Does TeamSpeak 3 Use?
You’ll need to open:
- 9987 UDP (voice)
- 10011 TCP (ServerQuery)
- 30033 TCP (file transfers)
How to Open and Forward the Required Ports
Using ufw:
ufw allow 9987/udp
ufw allow 10011/tcp
ufw allow 30033/tcp
ufw enable
Testing to Make Sure Your Server Is Accessible
Use a TS3 client to connect. If you’re stuck, double-check port forwarding and firewalls.
Setting Up Auto-Start on Boot
Why Auto-Start Is Important
Crashes happen. Reboots happen. Don’t rely on memory—automate.
Creating a Systemd Service File for TS3
Create a file:
/etc/systemd/system/ts3server.service
Add:
[Unit]
Description=TeamSpeak 3 Server
After=network.target
[Service]
WorkingDirectory=/home/ts3user/teamspeak
ExecStart=/home/ts3user/teamspeak/ts3server_minimal_runscript.sh
User=ts3user
Restart=always
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
Enabling and Starting the TS3 Service Automatically
systemctl daemon-reexec
systemctl enable ts3server
systemctl start ts3server
Managing Your TS3 Server
Connecting to Your Server via TeamSpeak Client
Fire up the TS3 desktop client, enter your server IP and port, and use your privilege key to gain admin access.
Using ServerQuery for Advanced Management
ServerQuery lets you run commands via telnet. Not for the faint of heart—but incredibly powerful.
Common Administrative Commands You Should Know
login serveradmin passworduse sid=1clientlistbanclient clid=X time=3600 reasonmsg=Spamming
Securing Your TS3 Server
Creating Strong Admin Passwords
Set complex passwords. Length and randomness beat clever words every time.
Disabling ServerQuery If You Don’t Need It
Don’t leave doors open. Block unused ports or disable ServerQuery in the config.
Backing Up Your Server Configuration and Data
Periodically zip your TS3 directory and store it offsite. Disaster recovery is only as good as your last backup.
Installing a Web-Based Control Panel (Optional)
Overview of TS3 Control Panels
Web interfaces like YaTQA make admin life easier with GUI-based management.
How to Install YaTQA or Other Panels
YaTQA doesn’t require server-side installation—just connect using your ServerQuery credentials.
Managing Users and Channels Through the Panel
Create, ban, or move users with point-and-click ease. Reorganize channels in seconds.
Customizing Your Server Experience
Setting Up Channels and Permissions
Design your own hierarchy—general chat, private rooms, admin lounges—with precise permissions.
Adding Server Icons and Banners
Personalize your server with visuals. TS3 supports PNG icons and banner images linked via URL.
Creating Roles for Moderators and VIP Users
Define groups with tailored powers—mute rights, talk privileges, or channel creation access.
Installing and Managing TS3 Plugins (Optional)
What Are TS3 Plugins and Why Use Them?
Plugins add flair—music bots, soundboard effects, server watchdogs. The sky’s the limit.
Finding and Installing Popular Plugins
Check out community forums or GitHub for gems like JTS3ServerMod or SinusBot.
Keeping Plugins Updated for Compatibility
Outdated plugins break things. Keep track of version numbers and update religiously.
Optimizing Performance on Your VPS
Monitoring CPU and RAM Usage
Use tools like htop, top, or glances to keep your system lean.
Minimizing Lag and Voice Dropouts
Limit background processes. Prioritize UDP traffic. Avoid overloaded VPS hosts.
Tips for Lightweight VPS Setups
Disable unnecessary services. Use minimal OS builds. Every megabyte counts.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Can’t Connect to Server – What to Check First
Check if the server is running, then inspect firewall and ports.
Permission Denied Errors
You might be running under the wrong user or lack execution rights.
Server Starts but Crashes Immediately
Logs are your friend. Look inside logs/ to pinpoint the issue.
Keeping Your TS3 Server Updated
How to Check for New Versions
Visit the official site or subscribe to mailing lists for update alerts.
Upgrading TS3 Without Losing Your Settings
Backup your ts3server.sqlitedb and configs before replacing binaries.
Staying Secure With the Latest Patches
Security patches fix exploits. Apply them early, apply them often.
Encouraging Friends or Community Members to Join
Sharing Your Server Address Publicly
Use a memorable domain or subdomain. ts.yourdomain.com looks clean.
Creating Invite Links and Channel Passwords
Guide users directly to rooms with generated tokens or passwords.
Promoting Your Server Online
Share on Reddit, forums, or within your gaming group. Word of mouth still works.
Conclusion
Wrapping It All Up: What You’ve Built
You’ve crafted a robust, personalized Teamspeak 3 server. From raw VPS to fully functioning voice hub—impressive.
Additional Resources for Long-Term Management
Bookmark the TeamSpeak forums, Reddit communities, and your control panel documentation.
Ready to Go Live – What’s Next?
VPSwala does offer a free Teamspeak server to try. Invite your friends, build your channels, and start talking. You’re officially the master of your own voice domain.
