How do I run a Tor relay on a VPS?
To run a Tor middle relay, choose resources that meet the current Tor Project requirements, install Tor, configure a non-exit relay and test reachability. The NimbusVPS acceptable-use policy permits relays; select the Tor-relay option when ordering. The published transfer policy throttles excess traffic rather than billing overage.
The Tor network runs on relays that volunteers operate. A middle relay passes encrypted traffic between other relays without acting as an exit to destination sites. This guide sets one up.
Prerequisites: a KVM VPS sized to current Tor requirements, root access, and a location where the intended relay is permitted. When ordering, enable the free Tor-relay toggle so the abuse desk knows the server is a relay. Exit relays carry more responsibility and are permitted only in specific locations — this guide covers a middle relay.
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- 1
Deploy the server and enable the relay flag
Order a small KVM VPS and switch on the free Tor relay allowance at checkout, which tells the abuse desk this box is a relay to identify the intended workload. The service remains subject to the acceptable-use policy.
- 2
Add the official Tor repository
Rather than the distro package, add the Tor Project apt repository so you get current, signed builds, then apt update.
- 3
Install Tor
Install with apt -y install tor deb.torproject.org-keyring. Do not start configuring until the package and its keyring are in place.
- 4
Configure torrc as a middle relay
In /etc/tor/torrc set ORPort 9001, a Nickname, ContactInfo with an email, and crucially ExitRelay 0 so this relay never acts as an exit. Set RelayBandwidthRate/Burst to cap usage if you want to stay within an allowance.
- 5
Open the ports and restart
Allow inbound TCP on ORPort 9001 (and DirPort if set) in any firewall, then systemctl restart tor and systemctl enable tor.
- 6
Confirm the relay is published
Check the Tor log for "Self-testing indicates your ORPort is reachable"; within a few hours the relay appears on Tor Metrics by its fingerprint. It takes days to earn significant traffic as its measured weight rises.
Bandwidth: a relay is bandwidth-bound; set RelayBandwidthRate to stay inside your plan's allowance, though overage here throttles rather than bills. Exit relays: these generate abuse complaints and are permitted only in specific NimbusVPS locations, not the United States site — decide deliberately before switching ExitRelay on.
Frequently asked questions
Does NimbusVPS permit Tor relays?
The NimbusVPS acceptable-use policy permits Tor relays and bridges. Check the selected location and the current policy before deploying, and use the Tor-relay option to identify the workload. Hosting permission does not settle the legal requirements of your own activity.
Can I run a Tor exit relay?
Exit relays are permitted only in specific NimbusVPS locations — the Netherlands, Iceland, Romania and Moldova — and not at the United States site, under the published acceptable-use policy. Confirm the intended exit workload before ordering; the relay flag does not provide immunity from complaints or suspension.
How much bandwidth does a Tor relay use?
As much as you let it: a relay's traffic scales with its measured weight, and a well-connected relay can move several terabytes a month. Cap it with RelayBandwidthRate in torrc. NimbusVPS never bills overage — exceeding the allowance throttles the port to 10 Mbps rather than charging you.
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