Your own VPN. No middleman.

Run a Private Server with Lantern

Host your own VPN server and keep your traffic on your own infrastructure. It’s free, easy to set up, and gives you total ownership of your connection.

What is a Private Server?

Lantern Private Server lets you create and run your own VPN server, then connect to it using the Lantern app. Set it up automatically with supported cloud providers like DigitalOcean, or manually on your own infrastructure. You get the full benefits of Lantern's advanced censorship circumvention and smart routing, without relying on Lantern's servers. Whether you're using it alone or sharing access with trusted friends or family, your connection stays private, flexible, and 100% yours."

Why host your own server?

Many people use VPNs to stay private online, but that still means trusting someone. Instead of your internet provider, you're now trusting the VPN company to handle your data. Using a Private Server avoids that tradeoff. Your traffic stays on infrastructure you control, with no third party in the middle. And because your server is private, it’s also harder for censors to detect or block.

Self-Hosted Privacy

Your traffic remains entirely on your own infrastructure, not ours or anyone else’s.

Harder to Block

Private servers are used by fewer people and don’t stand out like large, centralized VPN services, making them less visible to censors.

Share Access with Others

You can share access with friends or family in censored regions, giving them a safer and more reliable connection.

Two Ways to Get Started

Pick the setup that fits your needs

You don’t need to be technical to host your own VPN. Choose the setup path that works best for you.

Quick Setup

Create your own VPN server in just a few clicks using a supported cloud provider like DigitalOcean. You choose the location, and Lantern handles the rest. Once it’s running, you can connect through the Lantern app or share access with others using a simple link.

Download Lantern to get started →

Manual Setup

Use Lantern’s open-source Server Manager to set up a VPN server on your own infrastructure. Connect using a QR code and optionally share access with friends or family. Manual setup gives you full visibility and control over every part of the connection.

See our instructions on GitHub →

Take full control of your connection

Host your own VPN server with Lantern, Your traffic stays on infrastructure you control.

Start Using Lantern

Private Server FAQ

Hosting your own server removes the need to trust any third-party infrastructure, including Lantern’s. You get full control over how and where your data moves, and because your server is private, it’s less likely to be detected or blocked by censors.

No. Private Server is completely free to use with Lantern. You only pay your chosen server provider directly, like DigitalOcean or GCP.

Not at all. The cloud setup is designed for non-technical users and takes just a few minutes. If you prefer full control, the manual setup lets you customize everything on your own hardware or VPS.

Yes. You can toggle between your Private Server and Lantern’s network at any time from the server selection menu in the app.

Yes. Private Server includes secure, unique links you can use to share access with friends or family.