# How can I enable TUN/TAP?
Source: https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/technical-questions/enable-tun-tap
Last reviewed: 2026-07-02
Summary: TUN/TAP is enabled by default on Linux VPS, nothing to modprobe or request. Verify with /dev/net/tun, then run your personal VPN, WireGuard or OpenVPN (the Nyr install script makes OpenVPN a one-liner). Personal VPNs are allowed; public VPN services are not.

## What this is

Nothing to enable: **TUN/TAP is available by default** on Linux VPS. You don't need to `modprobe tun` (and don't be alarmed if a guide's modprobe step errors, the functionality is already there). Verify any time:

```
ls -l /dev/net/tun
```

If that device node exists, and it does, VPN software has what it needs. On **Premium VPS** you run your own kernel, so modules are entirely yours to manage (`modprobe tun` as usual).

## Running a VPN on your VPS

A **personal VPN for your own use is allowed** and is one of the most popular uses of a small VPS ([public VPN services for other people are not](https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/acceptable-use/whats-allowed)). Two good routes:

- **WireGuard**, modern, fast, simple, the full setup (script, phone QR codes, DNS leak checks, the OpenVPN fallback) is in [Running your own VPN on your VPS](https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/technical-questions/wireguard-vpn).
- **OpenVPN**, the battle-tested classic. Nyr's [openvpn-install](https://github.com/Nyr/openvpn-install) script remains the easiest way: run it, answer the prompts, import the generated `.ovpn` file on your devices.

And for connecting your **servers to each other** (rather than your devices to the internet), the overlay pattern is [its own guide](https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/technical-questions/private-networking-between-vpses).

If you run your own [firewall](https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/troubleshooting/allow-ssh-in-common-firewalls) inside the VPS, allow your VPN's port (WireGuard defaults to UDP 51820, OpenVPN to UDP 1194). Our [managed firewall](https://vpsdime.com/knowledgebase/client-area/services/firewall) doesn't block VPN ports.

## Still need help?

You can [open a support ticket](https://vpsdime.com/open-ticket/). So we can help on the first reply, it's worth mentioning:

- the VPS hostname or IP,
- the VPN software you're setting up and its exact error.

## Related questions

- "How do I enable TUN/TAP on my VPS?"
- "Can I run OpenVPN or WireGuard on my VPS?"
- "Is /dev/net/tun available?"
- "Are personal VPNs allowed?"