✦

Run your own server.
No sysadmin degree required.

A step-by-step guide to installing Claude Code (or any LLM) on a cheap cloud server. Manage domains, deploy apps, and automate everything—all from your phone (or couch).

Step 1

Get Your Server

Pick a cheap VPS cloud server. $5-10/month is plenty.

A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is just a computer in the cloud that's always on. You'll install Claude Code (or your LLM) here and it'll manage everything for you.

h_mobiledata_badge Hetzner VPS $4/mo AWS Lightsail $5/mo

✦ Vibe Ops Pro Tips

  • Pick the cheapest option to start
  • Some hosts require ID verification
  • This takes about 5 mins total
Step 2

Connect to Your New Server

Use an SSH app on your phone to talk to your server.

SSH is how you type commands on a remote computer. Think of it like texting your server. Claude will live on your VPS and you can send him messages!

   Sample Demo
New SSH Connection

Pick the app that's right for you

These are our favorite mobile SSH apps, but you can also use desktop clients, browser extensions, or whatever weird setup you prefer. The sky's the limit.

Download Termius iOS/Android Download Prompt 3 iOS only

✦ Vibe Ops Pro Tips

  • Your username is usually root
  • Also save this somewhere secure
  • Confused? Ask your normal AI
Step 3

Install Claude Code

Copy-paste this command to get started. That's it.

This installs Claude Code, an AI that can run commands on your server. You can use any other LLM. To run Claude well, you'll need a paid Anthropic account (TBH you should have this already).

Once connected, run this in the terminal:

Install command

✦ Vibe Ops Pro Tips

  • Run command in the root (main) folder
  • Claude will help you login thru the terminal
  • Don't like Claude? Install something else!
Step 4

Set the Ground Rules

Tell your AI what it can and can't do, with the help of another AI.

Use your normal favorite AI to write a long and complete set of instructions. This is like giving your AI a job description.

When you are happy with the requirements (seriously, use AI to help here), tell your VPS Claude Code to always follow these rules.

Example CLAUDE.md 
# CLAUDE.md

You are managing this server.

## You CAN:
- Install packages
- Edit config files
- Restart services
- Create and delete files
- Manage nginx sites
- Set up SSL certificates
chevron_right create a CLAUDE.md file that...

✦ Vibe Ops Pro Tips

  • Start strict, loosen later
  • Always require explanations at first
  • You can update this anytime
Step 4a Optional

Turn on YOLO Mode

Let Claude run commands without asking for permission every time.

By default, Claude Code asks before running each command. YOLO mode lets it execute automatically. Only enable this once you trust your CLAUDE.md rules are solid.

Enable YOLO mode 
claude --dangerously-skip-permissions

✦ Vibe Ops Pro Tips

  • Start without YOLO mode first
  • Make sure your rules are tight before enabling
  • You can always Ctrl+C to stop it
Step 5

Test It Out

Make sure everything works before going full yolo.

Run Claude and try a few simple commands. Watch what it does. Build trust.

Start Claude 
claude

Test Checklist

Screenshot: Your first conversation

You did it!

  • Start with something small
  • Watch what it does the first few times
  • Now go build something cool

What Can You Build?

Now that you have an AI sysadmin, here's what you can do:

🚀

Deploy Next.js

Ship your app to production

Guide coming soon
📝

Install WordPress

Full CMS in minutes

Guide coming soon
⏰

Set Up Cron Jobs

Automate anything

Guide coming soon
🌐

Connect a Domain

Point your domain here

Guide coming soon
🔒

SSL Certificates

Free HTTPS for everything

Guide coming soon
💾

Database Backups

Never lose data

Guide coming soon