How to Make a TeamSpeak Server? A Guide for Beginners

TeamSpeak is a popular voice communication tool favoured by gamers, professionals, and communities for its reliable performance and customization capabilities. Whether you’re coordinating a gaming session, holding a team meeting, or just chatting with friends, TeamSpeak provides a clear and efficient way to communicate. 

It’s a dependable, lightweight tool with special features including good audio quality, low latency, and AES-256 encryption.

People use the TeamSpeak VoIP application for a variety of reasons. It’s typically used as communication software for gaming, allowing users to coordinate with their buddies and interact via voice chat while playing games.

But what if you want to take control of your communication experience? Creating your own TeamSpeak server is the way to go.

The most widely used operating systems—Windows, macOS, and Linux VPS—will all be covered in this article on setting up a TeamSpeak server.

Let’s get started

What is VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, is a technology that lets people make phone calls while connected to the internet. It enables individuals or groups to communicate via an Internet call and work together on multiple projects at the same time.

Of all the VoIP solutions on the market right now, TeamSpeak 3 is the most popular. It is a powerful VoIP platform with many more exclusive features and benefits than its competitors it is mostly used by gamers to interact with their groups.

Here’s a breakdown of how VoIP works:

• Your voice is converted into a digital signal.
• The signal is compressed and broken down into data packets.
• These packets are sent over the internet like any other data.
• The receiving end reassembles the packets, converts the digital signal back into voice, and plays it through a speaker.

VoIP services can be used on a computer, a special VoIP phone, or even a traditional phone with a VoIP adapter. VoIP can offer several advantages over traditional landlines, such as lower call costs, additional features like call forwarding and voicemail, and the ability to make calls from anywhere with a good internet connection.

This blog provides a step-by-step tutorial for configuring the Windows TeamSpeak 3 server. But let’s have a thorough understanding of TeamSpeak 3 before moving on to the instructions.

What is TeamSpeak 3?

TeamSpeak is a dependable and portable program for chatting with friends and coworkers that was founded in 2001. One of the best options for gamers who frequently need to talk to each other during a game session is the TeamSpeak 3 server.

In addition to these functions, the VoIP communication system allows users to construct virtual rooms that they can enter and exit freely, communicate, engage in chat rooms with others, send and receive media files, and more.

With the help of TeamSpeak 3’s apps for PCs and smartphones, users may have high-quality voice calls and utilize cutting-edge VoIP technology to connect with their groups. To establish workable audio connections with their gaming friends, the majority of users use it for gaming.

It allows groups of people to communicate with each other over the internet or a private network using features like:

1. High-quality voice chat: TeamSpeak 3 is known for its clear and crisp audio, with low latency (delay) important for real-time communication during gameplay.
2. Low resource usage: TeamSpeak 3 is designed to be efficient and use minimal computer resources, ensuring it doesn’t slow down your games.
3. Security and privacy: You can connect to private servers with controlled access, keeping your conversations secure.
4. Multiple channels: Servers can be organized into different channels for specific groups or topics.

TeamSpeak 3 is available for free for users (client software) and there are also server options with paid plans.  It’s also available on various platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS.

How to Make a TeamSpeak 3 Server on Linux?

Let’s start by establishing a TeamSpeak server on a Linux VPS that is running Ubuntu 22.04.

Launch the process by logging into your VPS using SSH. There are only 6 easy steps to this procedure:

• Add a new user to the database.
• Download and extract the TeamSpeak server using the wget command.
• Accept the licensing agreement for TeamSpeak 3.
• Tell the TeamSpeak server to launch as soon as the computer starts up.
• Get the privilege key.
• Using the TeamSpeak client, connect.

Establishing a Linux-based TeamSpeak 3 server can be an excellent method of promoting communication within your gaming clan, community association, or any other team that needs powerful voice chat features. 

You may be sure that you set up and operate your server effectively by following this step-by-step guide.

1: Create a New System User

First, it’s a good practice to create a dedicated user for running the TeamSpeak 3 server. This enhances security by limiting the privileges of the TeamSpeak server process.

• Open a terminal on your Linux server.
• Add a new user called TeamSpeak:
  • sudo add user –disabled-login TeamSpeak

This command creates a new user without the ability to log in directly, which is suitable for running server applications.

2: Download and Extract TeamSpeak 3 Server

Next, download the latest version of the TeamSpeak 3 server software.

1: Switch to the TeamSpeak user:

• sudo su – TeamSpeak

2: Navigate to the home directory of the TeamSpeak user:

• cd /home/TeamSpeak

3: Download the TeamSpeak 3 server software. You can find the latest version on the official TeamSpeak website.

• wget https://files.TeamSpeak-services.com/releases/server/3.13.7/TeamSpeak3-server_linux_amd64-3.13.7.tar.bz2

4: Extract the downloaded archive:

• tar xvjf TeamSpeak3-server_linux_amd64-3.13.7.tar.bz2

5: Move into the extracted directory:

• cd TeamSpeak3-server_linux_amd64

3: Accept the TeamSpeak 3 License Agreement

Before starting the server, you need to accept the license agreement.

• Create a file named LICENSE in the server directory:
  • touch .ts3server_license_accepted

4: Start the TeamSpeak Server on Startup

To ensure your TeamSpeak server starts on system boot, you can create a systemd service.

1: Exit from the TeamSpeak user:

• exit

2: Create a new service file for TeamSpeak:

• sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/TeamSpeak.service

3: Add the following content to the file:

[Unit]

Description=TeamSpeak 3 Server

After=network.target

[Service]

WorkingDirectory=/home/TeamSpeak/TeamSpeak3-server_linux_amd64

User=TeamSpeak

Group=TeamSpeak

Type=forking

ExecStart=/home/TeamSpeak/TeamSpeak3-server_linux_amd64/ts3server_startscript.sh start

ExecStop=/home/TeamSpeak/TeamSpeak3-server_linux_amd64/ts3server_startscript.sh stop

ExecReload=/home/TeamSpeak/TeamSpeak3-server_linux_amd64/ts3server_startscript.sh reload

PIDFile=/home/TeamSpeak/TeamSpeak3-server_linux_amd64/ts3server.pid

RestartSec=15

Restart=always

[Install]

WantedBy=multi-user.target

4: Save and close the file (Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter).

5: Reload the systemd daemon to apply the changes:

• sudo systemctl daemon-reload

6: Enable the TeamSpeak service to start on boot:

• sudo systemctl enable TeamSpeak

7: Start the TeamSpeak service:

• sudo systemctl start TeamSpeak

5: Retrieve the Privilege Key

After starting the TeamSpeak server for the first time, you need to retrieve the privilege key, which allows you to gain administrative rights on your TeamSpeak server.

1: Check the status of the TeamSpeak service to find the privilege key:

• sudo systemctl status TeamSpeak

2: Look for a line similar to:

• |INFO    |ServerLibPriv |   | Server Admin privilege key created, please use the line below
• |INFO    |ServerLibPriv |   | privilege key: abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

Make sure to copy the privilege key.

6: Connect via the TeamSpeak Client

Now that your server is running, you can connect to it using the TeamSpeak client.

1. Download and install the TeamSpeak client from the official TeamSpeak website.
2. Open the TeamSpeak client and click on Connections > Connect.
3. Enter your server’s IP address and a nickname, then click Connect.
4. When prompted, paste the privilege key you retrieved earlier to gain administrative rights.

Congratulations! You now have a fully functional TeamSpeak 3 server running on your Linux machine. Enjoy your new communication platform!

How to Set Up a Windows TeamSpeak Server?

A well-liked voice chat program for group conversations, TeamSpeak is utilized by educators, gamers, and other communities. Installing TeamSpeak on a Windows computer is simple.

On Windows, setting up a TeamSpeak server is simple. It only takes three simple actions to complete:

1. Extract the TeamSpeak Server after downloading it.
2. Launch the installer for TeamSpeak Server.
3. Make a connection using the TeamSpeak Client

First, let’s talk about the TeamSpeak server.

1: Extract the TeamSpeak Server after downloading it.

First, download the Windows TeamSpeak server files. Next, take it out where you want it.

1: Download the Server Software

• Visit the official TeamSpeak website.
• Navigate to the “TeamSpeak 3 Server” section.
• Select the Windows version of the server software and click “Download”.
• Save the file to a location on your computer where you can easily access it, such as your desktop or downloads folder.

2: Extract the Downloaded File

• Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded .zip file.
• Right-click on the file and select “Extract All” or use a program like WinRAR or 7-Zip to extract the contents.
• Choose a destination folder for the extracted files and proceed with the extraction.

2: Launch the installer for TeamSpeak Server

Launch the executable file ts3server.exe after opening the extracted TeamSpeak server files.

You will be asked whether the Windows firewall should safelist the program and prompted to accept the license agreement. Your login name, server password, API key, and server admin token will then be sent to you. For later usage, copy all four values to a blank text file (.txt).

1: Start the Server

• Open the folder where you extracted the files.
• Find the ts3server.exe file and double-click it to run the TeamSpeak server application.
• A command prompt window will open, indicating that the server is starting. Keep this window open, as closing it will shut down the server.

2: Initial Server Setup

• Upon first running the server, a dialog box will appear showing important information, including your server admin token. This token is crucial for gaining administrative access to your server. Make sure to copy and save this token securely.
• The server will also provide a message about accepting the license agreement. By running the server, you automatically agree to the TeamSpeak licensing terms.

3: Make a connection using the TeamSpeak Client

Connecting to the TS3 server is the final step after the installation is complete.

Launch the.exe installer after downloading the TeamSpeak software from the official website.

After that, launch the client and select Connect under Connections.

To connect if you’re unsure of the IP address to use, enter the Command Prompt and type the following:

1: Download and Install the Client Software

• Visit the official TeamSpeak website again.
• This time, navigate to the “TeamSpeak 3 Client” section.
• Select the appropriate version for your Windows system and click “Download”.
• Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the TeamSpeak client.

2: Connect to Your Server

• Open the TeamSpeak client application.
• Go to “Connections” in the menu bar and select “Connect”.
• In the “Server Nickname or Address” field, enter localhost if you are connecting from the same machine the server is running on. If connecting from another device, enter the IP address of the server machine.
• Enter a nickname in the “Nickname” field.
• Click “Connect”.

3: Enter the Server Admin Token

• Upon your first connection, you will be prompted to enter the server admin token you saved earlier.
• Paste the token into the provided field and click “OK” to gain administrative rights.

Step 4: Configure Your Server

• Once connected, you can configure various server settings, create channels, manage permissions, and invite users.
• Right-click on the server’s name in the client and select “Edit Virtual Server” to modify settings such as server name, welcome message, and maximum number of clients.

Setting up a TeamSpeak server on Windows involves downloading and extracting the server software, running the installer, and connecting via the TeamSpeak client. 

By following these steps, you can create a reliable communication hub for your group, complete with customizable settings and administrative control. Enjoy the benefits of clear, low-latency voice chat tailored to your needs.

How to Make a TeamSpeak Server on macOS?

TeamSpeak is a popular VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) application that allows users to communicate with each other via voice and text chat. It’s widely used by gamers, professionals, and communities for its reliable performance and low latency.

It’s also feasible to create a TeamSpeak 3 server on the macOS platform. There are 4 easy steps to finish the setup:

1. Extract the TeamSpeak Server after downloading it.
2. Agree to the License Agreement for TeamSpeak 3.
3. Launch TeamSpeak and Get Your Key of Privilege.
4. Make a connection using the TeamSpeak Client

Setting up a TeamSpeak server on macOS is straightforward. Follow these steps to get your server up and running:

1: Extract the TeamSpeak Server after downloading it.

First, download the Mac version of the TeamSpeak server software setup file. Double-click to extract it when it’s done.

1: Download the Server Software:

• Visit the official TeamSpeak website at www.TeamSpeak.com and navigate to the download section.
• Select the macOS version of the TeamSpeak server and download the.tar.bz2 file.

2: Extract the Files:

• Open the Terminal application on your Mac (found in Applications > Utilities).
• Navigate to the directory where the downloaded file is located. For example, if it’s in your Downloads folder, type:
  • cd ~/Downloads
• Extract the downloaded file using the following command:
  • tar xvjf TeamSpeak3-server_mac.tar.bz2
• This will create a new directory with the extracted files.

2: Agree to the License Agreement for TeamSpeak 3.

Before starting the server, you need to accept the license agreement:

• Navigate to the Extracted Directory:
  • cd TeamSpeak3-server_mac
• Accept the License Agreement:
• Create a file named .ts3server_license_accepted in the extracted directory:
  • touch .ts3server_license_accepted
• Alternatively, you can accept the license agreement by running:
  • echo “accept” > .ts3server_license_accepted

3: Launch TeamSpeak and Get Your Key of Privilege.

Start the server by entering the following:

• . /ts3server

Make sure to temporarily override the security settings in System Preferences if you receive a warning about TeamSpeak not being recognized as an identified developer.

1: Start the Server:

• Run the following command to start the TeamSpeak server:
  • . /ts3server
• You may need to grant execution permissions to the server file. If so, use:
  • chmod +x ts3server

2: Retrieve the Privilege Key:

When you start the server for the first time, it will generate a privilege key. This key is essential for administering your server.

Look for the output in the Terminal, which includes lines similar to:

markdown

——————————————————————

I M P O R T A N T

——————————————————————

Server Query Admin Account created

login name= “ServerAdmin”, password= “yourpassword”

——————————————————————

——————————————————————

I M P O R T A N T

——————————————————————

ServerAdmin privilege key created, please use it to gain

ServerAdmin rights for your virtual server. Please also

check the doc/privilegekey_guide.txt for details.

token= yourprivilegekey

——————————————————————

Copy and save the privilege key (token= yourprivilegekey). You will need this key to gain administrative access to your server.

4: Make a connection using the TeamSpeak Client

It’s now time for you to access the TeamSpeak server. Use the IP listed in the System Preferences -> Network section when establishing a connection. To open the TeamSpeak app, you may need to override your security settings again.

1: Download and install the TeamSpeak Client:

• Visit the TeamSpeak download page and download the macOS client.
• Install the client by following the on-screen instructions.

2: Connect to Your Server:

• Open the TeamSpeak client.
• Click on Connections in the menu bar, then select Connect.
• In the Server Nickname or Address field, enter localhost if you are connecting from the same machine. If you are connecting from a different device, enter the IP address of your macOS machine.
• Fill in your desired nickname and click Connect.

3: Enter the Privilege Key:

• Once connected, you will be prompted to enter the privilege key. Paste the key you saved earlier and click OK.
• This will grant you administrative rights on your TeamSpeak server.

Setting up a TeamSpeak server on macOS involves downloading the server software, accepting the license agreement, starting the server, retrieving the privilege key, and connecting via the TeamSpeak client. 

By following these steps, you can create and manage your own TeamSpeak server, providing a reliable platform for communication among your team, friends, or community.

Benefits of using TeamSpeak Server

Voice communication solutions that are both dependable and efficient are crucial in the world of online communication, especially for corporate teams, online communities, and gamers. 

TeamSpeak is one such tool that has endured over time. Considering the abundance of alternatives, TeamSpeak stays a popular pick because of its many features and advantages. 

we’ll explore the many benefits of utilizing a TeamSpeak server.

1: High-Quality Audio Communication

TeamSpeak is renowned for its high-quality audio. It utilizes advanced voice codecs to ensure crystal clear communication, which is particularly crucial in gaming and professional environments where clear instructions and discussions are necessary.

One of the standout features of TeamSpeak is its low latency. This means that the delay between speaking and the other person hearing your voice is minimal, providing real-time communication that is essential for gaming and time-sensitive discussions.

2: Customization and Control

TeamSpeak offers extensive control to server administrators. This includes the ability to create and manage multiple channels, set user permissions, and implement server-side scripting for automation and customization.

Users can also personalize their experience with custom skins, sound packs, and plugins, making the platform adaptable to various needs and preferences.

3: Security and Privacy

TeamSpeak prioritizes security with end-to-end encryption for voice and text communication. This ensures that conversations remain private and protected from eavesdropping.

Users can host their own TeamSpeak servers, providing full control over data privacy and security. This is a significant advantage over cloud-based solutions where data security might be a concern.

4: Performance Efficiency

TeamSpeak is optimized to use minimal system resources, which is beneficial for gamers and professionals who need to allocate their computer’s processing power to other applications.

The platform can efficiently handle large groups, making it suitable for both small teams and large communities. It supports thousands of users on a single server without significant performance degradation.

5: Reliability and Uptime

TeamSpeak servers are known for their stability and uptime. This reliability is crucial for competitive gaming and professional environments where downtime can be costly.

Even if a user is offline, TeamSpeak allows sending of offline messages, ensuring that important information is communicated and accessible when the user reconnects.

6: Cross-Platform Compatibility

TeamSpeak supports multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. This cross-platform compatibility ensures that users can connect from any device, providing flexibility and convenience.

TeamSpeak can integrate with other tools and platforms, enhancing its functionality. For instance, it can be used alongside popular gaming platforms and streaming services.

7: Community and Support

TeamSpeak has a robust and active community of users and developers. This community-driven approach ensures continuous improvement and a wealth of shared knowledge and resources.

For businesses and professional users, TeamSpeak offers professional support services. This can be critical for resolving issues quickly and ensuring smooth operation.

8: Cost-Effectiveness

The TeamSpeak client software is free to download and use, making it accessible to a wide range of users. While hosting a server may incur costs, the client-side accessibility ensures everyone can join without financial barriers.

TeamSpeak offers flexible licensing options, from personal use to large-scale enterprise solutions. This flexibility ensures that users only pay for what they need, making it a cost-effective choice.

TeamSpeak remains a powerful and reliable choice for voice communication. Its high-quality audio, low latency, extensive customization, robust security, efficient performance, and cross-platform compatibility make it an ideal tool for gamers, professionals, and online communities alike. 

Whether you’re managing a small team or a large community, the benefits of using a TeamSpeak server are clear, providing a stable, secure, and customizable environment for effective communication.

What are the requirements for a TeamSpeak server?

The requirements for hosting a TeamSpeak server are not very high, but maintaining smooth operation is essential, particularly if you anticipate a high user count or want to run many services on the same machine.

These are the essential preconditions.

1. Operating System: Mac, Linux, and Windows versions of the TeamSpeak Server software are available for download. Opt for an operating system that fits your server environment and that you are comfortable with.
2. CPU: A contemporary multi-core processor has to be enough. In particular, if you anticipate a large number of concurrent users, the more cores the better.
3. RAM: Although TeamSpeak doesn’t use a lot of RAMS by itself, it is advised to have at least 1GB of RAM set aside for the server. It could be essential to add more RAM based on usage.
4. Storage: TeamSpeak doesn’t need a lot of disk space to run; but you will need more room to store user information and logs. You shouldn’t need more than a few GBs unless you’re storing large logs or file transfers.
5. Bandwidth: If you plan to employ high-quality voice codecs or several concurrent users, you’ll need a good internet connection with adequate upload speed.
6. Static IP: Either a dynamic DNS service or a static IP address is advised for dependable access.
7. Software Requirements: The TeamSpeak Server program doesn’t need any additional dependencies outside of the most basic system libraries, but be sure the operating system you’ve chosen is current and has the necessary libraries installed.
8. Ports and Firewall: Verify that the required ports are available for communication. By default, TeamSpeak employs UDP ports, which are typically 10011 for server queries, 30033 for file transfers, and 9987 for voice. It may be necessary for you to set up your firewall to permit traffic on certain ports.
9. Security: Update the TeamSpeak Server software and operating system frequently to mitigate any security risks. Additionally, choose secure passwords and consider additional security measures such as firewall limits or whitelisting IP addresses.
10. Monitoring and Management: Monitoring tools help keep tabs on user activity and server performance. Consider putting backup plans in place so you won’t lose data in the event of hardware failure or other issues.

They are the fundamental requirements. You may need to upgrade your hardware or change your setup as your computer’s usage increases to increase performance and flexibility. 

Conclusion 

IT specialists and gamers alike frequently use the audio chat software TeamSpeak 3. With its easy-to-use UI, users can easily set up a server in a matter of minutes.

You learned how to set up a TeamSpeak 3 server on Ubuntu, Windows, and macOS by following this instruction.

Additionally, we provide instructions on how to utilize a domain name instead of an IP address to connect to a server.

Setting up a TeamSpeak server may seem complex, but by following these steps, you can create a reliable communication platform for your community. Remember to keep your server software updated and regularly monitor and manage your server to provide the best experience for your users. 

Please feel free to leave any advice, suggestions, or thoughts in the comments section.

Happy communicating!

FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)

1: What is TeamSpeak and why should I use it?

TeamSpeak is a voice-over-IP (VoIP) software designed for online gaming, education, and professional environments where real-time voice communication is crucial. It allows users to communicate with each other via voice, text, or video over the internet. TeamSpeak is popular for its low-latency, high-quality audio, and robust administrative features, making it ideal for organizing and coordinating teams remotely.

2: How do I set up a TeamSpeak server?

Setting up a TeamSpeak server involves these steps:

• Download and Install: Visit the TeamSpeak website and download the server software suitable for your operating system (Windows, Linux, macOS).
• Configure Server: After installation, configure the server settings such as the server’s name, admin privileges, and port settings.
• Port Forwarding: If you’re hosting the server on your local network and want others outside your network to connect, configure port forwarding on your router for the TeamSpeak server port (default is 9987 UDP).
• Admin Privileges: Set up administrative privileges by creating an “admin” privilege key to manage server settings.
• Start Server: Launch the TeamSpeak server software and ensure it’s running and accessible.

3: What are the system requirements for hosting a TeamSpeak server?

The system requirements for hosting a TeamSpeak server are relatively modest:

• Operating System: Windows, Linux, or macOS.
• Processor: A modern multi-core CPU (Intel Core i3/i5 or equivalent).
• RAM: Minimum of 1GB RAM (2GB recommended).
• Network: Stable internet connection with adequate upload bandwidth (recommended minimum of 1 Mbps per 10 users for voice quality).

4: How do I manage users and permissions on my TeamSpeak server?

Managing users and permissions on a TeamSpeak server is done through the server administration interface (usually accessed via the TeamSpeak client):

• Create User Accounts: Users can create their accounts using a unique identifier generated by the server.
• Set Permissions: Assign different levels of permissions (e.g., admin, moderator, regular user) using permission groups and channels.
• Channel Management: Create channels and sub-channels to organize users based on their roles or interests.
• Moderation: Use server logs and tools to monitor and moderate user behavior, including muting, kicking, or banning users if necessary.

5: How can I secure my TeamSpeak server?

To secure your TeamSpeak server and prevent unauthorized access:

1. Strong Passwords: Set strong passwords for administrative accounts and encourage users to choose secure passwords for their accounts.
2. Update Server: Keep your TeamSpeak server software up to date with the latest patches and security updates.
3. Use Permissions Wisely: Assign permissions based on roles to limit what users can do on the server.
4. IP Whitelisting: Consider using IP whitelisting to restrict access to known IP addresses.
5. Monitor Server Logs: Regularly review server logs for any suspicious activity and take appropriate action.

By following these steps and best practices, you can effectively set up and manage a TeamSpeak server for your community, gaming group, or professional team.

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