Add Linux machine to zerotier network

2025-05-24

What

A ZeroTier network is a private, encrypted, decentral VPN solution for your devices. Similar solutions include TailScale, but I have only ever used ZeroTier, and it works perfectly for my needs. And you can even self-host it (I haven't tried that yet).

Why

Being able to access my Linux servers at home from any device (laptop, smartphone, iPad) anywhere, without making them public on the internet. 'nuff said.

The recipe

Step 1: Install zerotier on the machine.

curl -s https://install.zerotier.com | sudo bash

Step 2: Log in to zerotier dashboard: https://my.zerotier.com/network

Step 3: Copy the Network ID from the dashboard. It looks like a hash code (a3ed010cdf).

Step 4: On the Linux machine in the terminal:

$ zerotier-cli join [network id]

Step 5: Refresh dashboard, put in name of the new machine. Click the Auth? checkbox in the leftmost column.

Step 6: On the Linux machine: Update /etc/hosts with other personal Linux servers for easy access (hand-held DNS).

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