How to Install RabbitMQ with Erlang/OTP on Ubuntu Linux
You install RabbitMQ on Ubuntu Linux to create a robust message broker that enables different applications to communicate reliably.
RabbitMQ acts as a message queueing system, facilitating asynchronous communication between distributed applications. It ensures messages are delivered even if applications are temporarily unavailable, making it ideal for microservices and background task processing.
This tutorial guides you through installing RabbitMQ and its dependency, Erlang/OTP, on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. By the end, you’ll have a functional RabbitMQ instance accessible via a web-based management dashboard.
Install Erlang/OTP by adding its repository, importing the key, and running `sudo apt install erlang`. Then, add the RabbitMQ repository, import its key, and run `sudo apt install rabbitmq-server`. Finally, enable the management plugin with `sudo rabbitmq-plugins enable rabbitmq_management`.
Install Erlang/OTP
Erlang/OTP is the base for RabbitMQ, so you’ll install it first on Ubuntu. We’ll add a safe source for Erlang and then use your system’s tools to install it.
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb https://packages.erlang-solutions.com/ubuntu $(lsb_release -sc) contrib" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/erlang.list'
Now, add the security key so your system trusts the new files.
wget https://packages.erlang-solutions.com/ubuntu/erlang_solutions.asc
sudo apt-key add erlang_solutions.asc
Finally, install the Erlang software.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install erlang
Add the RabbitMQ Repository
With Erlang set up, we’ll add the official RabbitMQ source to your Ubuntu system. This lets your computer find and install RabbitMQ, plus its security key.
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb https://dl.bintray.com/rabbitmq/debian $(lsb_release -sc) main" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/rabbitmq.list'
Add the security key for RabbitMQ.
wget -O- https://dl.bintray.com/rabbitmq/Keys/rabbitmq-release-signing-key.asc | sudo apt-key add -
wget -O- https://www.rabbitmq.com/rabbitmq-release-signing-key.asc | sudo apt-key add -
Now, install the RabbitMQ package itself.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install rabbitmq-server
Set RabbitMQ to start automatically whenever your computer boots up.
sudo systemctl enable rabbitmq-server
sudo systemctl start rabbitmq-server
sudo systemctl stop rabbitmq-server
Enable the Web Management Console
After installing RabbitMQ on Ubuntu, you can turn on its web dashboard to easily check and manage your message system. Just run a command to add the tool, then open it in your browser.
sudo rabbitmq-plugins enable rabbitmq_management
Open your web browser and type your server’s address followed by the port 15672. For example: http://your-server-ip:15672
You will see a login screen. Use the default credentials:
- Username: guest
- Password: guest
If you are using Ubuntu 18.04, you may need to download the files manually from these links: https://packages.erlang-solutions.com/erlang/ and https://www.rabbitmq.com/install-debian.html.
Summary
In this guide, we prepared your Ubuntu server by installing the Erlang base, adding the RabbitMQ software repository, and enabling a user-friendly web dashboard. You are now ready to start sending messages between your applications.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
thanks! this was clear, and even better than that on the rabbitMQ website
try install erlang:
The following packages have unmet dependencies:
erlang : Depends: erlang-diameter but it is not going to be installed
Depends: erlang-eldap but it is not going to be installed
Depends: erlang-ftp but it is not going to be installed
Depends: erlang-tftp but it is not going to be installed
Recommends: erlang-jinterface but it is not going to be installed
Recommends: erlang-ic-java but it is not going to be installed
Recommends: erlang-mode but it is not going to be installed
Recommends: erlang-src but it is not going to be installed
Recommends: erlang-examples but it is not going to be installed
esl-erlang : Depends: libwxbase2.8-0 but it is not installable or
libwxbase3.0-0 but it is not installable or
libwxbase3.0-0v5 but it is not going to be installed
Depends: libwxgtk2.8-0 but it is not installable or
libwxgtk3.0-0 but it is not installable or
libwxgtk3.0-0v5 but it is not going to be installed
Depends: libsctp1 but it is not going to be installed
Recommends: erlang-mode but it is not going to be installed
libssl-dev : Depends: libssl1.0.0 (= 1.0.2g-1ubuntu4.13) but 1.0.2g-1ubuntu4.12 is to be installed
Recommends: libssl-doc but it is not going to be installed
E: Unmet dependencies. Try ‘apt-get -f install’ with no packages (or specify a solution).
How to install ssl in rabbitmq mqtt?
superb
Reading package lists… Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information… Done
rabbitmq-server is already the newest version (3.7.10-1).
0 upgraded, 0 newly installed, 0 to remove and 0 not upgraded.
1 not fully installed or removed.
After this operation, 0 B of additional disk space will be used.
Do you want to continue? [Y/n] Y
Setting up rabbitmq-server (3.7.10-1) …
dpkg: error processing package rabbitmq-server (–configure):
installed rabbitmq-server package post-installation script subprocess returned error exit status 1
Errors were encountered while processing:
rabbitmq-server
E: Sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg returned an error code (1)
Well after spending 3 hours trying to get Rabbit installed this is my savior. Thank you!!
Great Article..
Easy & simple steps to install RabbitMQ.