How to Install PostgreSQL on Ubuntu 26.04

Learn how to install PostgreSQL on Ubuntu 26.04 with this beginner friendly step by step guide. Install PostgreSQL, create databases and users, verify the service, and start using PostgreSQL in minutes.

PostgreSQL is one of the most popular open source relational database systems. It is trusted by startups, enterprises, and developers because it is reliable, fast, and supports advanced SQL features. Whether you're building a web application, REST API, or analytics platform, PostgreSQL is a solid choice.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

Ubuntu 26.04 installed dedicated server.
A user account with sudo privileges
An internet connection

Let's start learning how to install PostgreSQL on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS.

Step 1: Update Your System

Start by refreshing your package list and installing available updates.

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

This helps ensure you're installing the latest available packages.

Step 2: Install PostgreSQL

Ubuntu 26.04 includes PostgreSQL 18 in its default repositories, making installation very simple.

Run:

sudo apt install postgresql postgresql-contrib -y

The postgresql-contrib package installs additional extensions that are commonly used with PostgreSQL.

Step 3: Check the PostgreSQL Service

After installation, PostgreSQL starts automatically.

Check its status with:

sudo systemctl status postgresql

If everything is working correctly, you should see that the service is active (running).

If the service is not running, start it manually:

sudo systemctl start postgresql

Enable PostgreSQL to start automatically after every reboot:

sudo systemctl enable postgresql

Step 4: Verify the Installed Version

To see which PostgreSQL version is installed:

psql --version

Example output:

psql (PostgreSQL) 18.x

The exact version may differ depending on the latest package updates available.

Step 5: Switch to the PostgreSQL User

PostgreSQL creates a system user named postgres.

Switch to it using:

sudo -i -u postgres

You should now see something similar to:

postgres@server:~$

Step 6: Open the PostgreSQL Shell

Launch the PostgreSQL command line interface:

psql

You'll enter the PostgreSQL prompt:

postgres=#

To exit the shell later, run:

\q

Step 7: Set a Password for the PostgreSQL User

Although local authentication works without a password by default, setting one is recommended.

Inside the PostgreSQL shell, run:

ALTER USER postgres WITH PASSWORD 'YourStrongPassword';

Replace YourStrongPassword with a secure password.

Exit PostgreSQL:

\q

Step 8: Create a New Database

Switch back into the PostgreSQL shell if needed:

sudo -u postgres psql

Create a database:

CREATE DATABASE mydatabase;

Check that it exists:

\l

You should see mydatabase in the list.

Step 9: Create a New User

Create a user for your applications instead of using the default postgres account.

CREATE USER myuser WITH PASSWORD 'MySecurePassword';

Grant access to the database:

GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON DATABASE mydatabase TO myuser;

Exit PostgreSQL:

\q

Step 10: Test the Connection

Connect using the new user:

psql -U myuser -d mydatabase -h localhost

Enter the password when prompted.

If the connection succeeds, PostgreSQL is ready to use.

Useful PostgreSQL Commands

Restart PostgreSQL

sudo systemctl restart postgresql

Stop PostgreSQL

sudo systemctl stop postgresql

Start PostgreSQL

sudo systemctl start postgresql

Check Service Status

sudo systemctl status postgresql

List All Databases

sudo -u postgres psql -c "\l"

List All Users

sudo -u postgres psql -c "\du"

Common Installation Issues

`psql: command not found`

Verify that PostgreSQL is installed:

dpkg -l | grep postgresql

If it isn't installed, run:

sudo apt install postgresql postgresql-contrib -y

PostgreSQL Service Is Not Running

Start the service:

sudo systemctl start postgresql

Then verify:

sudo systemctl status postgresql

Authentication Failed

Double check:

Username
Password
Database name
Host value (localhost)

If you've recently changed the password, reconnect after restarting the session.

Conclusion

In this tutorial we have seen how to install PostgreSQL on Ubuntu 26.04. You've verified the installation, connected to the database server, created your first database, added a new user, and tested a database connection. Your server is now ready for applications such as Node.js, Python, PHP, Java, or any framework that supports PostgreSQL.