Entry-level Tailscale Setup on Unraid

Guides & Tutorials
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Comprehensive Guide: Tailscale Implementation on Unraid

A step-by-step guide for secure remote access

Overview

This guide provides detailed instructions for implementing Tailscale on an Unraid server, enabling secure remote access to various services including:

  • Unraid WebGUI
  • Network File Shares (SMB/NFS)
  • SSH Access
  • Docker Containers (Bridge Mode)

Prerequisites

  • An Unraid server
  • Administrative access to Unraid
  • A device for initial Tailscale client setup (computer/phone)

Section 1: Tailnet Configuration

1.1 Initial Setup

  1. Navigate to Tailscale’s official website
  2. Select “Get Started” to begin the setup process

Get Started Button
Get Started Button1693Ă—364 48 KB

1.2 Account Creation

  1. Choose your preferred identity provider for authentication

Identity Provider Selection
Identity Provider Selection459Ă—718 27.1 KB

  1. Select your usage type:
    • Business (for organizational use)
    • Personal (for individual use)

Usage Type Selection
Usage Type Selection1138Ă—490 46.9 KB

  1. Follow the provided instructions to install Tailscale on a client device

Installation Instructions
Installation Instructions1135Ă—613 41 KB

  1. Your device will appear on the screen after successful installation

Connected Device
Connected Device1143Ă—650 49.9 KB

Section 2: Unraid Integration

2.1 Plugin Installation

  1. Access your Unraid dashboard
  2. Navigate to the Apps section
  3. Search for “Tailscale” in the application browser
  4. Install “Tailscale (Plugin)”

Tailscale Plugin
Tailscale Plugin2235Ă—796 143 KB

2.2 Plugin Configuration

  1. Access Settings → Tailscale in your Unraid dashboard

Settings Navigation
Settings Navigation981Ă—416 23.2 KB

  1. Initialize authentication:
    • Click “Reauthenticate”

Reauthentication Button
Reauthentication Button381Ă—203 16.8 KB

  1. After connection, you’ll be redirected to the Tailscale admin console showing connected devices

Connected Devices
Connected Devices1138Ă—216 20.1 KB

Section 3: Advanced Configuration

3.1 DNS Configuration

  1. Access Tailscale DNS Settings
  2. Optional: Customize your tailnet domain name
    • Select “Rename tailnet…”
    • Choose a preferred .ts.net subdomain

DNS Settings
DNS Settings656Ă—275 13 KB

3.2 HTTPS Implementation

  1. Navigate to the DNS settings page
  2. Locate and enable HTTPS support

HTTPS Settings
HTTPS Settings639Ă—340 20 KB

Important Security Note:
When enabling HTTPS, be aware that machine names are published in a public certificate ledger. While this provides certificate transparency, it does not compromise your network security. Access to devices remains restricted by Tailscale’s authentication mechanisms.

For detailed information about certificate transparency and security implications, consult the official Tailscale HTTPS documentation.

Verification

After completing the setup, verify:

  • Both devices appear in your Tailscale admin console
  • Successful connection to Unraid services via Tailscale IP
  • Proper functionality of MagicDNS resolution

Additional Resources

Last updated: December 2024

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This worked perfectly. Thanks again for all your work.

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