This guide provides instructions for installing and configuring Exim on a Linux host. Exim 4.99.1 is the latest stable version with important security fixes.
# Update package index
sudo apt update
# Install Exim4 with configuration wizard
sudo apt install exim4
# Run the configuration wizard
sudo dpkg-reconfigure exim4-config
During the configuration wizard, you’ll be prompted to select:
# Update package index
sudo dnf update
# Install Exim
sudo dnf install exim
# Enable and start the service
sudo systemctl enable exim
sudo systemctl start exim
For Debian/Ubuntu systems using split configuration:
# Navigate to the configuration directory
cd /etc/exim4/
# Edit main configuration options
sudo nano conf.d/main/03_exim4-config_tlsoptions
# Add TLS support
MAIN_TLS_ENABLE = yes
For production, use a proper certificate from a CA:
sudo /usr/share/doc/exim4-base/examples/exim-gencert
After making changes to configuration files:
# Update the active configuration
sudo update-exim4.conf
# Restart the service
sudo systemctl restart exim4
# Check service status
sudo systemctl status exim4
# Restart service
sudo systemctl restart exim4
# View logs
sudo journalctl -u exim4 -f
# Or check log files directly
sudo tail -f /var/log/exim4/mainlog
# Check Exim version
exim -bV
# Check configuration syntax
sudo exim -bV
# Test local delivery
echo "Test message" | mail -s "Test Subject" root@localhost
See Exim Configuration for configuration guidance.
See Exim Security for hardening guidance.
Any questions?
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