Setting the correct timezone on your server is crucial for accurate logging, scheduling tasks, and ensuring that your applications run with the correct time settings. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of setting the timezone on Ubuntu 24.04 using the timedatectl command. We will also start by creating a server instance on Shape.Host, a reliable cloud hosting provider.

Step 1: Create a Server Instance on Shape.Host

Before setting the timezone, you need a server to host your environment. Here’s how to set up a server instance on Shape.Host:

Access Shape.Host: Log in to your Shape.Host account and navigate to the Cloud VPS section.

Launch a New Server: Click on “Create” and select the server type that best suits your project requirements.

Shape.host Resources dashboard with Create > Instance highlighted.

Choose a Data Center: Pick a data center location that is closest to your target audience for optimal performance.

Shape.host instance form with the data center location selector highlighted.

Select a Plan: Choose a hosting plan that aligns with your resource needs and budget.

Set the OS: Select Ubuntu 24.04 as your operating system.

Shape.host instance form with the operating system image selector highlighted.

Finalize the Setup: Review your configuration and click “Create Instance” to deploy your instance. Your server will be ready in a few minutes.

Shape.host instance form with the Create Instance button highlighted.
  • Once your instance is created, return to the dashboard.
  • Find your instance’s IP address under the Resources section and use it to access your server.
Shape.host Resources dashboard with the server IP address highlighted.

Step 2: Connect to Your Instance

Once your server is ready, you need to connect to it using SSH. Here’s how to do it:

  • Linux/macOS: Open your terminal and use the following command:
  ssh root@your_server_ip

Replace your_server_ip with the server’s IP address.

  • Windows: Use an SSH client like PuTTY. Enter your server’s IP address, specify the port (usually 22), and click “Open.” Log in with your username and password.

Step 3: Update the System

Before making any changes, it’s a good practice to update your system to ensure all packages are up to date. Run the following command:

apt update
Terminal showing APT package management commands and output.

Step 4: Check Current Timezone

Check the current timezone settings on your server:

timedatectl

This command will display the current timezone along with other time and date information.

Terminal showing service commands or output during Check Current Timezone.

Step 5: List Available Timezones

To list all available timezones, use the following command:

timedatectl list-timezones
Terminal displaying the available time zone list.

If you are looking for a specific timezone, you can filter the list using grep. For example, to find timezones related to Berlin:

timedatectl list-timezones | grep "Berlin"
Terminal showing grep commands or output during List Available Timezones.

Step 6: Set the Timezone

Once you have identified the correct timezone, set it using the timedatectl command. For example, to set the timezone to Europe/Berlin:

timedatectl set-timezone Europe/Berlin

Step 7: Verify the Timezone

Verify that the timezone has been set correctly:

timedatectl

You should see the new timezone listed in the output.

Terminal showing service commands or output during Verify the Timezone.

If you’re looking for a reliable and high-performance hosting solution for your server, consider Shape.Host Cloud VPS services. With fast SSD storage, scalable resources, and excellent support, Shape.Host provides the perfect environment for running your applications securely. Visit Shape.Host to learn more and get started today!