How to Install pgAdmin 4 on Ubuntu 22.04 (Step-by-Step)

pgAdmin 4 is a web-based GUI for managing PostgreSQL databases. It supports PostgreSQL 9.2+ and runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. You can use it to create databases, manage users, run queries, view performance metrics, and more. In this guide you install pgAdmin 4 in web mode on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, configure it with Apache, and connect to a PostgreSQL server.

In this guide you’ll:

Add the pgAdmin APT repository and install pgadmin4-web
Run the setup script to create an admin user and configure Apache
Access the web interface and add a PostgreSQL server connection

Prerequisites:

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS with sudo access.
PostgreSQL installed (9.2 or later). If not, see How to Install and Configure Postgres 14 on Ubuntu 22.04 first.

Update the system
Set up the pgAdmin repository
Install pgAdmin 4
Configure pgAdmin 4 web mode
Access pgAdmin 4 and add a server

1. Update the system

Update package lists and upgrade:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

2. Set up the pgAdmin repository

pgAdmin 4 is not in the default Ubuntu repos. Add the official repository:

sudo curl https://www.pgadmin.org/static/packages_pgadmin_org.pub | sudo apt-key add
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/pgadmin/pgadmin4/apt/$(lsb_release -cs) pgadmin4 main" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pgadmin4.list'
sudo apt update

Note: apt-key add is deprecated. For newer Ubuntu versions, consider using signed-by in the sources.list entry instead. The pgAdmin repository setup script may be updated in the future.

3. Install pgAdmin 4

Choose one:

Web mode only (recommended for servers): pgadmin4-web
Desktop mode only: pgadmin4-desktop
Both: pgadmin4

For a server, install web mode:

sudo apt install -y pgadmin4-web

4. Configure pgAdmin 4 web mode

Run the setup script to create an admin user and configure Apache:

sudo /usr/pgadmin4/bin/setup-web.sh

You’ll be prompted for:

Email address for the initial admin account
Password (twice)
Whether to configure Apache (answer y)
Whether to restart Apache (answer y)

Example output:

Setting up pgAdmin 4 in web mode on a Debian based platform...
Creating configuration database...
NOTE: Configuring authentication for SERVER mode.

Enter the email address and password to use for the initial pgAdmin user account:
Email address: [email protected]
Password:
Retype password:
...
Apache successfully restarted. You can now start using pgAdmin 4 in web mode at http://127.0.0.1/pgadmin4

pgAdmin 4 is available at http://127.0.0.1/pgadmin4 or http://your-server-ip/pgadmin4.

5. Access pgAdmin 4 and add a server

Open http://your-server-ip/pgadmin4 in a browser.
Log in with the email and password you set during setup.
Click Add New Server.
On the General tab, enter a name (e.g. “Production PostgreSQL”).
On the Connection tab, enter:
- Host name/address: localhost (or your PostgreSQL server IP)
- Port: 5432 (default PostgreSQL port)
- Maintenance database: postgres (or another database)
- Username: your PostgreSQL user
- Password: your PostgreSQL password
Click Save.

The server appears under Servers in the left sidebar. Expand it to see databases, roles, and tablespaces. Click a database to view its dashboard and performance metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is pgAdmin 4?

pgAdmin 4 is a web-based administration tool for PostgreSQL. It provides a GUI for creating databases, managing users, running SQL queries, viewing performance metrics, and more. It supports PostgreSQL 9.2+ and can connect to local or remote servers.

What is the difference between pgAdmin desktop and web mode?

Desktop mode (pgadmin4-desktop) runs as a standalone desktop application. Web mode (pgadmin4-web) runs via Apache and is accessible from any browser. For servers, use web mode; for local development on a desktop, either works.

Where is pgAdmin 4 installed?

The web interface is served by Apache at /pgadmin4. Config files are typically in /etc/pgadmin/ and logs in /var/log/pgadmin/. The setup script configures Apache automatically.

How do I access pgAdmin 4 from another machine?

If Apache is listening on all interfaces, use http://your-server-ip/pgadmin4. For production, set up NGINX as a reverse proxy with TLS (Let’s Encrypt) and restrict access (e.g. VPN or firewall rules).

Conclusion

You installed pgAdmin 4 in web mode on Ubuntu 22.04: added the pgAdmin APT repository, installed pgadmin4-web, ran the setup script to create an admin user and configure Apache, and added a PostgreSQL server connection. The web interface is available at http://your-server-ip/pgadmin4. For PostgreSQL installation guides, see Postgres 14 on Ubuntu 22.04 or other PostgreSQL guides linked above.