How to install Logrotate on Ubuntu

Install Logrotate on Ubuntu to automate log file rotation, compression, and cleanup on your server.

Prerequisites

• Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, or 24.04.
• Root or sudo access.
• An active internet connection for package downloads.

Step-by-Step: Install Logrotate on Ubuntu

1. Update the Ubuntu package index to ensure apt pulls the latest available version of Logrotate:

   sudo apt update

   The output ends with a summary of available package upgrades:

   Reading package lists... Done
   Building dependency tree... Done
   Reading state information... Done
   62 packages can be upgraded. Run apt list --upgradable to see them.

   

2. Install Logrotate using the apt package manager:

   sudo apt install logrotate

   If Logrotate is already installed, apt reports the current version and takes no action:

   Reading package lists... Done
   Building dependency tree
   Reading state information... Done
   logrotate is already the newest version (3.14.0-4ubuntu3).
   0 upgraded, 0 newly installed, 0 to remove and 0 not upgraded.

   

3. Confirm the Logrotate installation by checking its version:

   logrotate --version

   Logrotate prints its version number and supported features.

How to Verify Logrotate Was Installed Successfully

Logrotate should have a cron job or systemd timer configured after installation. Check that the daily cron job exists:

ls -la /etc/cron.daily/logrotate

Logrotate also creates its configuration directory. Verify it contains application-specific configuration files:

ls /etc/logrotate.d/

The directory lists configuration files for installed packages such as apt, dpkg, rsyslog, and any web servers.

Common Issues When Installing Logrotate on Ubuntu

Logrotate package not found.Run sudo apt update before attempting the install. The package index may be outdated.

Permission denied during installation.Use sudo with the apt command. Logrotate installation requires root privileges.

Logrotate already installed but outdated.Run sudo apt upgrade logrotate to update Logrotate to the latest version available in the Ubuntu repositories.