KubernetesHow-ToBeginner · 3 min read

How to Install NGINX Ingress Controller on Kubernetes

To install the nginx ingress controller on Kubernetes, apply the official YAML manifest using kubectl apply -f from the NGINX Ingress repository. This deploys the controller and necessary resources to manage external access to your services.

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Syntax

The basic command to install the NGINX Ingress Controller is:

kubectl apply -f <manifest-url>: Downloads and applies the Kubernetes manifest file that creates all required resources.
The manifest URL points to the official NGINX Ingress Controller YAML file hosted on GitHub.
This command creates namespaces, deployments, services, and RBAC rules automatically.

bash

kubectl apply -f https://raw.githubusercontent.com/kubernetes/ingress-nginx/controller-v1.9.1/deploy/static/provider/cloud/deploy.yaml

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Example

This example installs the NGINX Ingress Controller on a Kubernetes cluster using the official manifest. It sets up the controller in the ingress-nginx namespace and creates all necessary components.

bash

kubectl apply -f https://raw.githubusercontent.com/kubernetes/ingress-nginx/controller-v1.9.1/deploy/static/provider/cloud/deploy.yaml

kubectl get pods -n ingress-nginx

Output

namespace/ingress-nginx created serviceaccount/ingress-nginx created configmap/ingress-nginx-controller created clusterrole.rbac.authorization.k8s.io/ingress-nginx created clusterrolebinding.rbac.authorization.k8s.io/ingress-nginx created deployment.apps/ingress-nginx-controller created service/ingress-nginx-controller created NAME READY STATUS RESTARTS AGE ingress-nginx-controller-7d7f7f7f7f-abcde 1/1 Running 0 30s

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Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when installing the NGINX Ingress Controller include:

Using an outdated or incorrect manifest URL, which can cause installation failure.
Not waiting for the controller pods to be in Running state before creating ingress resources.
Missing cluster role bindings, which prevent the controller from managing resources.
Trying to install on unsupported Kubernetes versions or environments without proper permissions.

Always verify the manifest URL matches the latest stable release and check pod status with kubectl get pods -n ingress-nginx.

bash

kubectl apply -f https://raw.githubusercontent.com/kubernetes/ingress-nginx/old-branch/deploy.yaml
# Wrong: old manifest URL

kubectl apply -f https://raw.githubusercontent.com/kubernetes/ingress-nginx/controller-v1.9.1/deploy/static/provider/cloud/deploy.yaml
# Right: latest stable manifest URL

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Quick Reference

Summary tips for installing NGINX Ingress Controller:

Use the official manifest URL from the ingress-nginx GitHub repository.
Check pod status in the ingress-nginx namespace after installation.
Ensure your Kubernetes cluster version is compatible (usually 1.19+).
Use kubectl delete -f <manifest-url> to uninstall cleanly.

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Key Takeaways

Install NGINX Ingress Controller by applying the official manifest with kubectl.

Always use the latest stable manifest URL from the ingress-nginx GitHub repository.

Verify the controller pods are running in the ingress-nginx namespace before use.

Avoid outdated manifests and check Kubernetes version compatibility.

Use kubectl commands to manage installation and uninstallation cleanly.