Proton VPN is a secure and privacy-focused virtual private network (VPN) service developed by Proton AG, the Swiss company behind Proton Mail. With a strong commitment to user privacy and a no-logs policy, Proton VPN offers both free and paid plans, making it accessible to a wide range of users. This guide will walk you through the process of installing and using Proton VPN on various Linux distributions, ensuring a secure and private browsing experience.
Why Use Proton VPN on Linux?
Using a VPN on your Linux system enhances your online privacy by encrypting your internet connection and masking your IP address. Proton VPN stands out for its strong security features, including:
- No-Logs Policy: Proton VPN does not track or record your online activity.
- Strong Encryption: Utilizes AES-256 encryption to secure your data.
- Secure Core: Routes your traffic through multiple servers for enhanced security.
- Kill Switch: Prevents data leaks by blocking all network traffic if the VPN connection drops.
- DNS Leak Protection: Ensures your DNS queries are routed through the VPN tunnel.
System Requirements
Before installing Proton VPN on your Linux system, ensure your system meets the following requirements:
- Operating System: A recent version of a Linux distribution such as Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, or Arch Linux.
- Internet Connection: An active internet connection is necessary for downloading and using the VPN.
- Administrator Access: Required for installing applications and configuring system settings.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
1. Determine Your Linux Distribution
To identify your Linux distribution and version, open a terminal window and run:
- cat /etc/*release
Look for the PRETTY_NAME field to find your distribution name and version.
2. Install Proton VPN on Ubuntu/Debian
Proton VPN provides an official app for Ubuntu and Debian-based distributions. Follow these steps to install it:
1. Download the Proton VPN repository configuration package:
- wget https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/dists/stable/main/binary-all/protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.8_all.deb
2. Install the repository and update package lists:
- sudo dpkg -i ./protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.8_all.deb && sudo apt update
3. Install the Proton VPN app:
- sudo apt install proton-vpn-gnome-desktop
4. (Optional) Enable system tray icon support:
GNOME desktop environments may require additional packages to display system tray icons:
- sudo apt install libayatana-appindicator3-1 gir1.2-ayatanaappindicator3-0.1 gnome-shell-extension-appindicator
After installation, restart your system or log out and log back in to apply changes.
3. Install Proton VPN on Fedora
For Fedora users, Proton VPN provides an official app compatible with the GNOME desktop environment:
- Download the Proton VPN repository configuration package:Visit the Proton VPN Linux support page to find the latest Fedora installation instructions and repository package.
- Install the repository and update package lists:Follow the instructions provided on the support page to add the repository and install the Proton VPN app using dnf.
4. Install Proton VPN on Arch Linux/Manjaro
For Arch-based distributions, Proton VPN can be installed using the Arch User Repository (AUR):
1. Install an AUR helper (if not already installed):
For example, to install yay:
- sudo pacman -S yay
2. Install the Proton VPN CLI:
- yay -S protonvpn-cli
3. Initialize Proton VPN:
protonvpn init
Follow the prompts to log in and configure the VPN.
5. Manual Configuration Using OpenVPN or WireGuard
If your distribution is not officially supported, or you prefer manual configuration, you can set up Proton VPN using OpenVPN or WireGuard:
Install OpenVPN or WireGuard:
1. OpenVPN:
- sudo apt install openvpn
2. WireGuard:
- sudo apt install wireguard
Download configuration files:
- Log in to your Proton VPN account on the Proton VPN website and download the appropriate configuration files for your desired servers.
Connect using the configuration files:
1. OpenVPN:
- sudo openvpn –config /path/to/config.ovpn
2. WireGuard:
- sudo wg-quick up /path/to/config.conf
Using Proton VPN on Linux
Launching the App
After installation, you can launch the Proton VPN app from your application menu or by running protonvpn in the terminal.
Connecting to a Server
Use the app’s interface to connect to a server of your choice. You can select servers based on country, speed, or specialty (e.g., streaming, P2P).
Configuring Settings
Access the app’s settings to configure features such as:
- Kill Switch: Enables or disables the kill switch feature.
- Auto-Connect: Sets the app to connect automatically on startup.
- DNS Leak Protection: Ensures DNS queries are routed through the VPN.
Conclusion
Installing Proton VPN on Linux gives you a robust, secure, and private browsing experience with full control over your internet traffic. Whether you’re using Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, or a more advanced setup with OpenVPN/WireGuard, Proton VPN provides strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and access to global content—all from an easy-to-use interface or CLI.
