Introduction
For Linux enthusiasts who prefer a lightweight and script‑friendly solution, How to install protonvpn-cli on Ubuntu is a common query. The command‑line interface (CLI) gives you instant control over server selection, routing, and split‑tunneling without the overhead of a graphical app.
In this guide you will also discover how the protonvpn ubuntu setup guide can be adapted to your local network, whether you’re in California, Toronto, or the European Union. The steps below cover Ubuntu 20.04 and 22.04, and they are also applicable to other Debian‑based distros.
We’ll walk through each command, explain the rationale behind configuration choices, and provide troubleshooting tips that address frequent hiccups like “connection timed out” or “DNS leaks.” By the end you will be able to run ProtonVPN from the terminal and embed it into your own automation scripts.
Let’s start by setting up the environment, so you know exactly what’s required before you dive into the installation steps. How to install protonvpn-cli on Ubuntu becomes a matter of a few typed lines and a handful of configuration edits.
The protonvpn ubuntu setup guide is also useful for users who need a graphical interface or want to connect from a remote desktop session. However, for automation, the CLI remains the most reliable path.
Below we’ll also cover how to uninstall the CLI if you decide to switch back to the desktop app, ensuring you can cleanly remove all residual files. This part of the guide uses an external reference that explains modern encryption standards: Cloudflare’s learning center.
Privacy experts like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) emphasize the importance of a well‑configured VPN. By following this article, you’ll not only protect your traffic but also adhere to best practices advocated by privacy advocates.
Finally, the guide will touch on region‑specific considerations, such as choosing servers in the US for low latency gaming or in Germany for compliance with GDPR. With these insights, you’ll have a tailored VPN strategy that works for your unique needs.
Ready to dive into the technical steps? Let’s jump into the step‑by‑step instructions that will get How to install protonvpn-cli on Ubuntu running in no time.
Remember, you’ll also need the protonvpn ubuntu setup guide handy for later reference when you want to tweak advanced settings or switch between servers manually.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prerequisites
Before installing the CLI, verify you have the latest Ubuntu repositories updated. Open a terminal and run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Also ensure you have curl and gnupg installed, as they are required to fetch ProtonVPN’s signing key.
For a smooth experience, make sure your system clock is accurate. Time skew can cause authentication failures, especially when using the WireGuard protocol.
Now that your system is ready, proceed to install the ProtonVPN CLI, a process that takes less than five minutes.
Remember that How to install protonvpn-cli on Ubuntu is straightforward, but careful attention to the repository setup will prevent common pitfalls.
Once the prerequisites are confirmed, the installation script will configure your system to trust ProtonVPN’s packages.
Having a clean system also means you can later switch to a free alternative if needed, as discussed in the free VPN options for Ubuntu section.
Installing protonvpn-cli
Download the ProtonVPN repository key:
curl -s https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/public_key.asc | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/protonvpn-archive-keyring.gpg
Next, add the repository to your sources list:
echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/protonvpn-archive-keyring.gpg] https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian stable main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/protonvpn.list
Refresh the package list and install the CLI:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install protonvpn
Now you have the protonvpn command available. To complete the installation, authenticate with your ProtonVPN credentials:
protonvpn init
Follow the on‑screen prompts to enter your username, password, and, if you use a 2FA device, the code.
After initialization, the CLI will download your account profile, including server preferences and security settings.
At this point, you’ve accomplished the core part of How to install protonvpn-cli on Ubuntu. The next steps involve configuring your connection preferences.
Keep the protonvpn ubuntu setup guide handy for advanced tweaks, such as enabling auto‑connect on boot.
Configuring the CLI
Open the configuration file with a text editor of your choice:
nano ~/.config/protonvpn/config.json
Typical settings include the preferred protocol, encryption level, and whether to use a VPN‑specific DNS server:
{
"protocol": "wireguard",
"encryption": "high",
"dns": "true"
}
Changing the protocol to openvpn can be useful if you encounter compatibility issues with certain routers or firewalls.
Save the file and exit the editor. These settings will be applied automatically each time you connect.
For users who prefer a minimal configuration, the CLI will still work with the default values if you skip editing config.json.
Once configured, you’re ready to choose a server and establish a secure tunnel.
Remember that the How to install protonvpn-cli on Ubuntu process is complete, but you still need to test the connection to confirm everything is working.
Use the protonvpn ubuntu setup guide to learn about advanced options like split‑tunneling if you want to route only specific traffic through the VPN.
Connecting to Servers
List all available servers:
protonvpn list
Choose a server by its ID or name, then connect:
protonvpn c us-ny
The CLI will automatically download the necessary configuration files and initiate the tunnel.
To connect to the fastest server in your region, run:
protonvpn c -f
For those who prefer a specific protocol, include the -p flag:
protonvpn c -p wireguard us-ny
When the connection is established, you’ll see a “CONNECTED” message and the server’s IP address.
That’s all you need to perform the first How to install protonvpn-cli on Ubuntu test. If you see a timeout, try selecting another server or protocol.
The protonvpn ubuntu setup guide will walk you through additional settings, such as auto‑connect on boot or disconnect on network changes.
Verifying Connection
Check that your public IP has changed:
curl ipinfo.io/ip
Compare the result with your ISP’s IP address. A different IP indicates the VPN tunnel is active.
Next, verify DNS leaks by querying a public DNS server:
dig @8.8.8.8 example.com +short
The DNS response should match the server’s location. If it doesn’t, you may need to enable ProtonVPN’s DNS in config.json.
To test for IPv6 leaks, run:
curl -6 https://ipv6.icanhazip.com
Any IPv6 address different from ProtonVPN’s server indicates a leak that needs to be fixed.
Use these checks to confirm the How to install protonvpn-cli on Ubuntu was successful and your privacy is intact.
If you find any leaks or instability, consult the protonvpn ubuntu setup guide for advanced troubleshooting steps.
Tips
Optimizing Performance
For low latency gaming, select a server in the same region as your gaming server. Use the -f flag to auto‑choose the fastest server.
When using WireGuard, enable the fast-path option in config.json for minimal overhead.
Disable unnecessary services before connecting to free up bandwidth.
Use protonvpn --stats to monitor connection quality and bandwidth usage in real time.
Keep your system’s kernel up‑to‑date; newer kernels include performance improvements for networking modules.
Leverage the protonvpn -d flag to set the DNS over HTTPS (DoH) option, which can reduce latency in certain regions.
Consider using a dedicated static IP address if you need a consistent endpoint for services like SSH or FTP.
Always test the connection after each change to ensure you don’t introduce new issues.
When traveling abroad, use local servers to avoid long routing paths that increase latency.
Follow these tips to get the most out of the How to install protonvpn-cli on Ubuntu installation.
Using Auto‑Connect
The ProtonVPN CLI supports auto‑connect on system boot. Add the following line to your crontab -e:
@reboot protonvpn c -f
This ensures you’re always connected when your machine starts.
To disconnect automatically on network changes, use:
protonvpn --kill
Set these commands in your network manager’s scripts if you rely on Wi‑Fi hotspots.
Auto‑connect is especially handy for IoT devices that run headless Ubuntu servers.
When using Docker containers that need internet access, add the same auto‑connect command inside the container’s startup script.
Keep your auto‑connect settings consistent across all devices to avoid manual reconnections.
Use the protonvpn ubuntu setup guide to learn how to toggle auto‑connect from the CLI directly.
These auto‑connect strategies make the How to install protonvpn-cli on Ubuntu setup more resilient.
Alternative Methods
Using the ProtonVPN Desktop App
If you prefer a graphical interface, download the free ProtonVPN desktop app from the official website.
Install it via Snap or DEB package, then log in with the same credentials used for the CLI.
The app provides a one‑click connection toggle and built‑in server selection.
However, the desktop app consumes more resources and is less suited to headless servers.
For users who need a quick visual confirmation, the desktop app is a solid backup option.
Combine the desktop app with the CLI for redundancy during network outages.
Be cautious of background processes that might persist after you stop the app.
Refer to the protonvpn ubuntu setup guide for detailed steps on installing the desktop client.
Using Docker
Run ProtonVPN inside a Docker container to isolate it from the host system:
docker run -d --name protonvpn \
--cap-add NET_ADMIN \
-e USERNAME=your_user \
-e PASSWORD=your_password \
--restart unless-stopped \
protonvpn/cli
Use the container’s logs to monitor connection status.
This method is ideal for developers who want a reproducible VPN environment across CI pipelines.
Adjust the container’s network mode if you need to route container traffic only.
When using Docker, keep the host’s DNS settings unchanged to avoid leaks.
The Docker approach complements the CLI, offering isolation without sacrificing performance.
For more advanced Docker networking, refer to ProtonVPN’s official GitHub repository.
Integrating Docker with the How to install protonvpn-cli on Ubuntu workflow ensures secure connectivity across all services.
Using WireGuard Directly
ProtonVPN’s WireGuard configuration files can be used with the native wg command or a GUI client.
Download the config from ~/protonvpn-configs/ after running protonvpn list.
Copy the desired .conf file to /etc/wireguard/ and start the interface:
sudo wg-quick up us-ny.conf
WireGuard’s minimalistic design offers low latency and high throughput.
Ensure the AllowedIPs field is set to 0.0.0.0/0, ::/0 for full tunneling.
For split‑tunneling, modify AllowedIPs to route only selected subnets.
Use sudo wg show to verify the interface status.
Direct WireGuard usage bypasses the ProtonVPN CLI, giving you full control over routing rules.
This method is recommended for advanced users who need granular network configuration.
Check the protonvpn ubuntu setup guide for further details on WireGuard tuning.
Uninstalling protonvpn-cli
Removing the Package
If you decide to switch back to the desktop app or another VPN, uninstall the CLI with:
sudo apt remove --purge protonvpn
This command deletes the package and its configuration files.
To completely erase the user data, run:
rm -rf ~/.config/protonvpn
Check for any leftover processes:
ps aux | grep protonvpn
Terminate any lingering processes manually if necessary.
If you encounter issues during removal, consult this article on uninstalling ProtonVPN for common fixes.
After uninstalling, you can reinstall the CLI or switch to another VPN solution.
Alternative WireGuard Removal on macOS
For macOS users, the WireGuard package can be removed by running:
brew uninstall --cask wireguard
Detailed instructions are available at this guide.
Remember to also remove any related configuration files from /etc/wireguard/.
After removal, your system will revert to the default network settings.
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Connection timed out – Try a different server or protocol. Use protonvpn c -f for the fastest server.
DNS leak – Enable DNS in config.json or use ProtonVPN’s --dns flag.
Authentication failure – Verify your username and password. If you use 2FA, double‑check the code.
High latency – Switch to a nearby server or use WireGuard for lower overhead.
Split‑tunnel misconfiguration – Check config.json for correct AllowedIPs settings.
IPv6 leak – Disable IPv6 on your system or configure the VPN to handle IPv6 traffic.
Firewall blocking – Ensure ports 51820 (UDP) for WireGuard and 443 (TCP) for OpenVPN are open.
Persistent disconnections – Try enabling the fast-path option for WireGuard.
Fixing Timeouts
When you see a “connection timed out” error, run:
sudo systemctl restart systemd-resolved
Reset the DNS resolver to clear stale entries.
Alternatively, switch to a different protocol:
protonvpn c -p openvpn us-ny
OpenVPN can be more reliable on networks that block UDP traffic.
Check the How to install protonvpn-cli on Ubuntu guide for additional timeout troubleshooting steps.
Finally, if none of these fixes work, contact ProtonVPN support through the protonvpn ubuntu setup guide for further assistance.
Conclusion
By following this How to install protonvpn-cli on Ubuntu tutorial, you’ve installed, configured, and verified a secure VPN tunnel from the command line. You now know how to select optimal servers, enable DNS protection, and troubleshoot common connection problems.
Remember, the protonvpn ubuntu setup guide extends beyond the CLI, offering graphical alternatives and advanced network customization. Whether you’re running a personal laptop or a headless server, this guide equips you with the tools to maintain privacy and security.
Use the provided tips to keep performance high, automate reconnections, and stay protected across multiple regions. For those who need a more isolated or containerized VPN setup, Docker or direct WireGuard use are solid alternatives.
Should you need to revert or upgrade, the uninstall steps and additional references will help you manage the software lifecycle cleanly.
Enjoy your new, secure, and flexible VPN configuration on Ubuntu, and stay aware of evolving privacy best practices by following organizations like EFF and Cloudflare’s education resources.
