How to Uninstall ProtonVPN on Ubuntu: Quick Guide

Introduction

Whether you are a digital nomad in Barcelona, a tech startup employee in Nairobi, or a privacy‑conscious user in Toronto, knowing how to Uninstall protonvpn Ubuntu is essential when the client stops working or you switch to a different VPN provider. In 2025, ProtonVPN remains popular for its strong encryption, but occasional conflicts with kernel updates or network managers can force you to Uninstall protonvpn Ubuntu quickly.

In this guide we will also cover how to remove protonvpn ubuntu without leaving orphaned packages that could slow down your system. The process is the same whether you are running Ubuntu 20.04 LTS in a co‑working space in Berlin or the latest 24.04 release on a home server in Melbourne.

Our step‑by‑step instructions are written for both beginners and seasoned sysadmins. You will find actionable commands, GEO‑aware examples (e.g., using regional mirrors), and troubleshooting tips that reference the best privacy resources such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation. By the end of this article you will have a clean system ready for a fresh VPN install or a complete network reset.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Verify the Installed ProtonVPN Packages

Open a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run:

dpkg -l | grep protonvpn

If you see entries like protonvpn-cli or protonvpn-nm, the client is still present. This verification step is crucial for users in regions with strict internet policies, such as Dubai, where leftover services could trigger unwanted alerts.

2. Stop the ProtonVPN Service

Before removal, stop any active services to avoid file‑lock errors:

sudo systemctl stop protonvpn.service
sudo systemctl disable protonvpn.service

For users on a corporate network in São Paulo, disabling the service first ensures that the IT monitoring tools do not register an abrupt service removal.

3. Remove Packages via APT

The safest way to Uninstall protonvpn Ubuntu is using the package manager:

sudo apt-get purge protonvpn-cli protonvpn-nm
sudo apt-get autoremove --purge

This command removes configuration files and dependencies that are no longer needed. Users in Tokyo often prefer the --purge flag because it guarantees a clean state for later re‑installation of a different VPN client.

4. Delete Remaining Configuration Files

Some files are stored outside the APT database, typically in /etc/protonvpn or your home directory:

sudo rm -rf /etc/protonvpn
rm -rf ~/.config/protonvpn
rm -rf ~/.cache/protonvpn

Cleaning these leftovers is part of the remove protonvpn ubuntu process and helps prevent ghost network adapters that can appear in NetworkManager, especially on laptops that travel between London and New York.

5. Reset NetworkManager (Optional)

If you notice lingering VPN connections, restart NetworkManager:

sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

In regions with ISP‑level throttling, such as Johannesburg, resetting the network stack can also clear any QoS rules that were applied by ProtonVPN.

6. Verify Removal

Run the initial dpkg -l command again. No ProtonVPN packages should appear. Additionally, check for any active VPN interfaces:

ip a | grep tun

If no tun0 or similar interface is listed, the remove protonvpn ubuntu operation is complete.

7. Clean Up DNS Settings (If Needed)

ProtonVPN may have altered your /etc/resolv.conf. Restore the default DNS configuration, or point to a privacy‑focused resolver like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1:

sudo sed -i 's/^nameserver .*/nameserver 1.1.1.1/' /etc/resolv.conf

This step is especially relevant for users in regions with DNS hijacking, such as parts of the Middle East.

Tips for a Smooth Uninstallation

• Backup configuration files before deletion if you plan to reinstall later. A simple tar czf protonvpn-backup.tgz ~/.config/protonvpn will suffice.
• Use regional mirrors for faster package removal. For example, replace archive.ubuntu.com with mirror.math.princeton.edu when you are on the East Coast of the United States.
• Check for snap packages. Some users install ProtonVPN via snap; remove it with sudo snap remove protonvpn.
• Review system logs after removal: journalctl -u NetworkManager can reveal hidden errors that are common in high‑latency environments like rural Australia.
• Consider a reboot on older hardware (e.g., Ubuntu on a Raspberry Pi in Reykjavik) to ensure all kernel modules are fully unloaded.

Alternative Methods

Using the ProtonVPN Uninstaller Script

ProtonVPN provides a dedicated script on its official site. Download and execute it with:

wget -O uninstall.sh https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/uninstall.sh
chmod +x uninstall.sh
sudo ./uninstall.sh

This method works well for users in Nairobi who prefer a single‑command solution and want to avoid manual package hunting.

Removing via Flatpak (If Applicable)

Some desktop users install the client via Flatpak. To remove it:

flatpak uninstall com.protonvpn.Client

Flatpak maintains its own sandbox, so this step also clears any residual permissions that could affect other applications.

Manual Kernel Module Cleanup

If you experience “module still in use” errors, unload the kernel module manually:

sudo modprobe -r protonvpn
sudo rmmod protonvpn

Such issues are more common on custom kernels used by developers in Silicon Valley.

Conclusion

Successfully Uninstall protonvpn Ubuntu ensures that your system remains lean, secure, and ready for a fresh VPN setup. By following the step‑by‑step guide, applying the practical tips, and considering alternative removal methods, you can confidently remove protonvpn ubuntu without leaving stray files or network glitches.

Remember to adapt the instructions to your local environment—whether you are in a data‑center in Frankfurt, a home office in Vancouver, or a remote cabin in Patagonia. Using regional mirrors, checking DNS settings, and verifying service status are universal practices that protect your privacy and maintain system performance.

If you need further assistance, consult our related articles: the official Uninstall ProtonVPN Ubuntu guide, a tutorial on how to install Proton VPN on Ubuntu, a Mac‑specific removal guide at ProtonVPN uninstall Mac, and a step‑by‑step for Linux Mint users at Proton VPN Linux Mint. For broader privacy education, visit the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Cloudflare Learning Center.

By keeping your Ubuntu system clean and up‑to‑date, you empower yourself to choose the best VPN solution for any GEO context—whether you are streaming from Seoul, researching in Helsinki, or working remotely from Cape Town.