How To Install OpenVPN on Manjaro

In today’s digital age, securing your internet connection is more important than ever. OpenVPN is a powerful tool that allows users to create secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations. This guide will walk you through the process of installing OpenVPN on Manjaro, a user-friendly Linux distribution based on Arch Linux. Whether you’re a seasoned Linux user or a newcomer, this step-by-step guide aims to provide clear and concise instructions for a successful installation.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the installation process, ensure that you meet the following prerequisites:

• System Requirements: A computer running Manjaro Linux with sufficient resources (at least 2 GB of RAM and 20 GB of free disk space).
• User Permissions: You will need root access to install software and modify system configurations.
• VPN Subscription: Ensure you have an active VPN subscription and access to the necessary .ovpn configuration files from your VPN provider.

Updating Your System

Keeping your system updated is crucial for security and performance. Before installing OpenVPN, it’s best practice to update your package database and installed packages. Open a terminal and run the following command:

sudo pacman -Syu

This command synchronizes your package databases and updates all installed packages to their latest versions. After executing this command, you may be prompted to confirm the updates; simply follow the on-screen instructions.

Installing OpenVPN

Now that your system is up-to-date, it’s time to install OpenVPN. Manjaro uses the Pacman package manager, which makes this process straightforward. In the terminal, enter the following command:

sudo pacman -S openvpn

This command will download and install OpenVPN along with any necessary dependencies. Once the installation is complete, you can verify that OpenVPN has been successfully installed by checking its version with:

openvpn --version

If you see version information displayed, congratulations! You have successfully installed OpenVPN on your Manjaro system.

Configuring OpenVPN

The next step involves configuring OpenVPN with the appropriate settings provided by your VPN service. Follow these steps carefully:

• • Obtain .ovpn Files: Download the configuration files from your VPN provider’s website. These files contain all necessary settings for connecting to their servers.
  • Copy Configuration Files: Move the downloaded .ovpn files to the OpenVPN directory using the following command:

sudo cp /path/to/your/vpn/config.ovpn /etc/openvpn/

• • Edit Configuration Files: Depending on your VPN provider, you may need to edit these files to include your username and password or adjust other settings. Use a text editor like nano or vim:

sudo nano /etc/openvpn/config.ovpn

Make any necessary changes and save the file (in nano, press Ctrl + O to save and Ctrl + X to exit).

Starting OpenVPN

You are now ready to start OpenVPN using the configuration file you just set up. In the terminal, execute the following command:

sudo openvpn /etc/openvpn/config.ovpn

This command initiates an OpenVPN session using the specified configuration file. You will see log messages indicating that a connection is being established. If everything is configured correctly, you should see a message indicating that you are connected.

Automating OpenVPN Connection on Startup

If you want OpenVPN to connect automatically when your system boots up, you can set it up as a systemd service. Here’s how:

• • Create a Service File (if necessary): Most configurations should already support this feature, but if not, create a service file in `/etc/systemd/system/` named `openvpn@config.service` (replace “config” with your .ovpn filename).
  • Enable and Start the Service: Use these commands to enable and start your OpenVPN service at boot:

sudo systemctl enable openvpn@config.service
sudo systemctl start openvpn@config.service

This setup ensures that OpenVPN starts automatically whenever you boot your Manjaro machine.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while connecting to OpenVPN, here are some common problems and their solutions:

• • No Internet Access After Connecting: This could be due to incorrect routing settings in your VPN configuration file. Check for lines related to `redirect-gateway` and ensure they are uncommented.
  • Error: “Cannot Resolve Host”: This error often indicates DNS issues. Try changing your DNS settings in `/etc/resolv.conf` or within your network manager settings.
  • Error Logs: To diagnose issues further, check the logs by running:

journalctl -u openvpn@config.service

This command provides detailed logs that can help identify connection problems.

Using Network Manager for OpenVPN

If you prefer a graphical interface for managing VPN connections, using Network Manager is an excellent option. Here’s how to set it up:

• • Add an OpenVPN Connection via Network Manager:
    1. Open Network Settings from your system tray.
    2. Select “Add Connection” and choose “OpenVPN.”
    3. Select “Import from file” and navigate to your .ovpn configuration file.
    4. Add any necessary credentials such as username and password when prompted.
    5. Save the connection settings.

You can now connect or disconnect from your VPN directly through the Network Manager interface without using terminal commands.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed OpenVPN. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the OpenVPN server on your Manjaro system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official OpenVPN website.