How To Install Proton VPN on Linux Mint 22

Install Proton VPN on Linux Mint 22

Privacy has become a paramount concern for internet users worldwide. As a Linux user, you’re likely already privacy-conscious, but adding a reliable VPN to your system takes security to the next level. Proton VPN stands out among VPN providers with its strong commitment to privacy, security, and open-source values that align well with Linux philosophy. This guide will walk you through installing and configuring Proton VPN specifically on Linux Mint 22, covering everything from basic setup to advanced features.

Understanding Proton VPN and Its Benefits

Proton VPN is developed by the same team behind ProtonMail, operating under strict Swiss privacy laws that provide robust user protections. As a security-focused VPN service, Proton VPN offers several compelling features that make it an excellent choice for Linux users:

Strong Privacy Credentials

Based in Switzerland, outside 14-Eyes surveillance jurisdictions
Strict no-logs policy independently audited
Open-source applications with transparent security practices
Perfect Forward Secrecy encryption ensuring session privacy

Linux Compatibility Advantages

Native Linux client with GUI support for major distributions
Official support for Debian-based systems including Linux Mint
Terminal-based installation options for advanced users
OpenVPN and WireGuard protocol support

The service operates on a freemium model, offering a free tier with access to servers in three countries and unlimited bandwidth, while paid plans unlock additional features and server locations. For Linux Mint 22 users, Proton VPN provides solid privacy protection with minimal configuration hassle.

Prerequisites Before Installation

Before proceeding with Proton VPN installation on Linux Mint 22, ensure you have the following in place:

System Requirements

Linux Mint 22 with current updates installed
Administrator (sudo) privileges on your system
Active internet connection
At least 100MB free disk space

Account Setup

Visit protonvpn.com and create a free account
Verify your email address
Note your login credentials (you’ll need these later)
For terminal-based setup, locate your OpenVPN/IKEv2 credentials in your account dashboard

Checking Your Linux Mint Version
To verify you’re running Linux Mint 22, open Terminal and enter:

cat /etc/*release*

Look for the PRETTY_NAME field in the output to confirm your distribution version.

Method 1: Installing Proton VPN via Terminal

Installing through the terminal provides the most reliable method for setting up Proton VPN. This approach works consistently across Linux Mint versions, including the latest Mint 22 release.

Adding the Official Repository

Open Terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T)
Download the Proton VPN repository package with:

wget https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/dists/stable/main/binary-all/protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.3_all.deb

Install the repository package:

sudo dpkg -i protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.3_all.deb

Update your system’s package lists:

sudo apt-get update

Installing the Application

Install the Proton VPN application:

sudo apt install protonvpn

Press Y when prompted to continue.

For systems that need additional dependencies, you might also need:

sudo apt install -y openvpn dialog python3-pip python3-setuptools

If you encounter any issues with the GUI version, you can alternatively install the CLI version:

sudo pip3 install protonvpn-cli

Followed by:

sudo protonvpn init

This will guide you through initial setup.

Method 2: GUI Installation Using Software Manager

For users who prefer graphical interfaces over terminal commands, Linux Mint’s Software Manager provides a straightforward installation process.

Download the Proton VPN .deb package from the official website (https://protonvpn.com/download-linux)
Once downloaded, open the file with Software Manager (right-click → Open With → Software Manager)
Click the “Install” button and enter your password when prompted
Wait for the installation to complete

Alternatively, you can use the GDebi Package Installer:

Right-click the downloaded .deb file
Select “Open with GDebi Package Installer”
Click “Install Package” and enter your password
Wait for installation to complete

This method is particularly useful for newer Linux users who may not be comfortable with terminal commands yet.

Configuration and First-Time Setup

After successful installation, setting up Proton VPN involves a few more steps to ensure optimal performance and security.

Launching and Logging In

Open Proton VPN from your applications menu or search for it in the system search
On first launch, you’ll be prompted to log in:
- Enter your Proton account email address
- Enter your Proton account password
- Click “Login”
The application will authenticate your account and display the main interface

Understanding the Interface

The Proton VPN client for Linux Mint 22 features a clean, intuitive interface with:

Countries tab: Displays available server locations organized by country
Map view: Visual representation of server locations
Quick connect option: Automatically connects to recommended servers
Connection profiles: Saved configurations for frequent connections
Settings menu: Access to advanced features and preferences

Making Your First Connection

Select a server from the Countries list (Free users have access to US, Netherlands, and Japan servers)
Click “Connect” to establish a VPN connection
Wait for the connection status to change to “Connected”
Verify your connection by checking your IP address at ip.me or similar service

The application will display your new IP address, connection time, and security status once connected.

Advanced Features Configuration

Proton VPN offers several advanced features that enhance security and functionality for Linux Mint 22 users.

Setting Up Kill Switch Protection

The kill switch feature prevents data leaks by blocking internet traffic if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

Open Proton VPN
Go to Menu (V) → Settings → Features
Toggle the “Kill switch” button on
Choose between Standard and Advanced Kill Switch:
- Standard: Blocks traffic only during unexpected disconnections
- Advanced: Blocks all non-VPN traffic even after manual disconnection or system restart

The Advanced Kill Switch option provides maximum protection but requires manually disabling it when you want to use the internet without VPN.

NetShield Ad-Blocker Configuration

NetShield blocks ads, malware, and trackers at the DNS level (available for paid subscribers):

Go to Settings → NetShield
Choose your preferred protection level:
- Off: Disables the feature
- Block malware only: Blocks known malicious domains
- Block malware, ads, and trackers: Maximum protection

Split Tunneling Setup

Split tunneling allows you to route only specific applications through the VPN:

Go to Settings → Connection
Enable “Split Tunneling”
Add applications or IP addresses to include or exclude from the VPN tunnel

This feature is particularly useful for applications that require your real location while keeping other traffic encrypted.

Protocol Selection and Optimization

Proton VPN supports multiple VPN protocols, each with different strengths. Understanding these options helps optimize your connection for specific needs.

Available Protocols

OpenVPN: Highly secure and widely compatible open-source protocol
WireGuard: Newer protocol offering better performance and security
IKEv2: Fast reconnection on network switches
Stealth: Special protocol that masks VPN traffic to bypass restrictions

To select a protocol:

Go to Settings → Connection
Under “Default Protocol” select your preferred option
For maximum compatibility on Linux Mint 22, OpenVPN is recommended

Smart Protocol Selection

Enable Smart Protocol to automatically select the best protocol for your network:

Go to Settings → Connection
Enable “Smart Protocol”
The application will test available protocols and choose the optimal one

Performance Optimization Tips

Connect to servers geographically closer to your location for better speeds
Try different protocols if experiencing slow connections
Use VPN Accelerator (enabled by default) to improve performance
Consider off-peak usage times for better bandwidth on free servers

Troubleshooting Common Issues on Linux Mint 22

Even with careful installation, you might encounter some issues specific to Linux Mint 22. Here are solutions to common problems:

Application Won’t Launch

If clicking the Proton VPN icon doesn’t open the application:

Try launching from terminal to see error messages:

protonvpn

Reinstall the application with:

sudo apt purge protonvpn
sudo apt autoremove
sudo apt install protonvpn

Check for missing dependencies:

sudo apt install -f

This issue has been reported by some Linux Mint 22 users but can usually be resolved with a clean reinstallation.

Connection Failures

If you can’t connect to Proton VPN servers:

Check your internet connection works without VPN
Verify your account credentials are correct
Try different server locations
Switch to OpenVPN protocol which has better compatibility
Check if your ISP is blocking VPN connections

System Tray Icon Missing

If the system tray icon doesn’t appear:

Install GNOME shell extension support:

sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-appindicator

Log out and back in for changes to take effect

DNS Leaks

To check and fix potential DNS leaks:

Connect to Proton VPN
Visit a DNS leak test website (like dnsleaktest.com)
If leaks are detected, enable “DNS Leak Protection” in Settings → Connection

Security Best Practices

Maximize your privacy protection with these security best practices:

Secure Core Servers
For ultimate security, paid users can connect through Secure Core servers that route traffic through privacy-friendly jurisdictions before reaching your destination.

DNS Leak Protection
Always enable DNS leak protection to ensure all DNS requests go through the encrypted tunnel.

Auto-Connect on Startup
Configure Proton VPN to automatically connect when your system starts:

Go to Settings → Connection
Enable “Auto Connect”
Select your preferred server

Regular Updates
Keep both Proton VPN and Linux Mint updated with security patches:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Automating VPN Connection

Create a more seamless VPN experience by automating connections on Linux Mint 22.

Auto-Connect at Startup

Go to Settings → Connection
Enable “Start with OS” and “Auto Connect”
Select your preferred server for automatic connection

Creating Connection Scripts

For advanced users, custom scripts can automate connections:

Create a new file named vpn-connect.sh:

#!/bin/bash
protonvpn connect CH#10

Make it executable:

chmod +x vpn-connect.sh

Add to startup applications through Menu → Preferences → Startup Applications

Uninstallation Process

If you need to remove Proton VPN from your Linux Mint 22 system:

Uninstall the application:

sudo apt purge protonvpn

Remove the repository:

sudo apt purge protonvpn-stable-release

Clean up remaining files:

sudo apt autoremove
rm -rf ~/.cache/protonvpn
rm -rf ~/.config/protonvpn

Verify removal by checking for any remaining Proton VPN packages:

dpkg -l | grep proton

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Proton VPN. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing Proton VPN on the Linux Mint 22 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Proton website.

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