How To Install Proton VPN on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

In today’s digital landscape, protecting your online privacy and security has become increasingly important. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) offer a reliable solution by encrypting your internet connection and masking your real IP address. Among the many VPN services available, Proton VPN stands out as a secure, privacy-focused option that works exceptionally well with Linux systems, including Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about installing and configuring Proton VPN on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, from basic setup to advanced configurations and troubleshooting.

Understanding Proton VPN

Proton VPN is developed by the same team behind ProtonMail, a secure email service known for its strong encryption and privacy focus. Based in Switzerland, Proton VPN benefits from the country’s strong privacy laws, ensuring your data remains protected from surveillance and third-party access.

Key Features of Proton VPN

Proton VPN offers several compelling features that make it an excellent choice for Ubuntu users:

• Strict No-Logs Policy: Proton VPN does not track or record your online activities, ensuring your browsing history remains private.
• Strong Encryption: Utilizes AES-256 encryption, the same standard used by security professionals worldwide.
• Global Server Network: Access to servers in numerous countries, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions.
• Free Tier Available: Unlike many competitors, Proton VPN offers a free plan with no bandwidth limits, though with some feature restrictions.
• Open Source: The application code is open for inspection, enhancing transparency and trust.
• Advanced Security Features: Includes Kill Switch, NetShield ad-blocker, and DNS leak protection.

Free vs. Paid Plans

Proton VPN’s tiered approach makes it accessible to all users:

• Free Plan: Provides access to servers in three countries with moderate speeds. Perfect for basic browsing and privacy needs.
• Plus Plan: Offers faster speeds, access to all servers worldwide, support for streaming services, and additional security features.
• Visionary Plan: Includes all Plus features along with ProtonMail Visionary subscription.

The free plan is an excellent starting point, especially for users new to VPNs, while the paid tiers offer enhanced functionality for more demanding users.

Prerequisites Before Installation

Before installing Proton VPN on your Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system, ensure you meet the following requirements:

System Requirements

• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with GNOME desktop environment (other desktop environments may work but aren’t officially supported)
• At least 100MB of free disk space
• Active internet connection
• Administrative (sudo) privileges

Preparation Steps

1. Update Your SystemOpen Terminal and run:

   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

   This ensures your system packages are up-to-date before installing new software.

2. Remove Conflicting VPN ApplicationsIf you have other VPN clients installed that might conflict with Proton VPN, consider removing them first:

   sudo apt remove openvpn-* network-manager-openvpn-*

3. Verify Your Desktop EnvironmentIf you’re unsure which desktop environment you’re running, use:

   echo $XDG_CURRENT_DESKTOP

   Proton VPN officially supports GNOME, but users report it works on other environments as well.

4. Check DistributionTo verify your Ubuntu version, use:

   cat /etc/*release

   This will display information about your Linux distribution.

Method 1: Official Repository Installation

The most straightforward way to install Proton VPN on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is through the official repository. This method ensures you receive official updates and the most stable version of the application.

Downloading Repository Configuration

1. Open Terminal and download the package containing the repository configuration and keys:

   wget https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/dists/stable/main/binary-all/protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.8_all.deb

   This command downloads the latest repository configuration package from Proton VPN’s official servers.

2. Verify the package integrity using the checksum command:

   echo "0b14e71586b22e498eb20926c48c7b434b751149b1f2af9902ef1cfe6b03e180 protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.8_all.deb" | sha256sum --check -

   A successful verification will display “OK” after the filename.

Installing the Repository

1. Install the Proton VPN repository:

   sudo dpkg -i ./protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.8_all.deb && sudo apt update

   This command installs the repository configuration and updates your package lists.

2. If you’re upgrading from an older version, ensure all packages are updated:

   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

   This step is particularly important if you’re upgrading from v3 of the Proton VPN app.

Installing Proton VPN Application

1. Install the Proton VPN application:

   sudo apt install proton-vpn-gnome-desktop

   This command installs the main Proton VPN application and its dependencies.

2. After installation, check for any updates:

   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

   This ensures you have the latest version with all bug fixes and performance improvements.

System Tray Icon Setup (Optional)

By default, GNOME desktop doesn’t support tray icons. To enable this functionality:

1. Install the required packages:

   sudo apt install libayatana-appindicator3-1 gir1.2-ayatanaappindicator3-0.1 gnome-shell-extension-appindicator

   These packages enable system tray icon support in GNOME.

2. Restart the Proton VPN app if it’s already running:
   • Click the “V” icon → “Quit”
   • Then reopen the application

The system tray icon provides quick access to connection controls and status information.

Method 2: OpenVPN Manual Configuration

For users who prefer more control or need to use Proton VPN on systems where the official app isn’t available, the OpenVPN manual configuration provides a robust alternative.

Installing OpenVPN Packages

1. Install the necessary OpenVPN packages:

   sudo apt install openvpn

   This installs the core OpenVPN service without configuration files.

2. Install additional DNS resolution tools:

   sudo apt install resolvconf openresolv

   These tools help ensure proper DNS resolution while connected to the VPN.

3. Download the DNS update script:

   sudo wget "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ProtonVPN/scripts/master/update-resolv-conf.sh" -O "/etc/openvpn/update-resolv-conf"
   sudo chmod +x "/etc/openvpn/update-resolv-conf"

   This script helps configure DNS properly when connecting to Proton VPN servers.

Downloading OpenVPN Configuration Files

1. Create a Proton VPN account if you haven’t already (see “Creating and Setting Up a Proton VPN Account” section below).
2. Log in to the Proton VPN dashboard at https://account.protonvpn.com/downloads
3. Navigate to the “Downloads” section and select “OpenVPN configuration files”.
4. Choose your preferred server location(s) and download the corresponding .ovpn files.
5. Move the downloaded files to a convenient location, such as a dedicated folder:

   mkdir -p ~/protonvpn
   mv ~/Downloads/*.ovpn ~/protonvpn/

Terminal-Based OpenVPN Connection

1. Navigate to the directory containing your .ovpn files:

   cd ~/protonvpn

2. Connect to a VPN server using OpenVPN:

   sudo openvpn your-config-file.ovpn

   Replace “your-config-file.ovpn” with the actual filename of your chosen server configuration.

3. Enter your Proton VPN OpenVPN username and password when prompted.
4. Wait for the “Initialization Sequence Completed” message, indicating a successful connection.
5. To disconnect, simply press Ctrl+C in the terminal window or close it.

Method 3: NetworkManager OpenVPN Configuration

For users who prefer a graphical approach without installing the full Proton VPN application, NetworkManager provides a user-friendly alternative with seamless integration into Ubuntu’s desktop environment.

Installing NetworkManager OpenVPN Components

1. Install the necessary NetworkManager components:

   sudo apt install network-manager-openvpn-gnome

   This package adds OpenVPN support to Ubuntu’s NetworkManager.

2. Log out and log back in for the changes to take effect.

Importing OpenVPN Configuration

1. Go to Settings → Network → VPN → + (plus icon).
2. Select “Import from file…” and navigate to your downloaded OpenVPN configuration file (.ovpn).
3. In the “Authentication” section, enter your Proton VPN OpenVPN username and password.
4. Click “Add” to save the configuration.

Connection Management

1. To connect to the VPN, go to Settings → Network → VPN.
2. Toggle the switch next to your configured OpenVPN connection to “On”.
3. A successful connection will be indicated by the VPN status changing to “Connected”.
4. To disconnect, simply toggle the switch back to “Off”.

This method allows you to manage your VPN connections directly from Ubuntu’s network settings, providing convenient access without additional applications.

Creating and Setting Up a Proton VPN Account

Before using Proton VPN, you’ll need to create an account. Proton VPN offers both free and paid plans to suit different needs.

1. Visit the official Proton VPN website (https://protonvpn.com) and click “Sign Up” or “Get Free VPN”.
2. Enter your email address and create a secure password.
3. Complete the verification process by entering the code sent to your email.
4. Choose your plan (Free, Plus, or Visionary) based on your needs and budget.
5. If selecting a paid plan, enter your payment information to complete the process.

Free accounts have access to servers in three countries with moderate speeds, while paid subscriptions offer access to all servers, faster speeds, and additional features like NetShield and Secure Core.

First-Time Connection and Interface Overview

After installing Proton VPN, follow these steps to connect for the first time:

1. Launch Proton VPN from the Applications menu or by searching for “Proton VPN”.
2. Enter your Proton VPN account credentials (email and password) and click “Login”.
3. Grant necessary permissions if prompted.
4. Once logged in, you’ll see the main interface with:
   • Server list organized by country
   • Connection status indicator
   • Quick connect button
   • Settings menu
5. To connect to a server, either:
   • Click “Quick Connect” to connect to the fastest available server
   • Select a specific country or server from the list and click “Connect”
6. The connection status will change to indicate when you’re successfully connected.

The Proton VPN interface is intuitive, with clear indicators for server load, speed, and features like P2P support or Tor compatibility.

Server Selection and Connection Best Practices

Choosing the right server can significantly impact your VPN experience. Consider these factors when selecting a server:

Understanding Server Indicators

• Load percentage: Lower percentages indicate less congested servers, typically offering better performance.
• Speed indicators: Bars or numbers indicating relative speed expectations.
• Feature icons: Look for specialized icons indicating P2P support, Tor compatibility, or streaming optimization.

Free vs. Plus Servers

• Free servers are marked with “F” and are available to all users but may have higher load.
• Plus servers (marked with “P”) are reserved for paying customers and generally offer better performance and more features.

Geographical Considerations

• For general browsing, choose servers closest to your physical location for optimal speed.
• For accessing geo-restricted content, select servers in the target country.
• Consider latency impact when choosing distant servers.

Quick Connect Feature

The “Quick Connect” button automatically selects the best server based on your location and server load. This is ideal for users who want a balance of speed and security without manually selecting a server.

Advanced Configuration Options

Proton VPN offers several advanced features to enhance your privacy and security:

Kill Switch Setup

The Kill Switch prevents data leaks by blocking all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly:

1. Open Proton VPN and click on “Settings”.
2. Navigate to the “Connection” tab.
3. Enable “Kill Switch” by toggling the switch to “On”.
4. Choose between “Hard” (blocks all connections) or “Soft” (blocks only non-VPN connections).

Split Tunneling

Split Tunneling allows you to choose which applications use the VPN connection and which use your regular internet connection:

1. Go to “Settings” → “Connection”.
2. Enable “Split Tunneling”.
3. Add applications to either include or exclude from the VPN tunnel.
4. Click “Save” to apply your changes.

This feature is particularly useful for optimizing performance or accessing both local and international content simultaneously.

DNS Leak Protection

DNS leaks can compromise your privacy by revealing your browsing activities to your ISP:

1. In “Settings” → “Connection”, ensure “DNS Leak Protection” is enabled.
2. Optionally, configure custom DNS servers for enhanced privacy.
3. Test for DNS leaks using online tools like dns.leak.test after connecting to the VPN.

Performance Optimization

To get the most out of your Proton VPN connection on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, consider these optimization strategies:

Protocol Selection

Proton VPN supports multiple protocols:

• UDP: Faster but less stable; ideal for streaming and general browsing.
• TCP: More reliable but slightly slower; better for unstable connections or when experiencing connectivity issues.

To change protocols:

1. Go to “Settings” → “Connection”.
2. Select your preferred protocol from the dropdown menu.

Finding the Fastest Servers

1. Use the “Speed” filter in the server list to sort by connection speed.
2. Consider servers with lower load percentages (under 50% is ideal).
3. Run speed tests before and after connecting to compare performance.

Proton VPN’s latest update (version 4.7.4) brings significant performance improvements, including reduced memory consumption—up to 70% less—and faster app launch times.

System Resource Management

1. Monitor system resources with:

   htop

2. Close unnecessary applications to free up system resources.
3. Consider scheduling VPN connections during system idle times for resource-intensive tasks.

The recent performance improvements in version 4.7.4 have resolved previous freezing issues and optimized the app’s resource usage, particularly the memory consumption related to the search functionality.

Security Verification and Best Practices

After connecting to Proton VPN, verify your connection security with these steps:

Verifying VPN Connection Security

1. Check your IP address using a service like ip.me to confirm it differs from your actual IP address.
2. Verify that your DNS requests are being properly routed through the VPN:

   nslookup google.com

   The server shown should be Proton VPN’s DNS server, not your ISP’s.

3. Run a WebRTC leak test to ensure your real IP isn’t exposed through browser WebRTC functions.

Additional Security Measures

1. Browser Privacy: Consider using privacy-focused extensions like Privacy Badger or HTTPS Everywhere.
2. Public Wi-Fi Usage: Always connect to your VPN before using public Wi-Fi networks.
3. Regular Updates: Keep both Proton VPN and Ubuntu updated to benefit from security patches and performance improvements.
4. Firewall Configuration: Consider configuring Ubuntu’s built-in ufw firewall to work alongside Proton VPN for enhanced security.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a well-designed application like Proton VPN, you might encounter issues. Here are solutions to common problems:

Connection Failures

If you experience connection failures:

1. Verify your internet connection is working properly.
2. Try connecting to a different server, as the initial server might be overloaded.
3. Switch between UDP and TCP protocols.
4. Check your firewall settings to ensure it’s not blocking VPN traffic:

   sudo ufw status

“Error Setting Up Tunnel” Issue

Some Ubuntu 24.04 users have reported an “Error setting up tunnel” message. This is often caused by missing dependencies:

1. Install the network-manager-openvpn package:

   sudo apt install network-manager-openvpn

2. Restart the Proton VPN application.

This issue is particularly common after upgrading to Ubuntu 24.04 or when using non-GNOME desktop environments.

DNS Resolution Issues

If websites won’t load while connected:

1. Check if DNS resolution is working:

   ping google.com

2. Try configuring custom DNS servers in Proton VPN settings.
3. Install and configure resolvconf package:

   sudo apt install resolvconf

Application Crashes

If the application crashes frequently:

1. Check system logs for error messages:

   journalctl -u protonvpn -f

2. Ensure you have the latest version installed.
3. Try reinstalling the application:

   sudo apt remove proton-vpn-gnome-desktop
   sudo apt install proton-vpn-gnome-desktop

Updating Proton VPN

Keeping Proton VPN updated ensures you have the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements:

Checking for Updates

1. Update repository information:

   sudo apt update

2. Check if updates are available:

   apt list --upgradable | grep proton

Update Process

1. Update Proton VPN using apt:

   sudo apt upgrade proton-vpn-gnome-desktop

2. Alternatively, update all packages:

   sudo apt upgrade

Post-Update Verification

After updating, verify the new version:

1. Launch Proton VPN.
2. Go to “Settings” → “About”.
3. Check the version number against the latest release on the Proton VPN website.

Uninstalling Proton VPN

If you need to remove Proton VPN from your system:

Safe Removal Process

1. Uninstall the Proton VPN application:

   sudo apt autoremove protonvpn

   This command removes the application and any automatically installed dependencies.

2. Remove the repository:

   sudo apt purge protonvpn-stable-release

3. Clean up configuration files:

   rm -rf ~/.config/protonvpn

4. Update your package list:

   sudo apt update

Verification of Complete Uninstallation

To confirm Proton VPN has been completely removed:

1. Check if any Proton VPN packages remain:

   dpkg -l | grep proton

2. Verify no related processes are running:

   ps aux | grep proton

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Proton VPN. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing Proton VPN on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Proton website.