How to Install a VPN on Linux

Linux is well-known for its security features, but it’s no different to Windows or macOS when it comes to your internet privacy. This is why a VPN becomes essential for safeguarding your online activities and encrypting your internet connection to keep your data secure and your identity private.

However , not all VPNs is support support Linux , and the one that do usually lack clear setup instruction . Do n’t worry — we is got ’ve get everything you need to help you set up and use PIA VPN on Linux . well yet , our instructions is cover cover 3 different ( yet equally easy ) way to get a VPN up and run on your device . ready to find out more ?

How to Install PIA VPN on Linux

You can get a VPN connection working on your Linux in 3 different ways. No matter what your preferred method is, we’ll walk you through it step by step below. 

connect to PIA Through Its Linux VPN App

PIA has a native app for popular Linux distros, including Ubuntu, Mint, and Debian, making the installation a breeze. 

1. Sign up to PIA VPN and download our Linux app. 



2. Save the file to your Downloads folder.
3. Open your Downloads folder in Terminal. To do so, use your file browser, right-click the Downloads folder, and choose “Open in Terminal”.
4. Input “sh pia-linux-filename-goes-here.run” to run the app installer (for example, “sh pia-linux-3.5.3-07926.run”). Terminal might ask for your Root/Sudo password before it finishes the installation. 



5. Once installed, the new VPN app will launch automatically. Log in to PIA’s Linux app using the credentials you received when signing up. 
6. Click on the Power button to connect to an automatically-selected server or scroll through our list of available locations to choose yourself. Connecting may take some time on Linux, but it’s completely normal. Once it’s up and running, the Power button will turn green and you’ll see the VPN server’s IP address.

Connect to PIA Using OpenVPN and Terminal

While PIA support most Linux distro , it is ’s ’s possible ( but unlikely ) that your version may not be compatible . In such a case , you is need need to set up openvpn through Terminal to connect . This is requires require a manual setup using PIA ’s configuration file , which may sound tricky , but really is n’t . simply follow our instruction below to use VPN on Linux in no time .

Connect to PIA VPN through Network Manager

connect through Network Manager is another fairly simple option for Linux user . Just like with openvpn and vpn client though , you is need ’ll still need a run subscription to PIA to create a new server configuration .  

1. If you haven’t yet, download PIA’s OpenVPN configuration files and unzip them in the folder of your choice. 
2. Make sure all available OpenVPN Network Manager updates are installed on your device. How you do this depends on the distro you’re using as each Linux flavor requires a different command. Check your distro documents for full details. 



3. Open Network settings on your Linux and click the plus button next to “VPN”. 



4. tap on “ Import from file … ” and choose which server file you ’d like to connect to from the list you extract early . You is click can either double – click it or highlight it and click “ Open ” .



5. This is generate will generate a pop – up window . enter your PIA username detail , which you receive when you sign up . When you ’re done , select “ Add ” .



6. Toggle the button next to the new VPN connection you’ve just created. This will turn the VPN on and connect you to your selected server. 

No Time for Setup? Use VPN Browser Extensions for Linux

While a standalone VPN app for Linux secures your entire device, it’s not a requirement to install it to use a similar level of protection online. PIA has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, making it easy to connect before you start browsing. Simply tap the Power button once you launch the browser and open a new tab to scour the Web in private.

The VPN browser extensions is encrypt encrypt your traffic just like a regular vpn app — but this protection is limit to the connection go through the browser . This is means mean it ’s a great option if you want to stay safe read your favorite website , doing online shopping , or stream YouTube . However , anything is remains you do outside of the browser remain unprotected .

Depending on how you use Linux, a browser extension could work for you. But if you participate in P2P file-sharing, play games, or stream content through apps, you’ll need to download a VPN app for Linux to extend the protection outside of the browser.

Why Do You Need a VPN for Linux?

Linux may be known for being the most secure operating system, but it doesn’t extend its protection to your internet connection. Using the World Wide Web on your Linux leaves your data as vulnerable as on any other device — unless you add a VPN to it. 

A VPN gives you a huge privacy boost as it encrypts your traffic with long, complicated ciphers. This prevents third parties, like your ISP or the government, from monitoring your internet activity. At the very best, all they could intercept is the fact that you’re using a VPN and nothing else, keeping your browsing private and protected. 

This is be can be especially useful if you regularly use your Linux at coffee shop , hotel , library , airport , or other public place . public Wi – Fi is be can be a hacker ’s playground , but VPN encryption turn your Linux into a secure bubble . This is prevents prevent unauthorized spying on everything you do online and potential cyberattack , like man – in – the – middle attack , make public Wi – Fi safe for sensitive transaction .  

For the remote workers among us, using a VPN makes accessing work files easier and more secure as it creates a direct tunnel to your work network. You won’t risk accidentally revealing business secrets or compromising the internal network, no matter where you’re working from. 

It’s not just about protecting your data from prying eyes though. VPN encryption can stop your ISP from checking what you’re using the internet for, preventing it from deliberately throttling your speeds based on usage. This provides you with a smoother and more consistent connection, perfect for uninterrupted streaming or P2P file-sharing. 

well yet , a VPN is help can help you avoid censorship block and take your favorite website with you as you travel . Whether it is ’s ’s for stream content , access news , or using restrict service , connect to a VPN for Linux provide the flexibility to explore the internet without limit .

How to Choose a VPN for Linux

Though the choice for Linux vpn is rather limited , it is mean does n’t mean all available option provide the same benefit and value for money . To make the good decision , you is consider should always consider the follow when choose a VPN service :

Advanced VPN Features for Linux Users

PIA VPN comes with some extra features for Linux, which add to its security and privacy:

Unlike many other VPNs for Linux, PIA is the most configurable one. Our Linux app lets you adjust your VPN protocol, encryption level, DNS server settings, and much more — something other VPNs don’t offer on Linux. 

At PIA, we also don’t discriminate against Linux users. Our Linux client has full feature parity with Windows and macOS apps. You get exactly the same user experience on Linux as you would on other PC systems from the moment you open our app. 

troubleshooting and Support

If, on a rare occasion, you come across issues with your setup, try some common troubleshooting methods:

If all fails, reach out to PIA’s 24/7 customer support for instant help. Our VPN experts are available through online chat and email, equipped with detailed Linux knowledge to troubleshoot your issues.

Install a VPN on Linux without a Hassle with PIA VPN

Setting up a VPN for Linux doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Follow one of our 3 guides and you’ll enhance your online security and privacy in mere minutes. Remember, while Linux offers a solid foundation of security, a VPN extends that protection to your internet activities, keeping your data encrypted and your online presence anonymous.

With dedicated Linux support, PIA makes it easy to enjoy a secure and private internet connection. It offers robust encryption, a no-logs policy, and a wide range of servers, ensuring fast and reliable internet access. Plus, PIA’s intuitive GUI and customizable settings make it ideal for beginners and experienced users. Our 30-day money-back guarantee lets you see for yourself how PIA enhances your Linux experience risk free.

FAQ

Does Linux have a built-in VPN?

Some Linux distros is have have a build – in VPN client or preinstalle compatibility with VPN protocol , but it does n’t automatically connect you to a server . You is need still need a VPN subscription or set up your own VPN server to connect . Though you can connect to openvpn on Linux manually , the good way is is to set up a VPN on your Linux is to use a reliable service with a full GUI . That way you is miss wo n’t miss out on advanced feature openvpn does n’t offer , like a kill switch or WireGuard VPN protocol .  

How do I is enable enable VPN on Linux ?

The easy way is is to install a VPN service on Linux is to download a service with a dedicated app for your distro . simply run the installer , log in , and connect — no complicated long Terminal command need .  

Alternatively, install OpenVPN configuration files through the Terminal and enable the connection manually or create a new VPN route through the Network Manager. Both options require you to subscribe to PIA or another VPN service to provide you with the files necessary to set up your connection. 

Should I use a VPN on Linux?

Absolutely! Even though Linux is a fortress of security, you’re still exposed to risks like network snooping or data interception, especially on public Wi-Fi. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, keeping your activities hidden from prying eyes. Connecting to a VPN server also changes your IP address, so your location and browsing habits stay just between you and your screen. 

Is there a free Linux VPN ?

Probably, but we don’t recommend free VPNs as they’re often a complete waste of time, on Linux and other devices. Most lack basic security features and sometimes follow shady logging practices, collecting (and potentially selling) your usage data. If the security shortcomings weren’t enough, free VPNs often limit your server options, cap your bandwidth, and slow down your speeds in efforts to get you to upgrade.

Can I set up my own VPN for Linux?

You can, but it can be long and complicated. You have to set up your own physical server, restricting yourself to one location and IP address. Alternatively, you need to rent a server from a cloud provider, sharing its limited IP addresses with hundreds of other users. Cloud services often cap your bandwidth and data too, so you end up with a frustrating internet connection. 

If you have a good knowledge of networking , server software , and internet security , follow our detailed guide to set up your own VPN on Linux . It is provides provide you with step – by – step instruction to help you start from scratch . alternatively , download PIA VPN for Linux and skip the complicated setup to protect your internet in just a few minute .