Setup VPN on elementary OS: A Comprehensive Guide
elementary OS is a sleek, Ubuntu-based distribution that prides itself on simplicity and elegance. Under the hood, you'll find APT/dpkg as the package manager and the Pantheon desktop environment, which favors GUI-first tools in its AppCenter but also gives you the full power of the terminal when you need it. Its typical user values strong design, and to enhance your online security and privacy, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an essential tool. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of setting up a VPN on elementary OS.
Why You Need a VPN on elementary OS
When you're using the internet on your elementary OS device, you're sharing your IP address with the world. This can make you vulnerable to cyber threats, such as hackers and malicious websites. A VPN creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet, masking your IP address and protecting your data. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and vulnerable to hacking.
Checking for OpenVPN on elementary OS
Before we begin, let's check if OpenVPN is already installed on your elementary OS device. Open a terminal and type the following command: sudo apt install openvpn If OpenVPN is already installed, you'll see a message indicating that it's already the latest version. If not, the package will be installed.
Installing OpenVPN on elementary OS
If OpenVPN is not installed on your elementary OS device, you can install it using the following command: sudo apt install openvpn This will download and install the OpenVPN package on your device.
Enabling Snaps on elementary OS
Snap is a package manager developed by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu. Snaps are applications packaged with all their dependencies to run on all popular Linux distributions from a single build. To enable snaps on elementary OS, follow these steps:
- Open the terminal and type the following command:
sudo apt install snapd - Restart your device to apply the changes.
Installing IVPN on elementary OS using Snaps
Now that snaps are enabled on your elementary OS device, you can install IVPN using the following command: sudo snap install ivpn This will download and install the IVPN package on your device.

Best VPN for elementary OS with Easy Setup, Strong Security, and Reliable Speeds
When choosing a VPN for elementary OS, look for one that has easy setup, strong security, and reliable speeds. Some of the best VPNs for elementary OS include:
- NordVPN
- ExpressVPN
- ProtonVPN
- PureVPN
Configuring VPN on elementary OS
Once you've chosen a VPN, follow these steps to configure it on your elementary OS device:
- Open the Network settings and click on the "+" button to add a new connection.
- Choose the VPN protocol (e.g., OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, etc.) and enter the VPN server address and port number.
- Enter your VPN username and password.
- Click "Save" to save the new connection.
Troubleshooting VPN Issues on elementary OS
If you're experiencing issues with your VPN connection on elementary OS, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Check your internet connection: Make sure your internet connection is stable and working properly.
- Check your VPN server: Ensure that the VPN server is up and running, and that the server address and port number are correct.
- Check your VPN settings: Review your VPN settings to ensure that the protocol, username, and password are correct.
- Try restarting your device: Sometimes, simply restarting your device can resolve the issue.
Conclusion
Setting up a VPN on elementary OS is a straightforward process that can help enhance your online security and privacy. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can install OpenVPN and configure a VPN on your elementary OS device. Remember to choose a reputable VPN provider that has easy setup, strong security, and reliable speeds. Happy browsing!