How to install the Proton VPN GUI app on Fedora
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- 3 mins
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- Linux
Our Linux app with a graphic user interface (GUI) officially supports the latest stable Fedora version running the GNOME desktop environment. Currently, this is Fedora 44. It should also work with most distributions based on Ubuntu, but these are not officially supported.
This guide covers:
- How to install the app
- How to verify the app
- How to enable the system tray icon (optional)
- How to uninstall the app
- How to disable the kill switch if you have uninstalled the app
- How to install our beta Linux app
How to install the app
Open a terminal window and run:
#Download the package that contains the repository configuration and keys required to install the Proton VPN app.
wget "https://repo.protonvpn.com/fedora-$(cat /etc/fedora-release | cut -d' ' -f 3)-stable/protonvpn-stable-release/protonvpn-stable-release-1.0.4-1.noarch.rpm"
#Install the Proton VPN repository containing the app
sudo dnf install ./protonvpn-stable-release-1.0.4-1.noarch.rpm && sudo dnf check-update --refresh
#Install the app
sudo dnf install proton-vpn-gnome-desktop
You can now connect to the internet privately and securely using Proton VPN.
How to verify the app
As part of the install process, you’ll be asked to accept an OpenPGP key. To do this when prompted, tap y <enter>.
- UserID : “Proton Technologies AG (Fedora 44) <opensource@proton.me>”
Fingerprint: 6929133BDE1CE1CFA9EDB286D84176F6844830D4
From : https://repo.protonvpn.com/fedora-44-stable/public_key.asc(new window)(new window)
Note: This fingerprint is only correct for the latest version of Fedora (v. 44). If you’re using an older version of Fedora, the fingerprint will be different.
How to enable the system tray icon (optional)
By default, the GNOME desktop doesn’t support tray icons. To enable this functionality:
1. Run:
sudo dnf install libappindicator-gtk3 gnome-shell-extension-appindicator gnome-extensions-app
2. Restart your computer.
Once you’ve done this, open the Extensions app and ensure that AppIndicator and KStatusNotifierItem Support is toggled on before opening the app.
How to uninstall the app
Run:
sudo dnf remove proton-vpn-gnome-desktop protonvpn-stable-release
How to disable the kill switch if you have uninstalled the app
You can easily turn off the kill switch inside our Linux app, but this isn’t possible if you’ve already uninstalled it. In this case, you can remove the kill switch and restore access to the internet as follows:
1. Identify the Proton VPN connection name with the command:
nmcli connection show --active
This will show a list of your system’s active connections.
2. Look for any connections that begin with prefix pvpn- This usually includes pvpn-killswitch and pvpn-ipv6leak-protection, and may include pvpn-routed-killswitch. Delete all these connections using the following command:
nmcli connection delete [connection name]
For example:
nmcli connection delete pvpn-killswitch
3. Re-run the following command to check that all Proton VPN connections have been removed:
nmcli connection show --active
If you see any Proton VPN connections left, delete them as described above.
How to use our beta Linux app
The beta version of our Linux app gives you access to new features before they are released publicly, but it is still in development. By using the beta version and sharing your feedback, you can help us find and address bugs.
If you already have the Linux app installed, to enable beta access, simply open the app and go to Settings and toggle the Beta access switch on.
If you haven’t installed the Linux app yet, you can either install the app and then enable beta access (as above). Or you can install the beta app directly. To do this, run:
wget "https://repo.protonvpn.com/fedora-$(cat /etc/fedora-release | cut -d' ' -f 3)-unstable/protonvpn-beta-release/protonvpn-beta-release-1.0.4-1.noarch.rpm"
sudo dnf install ./protonvpn-beta-release-1.0.4-1.noarch.rpm && sudo dnf check-update --refresh
sudo dnf install proton-vpn-gnome-desktop
Verify the following fingerprint: 6929133BDE1CE1CFA9EDB286D84176F6844830D4 (correct for Fedora 44 only).
To uninstall the beta Linux app, open a terminal and enter:
sudo dnf remove proton-vpn-gnome-desktop protonvpn-beta-release