Looking for the best Linux VPN, which is fast, efficient, and yet cost-effective. Then you should give ExpressVPN a must-try. It is undoubtedly one of the best choices for the Linux Operating System as It supports both 64 and 32-bit variants of Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, Fedora, and Raspberry-Pi (32-bit only).
Setting up new applications and getting them to work on Linux can sometimes be overwhelming and can feel like a very difficult task. But wait, that’s not true with ExpressVPN. Unlike other VPN service providers, ExpressVPN supports Linux, and Customer Support also offers easy-to-use steps to install the VPN on a Linux platform.
Adding a VPN for your Linux operating system gives you extra security and a much better online browsing experience. There are two approaches to getting ExpressVPN working in your own Linux. You can use a Linux program or the OpenVPN client to prepare ExpressVPN.
CONFIGURING EXPRESSVPN ON LINUX
In order to configure ExpressVPN on your Linux OS, we will guide you right from the beginning, just follow the steps below, and you will easily install ExpressVPN on any of the Linux variants you have:
Step 1: Access the ExpressVPN downloads webpage and log in later by entering your credentials.
Step 2: Enter the verification code sent to a given email address.
Step 3: On the right, you will notice a drop-down menu for your own Linux operating system.
Step 4: Select the Linux version you are using. Take your pick from the choices:
- Any Ubuntu version 64/32 bit
- Fedora: 64/32 bit
- Raspberry Pi 32 bits.
- Arch – 64 bit
Note: Visit the Terminal and enter the following command to determine exactly which Ubuntu or Fedora operating system you use.
uname m
OR
Arch
If you are using a 64-bit Linux distribution, you need to download the 64-bit installer.
Step 5: After you have successfully downloaded the installer, publish and install the program
The next step is to configure and activate the downloaded program.
Step 6: Install the downloaded App.
Note: If you cannot install the program directly with all GUI, you can install it with the command line. Based on your own Linux distribution, then enter the command line below to begin the installation.
Installing ExpressVPN via the Terminal:
Step 1: First, navigate to the terminal window, and In the terminal, type “expressvpn”.
Step 2: Now, in the terminal window, you have to run the command “cd ~/Downloads/”
Now depending upon your Linux Distro, select the relevant commands shared below:
For Ubuntu/Mint /Debian:
Sudo dpkg –I [ filename of installer ]
Fedora / CentOS:
sudo dnf install
For Arch OS:
sudo pacman -U
Step 7: Once setup is complete. Go to Terminal and run this command.
“ expressvpn activate “
Step 8: Now paste the Activation code you got when you purchased the subscription, and keep in mind it won’t be shown in the terminal window.
Step 9: You may notice that Y and N ask to discuss anonymized diagnostic reports. Click Y to take or N to decrease. If you selected yes, you need to run the following command: “expressvpn preferences set send diagnostics false”.
How to Install Linux with OpenVPN protocol Using Terminal?
The following steps will show you how to manually install ExpressVPN on Linux using the OpenVPN protocol with the ExpressVPN setup docs.
Go to the ExpressVPN downloads webpage and log in there by entering your credentials.
With this particular page, you will see your activation code from the blue box. Write down the code because you will need it later.
Now, just scroll down until you find the “Manual Config” option in the left menu.
Now, you have to click on “OpenVPN” in the main section.
Here you find your username and password with a list of OpenVPN configuration documents.
Depending on your Linux distribution, enter the commands below:
For Ubuntu
To configure the packages for Ubuntu, enter the following command in your terminal window.
$ sudo apt install OpenVPN OpenVPN-system-resolved
To start OpenVPN, type the following:
$ sudo OpenVPN --config /[path to file]/my_expressvpn_[server location].ovpn --script-security 2 --up /etc/OpenVPN/update-systemd-resolved --down /etc/OpenVPN/update-systemd-resolved --DHCP-option 'DOMAIN-ROUTE .' --down-pre
Change [file path] with the location where the ExpressVPN setup document was downloaded, and also, the server location is shown in the file title.
For Debian
To configure the packages for Ubuntu, enter the following command in the Terminal window.
$ sudo apt install OpenVPN resolvconf
To start OpenVPN, type the following:
$ sudo OpenVPN --config /[path to file]/my_expressvpn_[server location].ovpn --script-security 2 --up /etc/OpenVPN/update-resolv-conf --down /etc/OpenVPN/update-resolv-conf
Change [file path] with the location where the ExpressVPN setup document was downloaded, and also, the server location is shown in the file title.
Fedora / CentOS versions
To configure the packages for Ubuntu, enter the following command in the Terminal window:
$ sudo dnf install OpenVPN
To start OpenVPN, enter the following command:
$ sudo OpenVPN --config /[path to file]/my_expressvpn_[server location].ovpn --script-security 2 --up /etc/OpenVPN/client.up --down /etc/OpenVPN/client.down
Change [file path] with the location where the ExpressVPN setup document was downloaded, and also, the server location is shown in the file title.
It will be best if you don’t close the terminal window to keep the VPN connection active. You can minimize the terminal window, but don’t close it; otherwise, the Vpn connection might be broken.
How to use ExpressVPN on Linux
Voila! Now the VPN is all ready to go; let’s see how to use it by connecting to a remote server and start browsing.
- Connect To A Available Server
First, switch to the terminal window, and type the following command, “ expressvpn connect “.
This command will automatically bind to the host you are connected to. But if you’re using ExpressVPN for the very first time, it will automatically connect to a host using the Smart Select feature.
You will see a message confirming that ExpressVPN is linked. It is also possible to type the command “expressvpn status” to display the connection status of your VPN.
- Connect to Another Server Location
To view the list of ExpressVPN host locations, we can use two commands, go to the Terminal and type them:
Full server list: expressvpn list
Smart location list: expressvpn list all
To link to a host of your choice, enter the command below.
expressvpn connect [Enter your desired Country]
For example, if you like the USA IP, you can write: expressvpn connect [Florida].
In order to use the Smart Connection feature of ExpressVPN, type: “ expressvpn connect smart “.
- Disconnect From a Host
To disconnect from a host, visit your Terminal and run the following command:
“ expressvpn disconnect “
You may now notice a notification that the VPN has been disconnected.
BENEFITS OF USING EXPRESSVPN ON LINUX
One should always be aware of the upgrowing cybercrimes and digital theft and always go with a no-compromise position while browsing the World Wide Web. Strong anonymity and security is a must-have feature when you are surfing online, and one may think a VPN isn’t necessary for Linux, but it isn’t. Using a fantastic standard VPN such as ExpressVPN would only give you a better experience and maximum online security for all your digital needs.
Here we will be discussing some benefits of using ExpressVPN on the Linux Operating System:
Tons of Server Locations: ExpressVPN has 3000 fast active servers from 160 locations around the world. All the servers are active and can be connected instantly.
Encryption: ExpressVPN provides AES-256-bit military-grade encryption, using a choice of protocols and split-tunnelling to customize your experience.
Security: ExpressVPN’s shutdown button named Network Lock prevents your own system from accessing the network in case your VPN connection is suddenly terminated.
Privacy: ExpressVPN guarantees 100% anonymity while browsing the web. The Swiss-based servers work on a zero-log policy; all the data is encrypted and destroyed.
Low Ping: You might feel downtime, low latency, and lags with other online VPNs, but with ExpressVPN, this is not the case. The high-speed servers guarantee you the results with maximum speed and ping at fast.com or speedtest.net.
Customer Service: It provides 24/7 customer service that lets you get real-time answers to any issues you may encounter while using ExpressVPN.
CONCLUSION
Even though Linux systems are usually more protected against hackers, viruses and malwares compared to Windows or MacOS systems, but it’s still a good idea for Linux users to consider a reliable VPN to improve their security needs. Privacy and security. We’ve provided step-by-step instructions on how to get ExpressVPN to work on Linux.