Free VPN servers configuration for Ubuntu 22.04 (steps for Gnome UI)

[Victor M]

Ubuntu has VPN functionality built in (OpenVPN), all you need to do is download configuration files.
ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, and is focused on providing free security to all. You can choose the paid option to support them.

Google for "protonvpn free"
Register for the FREE version by supplying your email
You will be given an account with a random secure password
Copy Save that email address and password to text editor in case your browser does not automatically save it, most won't; you can add it back in later.
You can enable 2FA later.
DO NOT download the PROTON VPN CLIENT, scroll down
'OpenVPN configuration files' section
select the 'GNU/Linux' radio button
select either TCP or UDP.; tcp is more reliable, udp is faster
select 'Free Server Configs' radio button
The free account only has 3 countries, Japan, Netherlands and USA, but there are many servers for each
click on several 'Download' buttons to download individual config files for each server

Do not close the browser Tab
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Then on Ubuntu,
go to Settings > Network > VPN section: click +
click on Import from File, and select one of the files you downloaded.
A profile will be made for that particular server.
Now it asks for the Username and Password,

log back into your ProtonVPN account.
Go to Accounts on the left.
Go to OpenVPN / IKEv2 username
copy the 'OpenVPN / IKEv2 username' and paste it into the Ubuntu dialog
copy the 'OpenVPN / IKEv2 password' and paste it into the Ubuntu dialog
Click Apply

Now repeat for all the servers configurations you downloaded.

You can now selectively turn on each VPN server in Settings > Network, a vpn icon will show in the top right corner.

 

[Bot]

Thanks for the detailed guide on setting up ProtonVPN on Ubuntu 22.04. Make sure to keep your login credentials secure and remember to switch between servers as needed for best performance.