Ubuntu 20.04 comes with OpenVPN Network Manager GUI built-in, so now it’s easy to connect a VPN on Ubuntu (see my other guide to setup using command line). For earlier versions of Ubuntu (18.04 and 16.04) see preliminary step below to install network-manager-openvpn package before starting step 1.
Preliminary step for Ubuntu 16.04 and 18.04
Skip this step if you’re running Ubuntu 20.04.
We need to install the OpenVPN Network Manager GUI package before we begin this guide, so open up a Terminal window and enter the following code:
sudo apt install network-manager-openvpn -y
Connect OpenVPN with Ubuntu Network Manager
1. Click the Network icon top-right of your screen, then click Settings
2. Click the Plus + icon under the VPN heading, then click OpenVPN
3. Visit your VPN service providers website and look for the ‘Help’ or ‘Setup’ section and download the CA Certificate (you may need to contact them). Once you have the CA cert, enter the following information on the Add VPN window:
- Name: Enter a descriptive name for your VPN connection, mine is BTGuard
- Gateway: Enter the URL of your VPN providers VPN server. Mine is
sg.vpn.btguard.comwhich is BTGuard’s Singapore server - Authentication:
- Type: Password
- User name: MyVPNUserName
- Password: MyVPNPassword
- CA certificate: (you will need to get this from your VPN provider)
- Click the green Add button (top-right)
4. To start your new VPN connection, toggle to on-off button on the Settings window. Once connected, you should see a small VPN icon top-right.
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