For years, Linux users seeking privacy through PROTON VPN have relied on powerful but unofficial community-built command-line tools. Today, that changes. Proton has officially announced the release of its first Official Proton VPN CLI for Linux, which is now available in public beta.
This is a significant step for Linux users who prefer managing their connections from the terminal, or for those who need to automate VPN connections on servers, routers, or in scripts. While the official GUI application has been available, a robust CLI tool has been one of the most requested features from the Linux community.
What the New Official CLI (Beta) Offers
This new tool, built in Python, is not just a simple connection manager. It integrates deeply with key Proton VPN features, bringing the power of the full desktop client directly into your terminal.
Key features available in the beta include:
- Full Connection Management: Easily connect to the fastest server, a specific country, or an individual server.
- Protocol Switching: You can choose between OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols directly from the command line.
- Secure Core: Easily route your traffic through Proton’s high-security Secure Core servers for multi-hop privacy.
- NetShield Ad-blocker: Enable or disable NetShield (Proton’s ad, tracker, and malware blocker) with a simple command.
- Permanent Kill Switch: The tool can activate a system-wide kill switch, blocking all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, ensuring no data leaks.
Important: Migrating from the Community Version
If you are one of the many users who previously used the popular unofficial community version (often named protonvpn-cli), the developers stress that you must uninstall it first before installing the new official tool.
The old community tool and the new official tool will conflict. The new official package is named proton-vpn-cli (z vezaji), zato je pomembno, da najprej odstranite starega.
How to Install the Official Proton VPN CLI (Beta)
The new official CLI is currently available for Debian, Ubuntu, and Fedora-based distributions. Installation requires adding Proton’s beta repository.
(Note: These commands are for the beta release. Always double-check the OFFICIAL PROTON SUPPORT PAGE for any changes or updates.)
For Debian & Ubuntu-based systems:
First, you must download the beta repository configuration package.
Bash
# 1. Download the beta repository .deb package
wget https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/dists/unstable/main/binary-all/protonvpn-beta-release_1.0.8_all.deb
Next, install this package to add the beta repository to your system, and then update your package lists:
Bash
# 2. Install the repository and update sources
sudo dpkg -i ./protonvpn-beta-release_1.0.8_all.deb
sudo apt update
Finally, install the new official CLI package (this will also handle the removal of the older, unofficial tool if it was named differently):
Bash
# 3. Install the new CLI
sudo apt install proton-vpn-cli
For Fedora & RHEL-based systems:
For Fedora, you first need to add the official Proton VPN beta repository:
Bash
# 1. Add the beta repository
sudo dnf install -y https://repo.protonvpn.com/fedora-$(cat /etc/fedora-release | cut -d' ' -f 3)-beta/protonvpn-beta-release/protonvpn-beta-release-1.0.2-1.noarch.rpm
Next, refresh your package manager:
Bash
# 2. Refresh DNF repositories
sudo dnf check-update --refresh
Finally, install the new CLI package:
Bash
# 3. Install the new CLI
sudo dnf install proton-vpn-cli
Once installed, you can initialize the client by logging in with proton-vpn-cli login and see all available commands with proton-vpn-cli --help.
This is exciting news for privacy-conscious Linux users! Have you been waiting for an official CLI from Proton? Will you be testing the beta, or will you wait for the stable release? Let us know your thoughts on this new tool in the comments below!