OpenVPN via Ubuntu Network Manager

This guide covers OpenVPN setup using Ubuntu's built-in Network Manager GUI. Compatible with Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, 22.04 LTS, 24.04 LTS, and other Ubuntu-based distributions like Linux Mint and Pop!_OS.

Prerequisites

Before You Begin:

Ubuntu 20.04 or newer (or compatible distribution)
TorGuard VPN account with active subscription
OpenVPN plugin for Network Manager (installation covered below)
Config file from TorGuard Config Generator

Install Required Packages

Install OpenVPN Plugin

First, ensure the OpenVPN plugin for Network Manager is installed:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install network-manager-openvpn network-manager-openvpn-gnome

Note: You may need to restart Network Manager or reboot after installation.

Generate Configuration File

Download OpenVPN Config

Visit TorGuard's Config Generator
Select your preferred:
- Server location
- Port (443 TCP recommended)
- Encryption (AES-256-GCM recommended)
Click Generate Config
Download the .ovpn file to your Downloads folder

Step 1: Open Network Settings

Access VPN Configuration

Click the network icon in your system tray and select Settings.

Version-Specific Notes:

Ubuntu 20.04/22.04: Network icon in top-right corner
Ubuntu 24.04: Quick settings → Network icon
GNOME 40+: Top-right system menu → Settings

Ubuntu Network Settings — Opening network settings from system tray

Step 2: Add VPN Connection

Create New VPN Profile

In the Network settings window, locate the VPN section and click the + button to add a new connection.

Add VPN Connection — VPN section with add button

Step 3: Import Configuration

Import OpenVPN Config

Select Import from file...
Navigate to your Downloads folder
Select the .ovpn file you downloaded
Click Open

Import VPN Config — Importing OpenVPN configuration file

Step 4: Configure Authentication

Enter Credentials

After importing, configure the following:

Name:	TorGuard VPN (or custom name)
Username:	Your VPN username
Password:	Your VPN password

Click Add in the top-right corner to save.

Tip: Leave password field empty to be prompted each time (more secure).

Configure VPN Authentication — Entering VPN credentials

Step 5: Connect to VPN

Establish Connection

Toggle the switch next to your VPN profile to connect.

Alternative Connection Methods:

System tray: Click network icon → VPN → Select connection
Settings: Network → VPN → Toggle switch
Terminal: nmcli con up "TorGuard VPN"

Connect VPN — Connecting to VPN via toggle switch

Step 6: Verify Connection

Connection Indicators

When successfully connected:

VPN icon appears in system tray
Lock icon shows on network indicator
Connection status shows "Connected"

Verify your IP has changed at TorGuard IP Check

VPN Connected — VPN connection indicator in system tray

Advanced Configuration

Optional Settings

1. Auto-connect on Startup

Go to Network settings → VPN
Click gear icon next to your VPN
Enable "Connect automatically"

2. IPv6 Leak Protection

Edit connection → IPv6 Settings → Method: "Ignore"

3. DNS Configuration

Edit connection → IPv4 Settings → Additional DNS servers:

8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS)
1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare DNS)

4. Kill Switch (Network Lock)

To prevent leaks if VPN disconnects:

sudo ufw enable && sudo ufw default deny outgoing && sudo ufw allow out on tun0

Troubleshooting

Import Failed

Ensure network-manager-openvpn is installed
Check config file isn't corrupted
Try different server location config
Manually create connection instead of import

Connection Failed

Verify credentials (use VPN username, not email)
Try TCP port 443 if UDP blocked
Check system logs: journalctl -u NetworkManager
Disable IPv6 if causing issues

No Internet After Connecting

Check DNS settings
Flush DNS cache: sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches
Restart Network Manager: sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
Try different VPN server

VPN Option Missing

If VPN section doesn't appear:

sudo apt install --reinstall network-manager-openvpn-gnome

Then restart or run:

sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

Command Line Management

Useful nmcli Commands

List connections:

nmcli connection show

Connect to VPN:

nmcli connection up "TorGuard VPN"

Disconnect VPN:

nmcli connection down "TorGuard VPN"

Check VPN status:

nmcli connection show --active | grep vpn

Alternative Methods

Other Setup Options

TorGuard Linux App: GUI application with WireGuard support
OpenVPN CLI: For servers and advanced users
WireGuard: Modern, faster protocol
systemd-networkd: For minimal installations

How to Setup OpenVPN using Ubuntu Network Manager