protonvpn-connect: Quick Start Guide

ProtonVPN connect: quick start

ProtonVPN can be controlled entirely from the command line. The primary command is protonvpn-connect, with subcommands and flags to tailor your connection.

Quick usage overview

  • Interactive connect: connect to ProtonVPN and choose a server manually.
  • Fastest connect: auto-connect to the fastest available server.
  • Specific server + protocol: pick a server and specify UDP or TCP.
  • Random server: connect to a random server with a chosen protocol.
  • Tor-friendly: connect to a Tor-supporting server.
  • Help: show usage information.

Interactive connect

This opens an interactive prompt to pick a server. If you just want to connect without worrying about the route, start here.

protonvpn-connect

Typical flow:

  • You may be asked to log in or confirm your ProtonVPN credentials.
  • Choose a server from the list.

Connect to the fastest server

If you want a quick default setup, skip server choices and grab the fastest available server.

protonvpn-connect -f

Notes:

  • The fastest server may vary by time and load.
  • If you already have a preferred server, use the specific server option instead.

Specific server with protocol

To connect to a particular server and force a protocol, specify the server name and protocol (udp or tcp).

protonvpn-connect <server_name> -p udp

Examples:

  • protonvpn-connect us1-free -p tcp
  • protonvpn-connect nl-exports -p udp

Common pitfall: server names are often region or tier specific (e.g., us1, nl); ensure you have the correct server label from ProtonVPN lists.

Random server with protocol

If you want a random server, optionally with a protocol:

protonvpn-connect -r -p tcp

This selects a random server and uses TCP. Random server selections can be great for load balancing but may yield varying speeds.

Fastest Tor-supporting server

Tor-enabled servers can be used for enhanced anonymity. This uses a dedicated server category if available.

protonvpn-connect --tor

Note:

  • Tor options may introduce latency; it’s not ideal for low-latency tasks.

Display help

If you’re unsure about flags or subcommands, check the built-in help.

protonvpn-connect --help

Common mistakes and tips

  • Forgetting to log in: ProtonVPN may require authentication before connecting.
  • Assuming a specific server name: server labels vary by region and plan; verify current available servers in your ProtonVPN account or documentation.
  • Mixing protocols: if a server doesn’t support a protocol, the connection may fail; try switching from UDP to TCP.
  • Permissions: some systems require elevated privileges or network interface adjustments; run with appropriate permissions if needed.

Troubleshooting quick checks

  • Check status of the VPN interface after connect:
ip a | grep tun
  • View current ProtonVPN connection status:
protonvpn-connect --status
  • If the VPN won’t start, verify that your credentials are correct and that your account is active.

Practical tips

  • Use interactive mode to learn available servers before scripting.
  • For scripts, prefer -f (fastest) or -r (random) with a protocol to ensure consistent behavior.
  • Always test your connection by visiting a site that shows your IP to confirm the VPN is in effect.

Example scenarios

  • Quickest secure start: connect to the fastest server using UDP
protonvpn-connect -f -p udp
  • Random server over TCP for obfuscated routing:
protonvpn-connect -r -p tcp
  • Tor-enabled quick connect:
protonvpn-connect --tor

If you run into issues, consult ProtonVPN’s documentation or your CLI help output for server lists and supported protocols. This command line approach pairs well with scripts and cron jobs for automated privacy-preserving tasks.

See Also