How to Install OpenVPN 3 on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

OpenVPN 3 is a versatile and robust VPN client that provides a secure and encrypted connection to remote networks. Whether you’re looking to safeguard your internet connection or access private networks securely, OpenVPN 3 is an excellent choice for Ubuntu users.

This guide outlines the steps to install and manage OpenVPN 3 on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure the following:

1. You have administrative privileges (sudo access) on your Ubuntu system.
2. Your system is updated.
3. OpenVPN configuration files (if connecting to an existing VPN).

Terminal

Open the Terminal by pressing ctrl + alt + T and run the following commands in it.

Step 1: Add OpenVPN repository key

Install the OpenVPN repository key used by the OpenVPN 3 Linux packages:

sudo mkdir -p /etc/apt/keyrings && curl -fsSL https://packages.openvpn.net/packages-repo.gpg | sudo tee /etc/apt/keyrings/openvpn.asc

Step 2: Obtain the Linux distribution-specific information

Run this command to obtain the Linux distribution-specific information and assign it to the DISTRO variable for use in the next step:

DISTRO=$(lsb_release -c -s)

Step 3: Add the package repository

echo "deb [signed-by=/etc/apt/keyrings/openvpn.asc] https://packages.openvpn.net/openvpn3/debian $DISTRO main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/openvpn-packages.list

Step 4: Update the package

Update your package list again to reflect the new repository:

sudo apt update

Step 5: Install the OpenVPN 3 package:

Install the OpenVPN 3 client using the following command:

sudo apt install openvpn3

install openvpn3

To verify the installation, check the OpenVPN 3 version:

openvpn3 version

Step 6: Import a VPN Profile

Once installed, you need to import a VPN profile. A profile is typically provided by your network administrator or VPN provider. Use the following command to import it:

openvpn3 config-import --config /path/to/your-profile.ovpn

Replace /path/to/your-profile.ovpn with the actual path to your .ovpn configuration file.

Step 7: Start the VPN Connection

After importing the profile, establish a secure connection:

openvpn3 session-start --config /path/to/your-profile.ovpn

Openvpn3 Session Start

Step 8: Manage VPN Connections

OpenVPN 3 offers several commands to manage connections:

• List active sessions: openvpn3 sessions-list

openvpn3 sessions-list

• Stop a session: openvpn3 session-manage --disconnect --session-path /path/to/session

Step 9: Verify Connection

To confirm your connection is active, check your public IP address before and after starting the VPN. Use an online service like WhatIsMyIP or run:

curl ifconfig.me

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues, review OpenVPN logs for detailed information:

openvpn3 logs

Conclusion

Installing and managing OpenVPN 3 on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is straightforward, providing secure and reliable VPN connectivity. By following this guide, you can safeguard your online activities and access private networks efficiently.