How to Install & Use OpenVPN on Ubuntu (Network Manager)
Tested on Ubuntu 22.04 “Jammy Jellyfish” and newer. This guide shows how to import our OpenVPN profiles into Ubuntu’s Network Manager and connect using your PremierVPN credentials.
Open Client Area View All Guides
- Your PremierVPN account email and password.
- An
.ovpnprofile — Dedicated profiles are listed under “Attached Files” in your dashboard if requested; Shared profiles are on our Downloads page.
1) Install the OpenVPN plugin for Network Manager
Open a terminal and run:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get -y install network-manager-openvpn-gnome
2) Import your OpenVPN profile
- Click the network icon → Settings.
- In VPN, click the + button and choose Import from file….
- Select your downloaded
.ovpnprofile and click Open. - Enter your PremierVPN email and password when prompted, then click Add.
3) Connect
Toggle the new VPN entry to On (or click it and choose Connect). Once connected, your internet traffic is routed via the VPN.
Using Ubuntu with snap-only Network Manager?
Some flavours ship Network Manager as a snap. If the Import from file… option is missing or the OpenVPN plugin isn’t recognised, install the classic package for the OpenVPN plugin (recommended), or use the command-line client:
- Recommended (GUI): Keep Network Manager as is and install:
Then restart Network Manager:sudo apt-get -y install network-manager-openvpn-gnomesudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
If your environment is locked to snaps and you cannot install classic packages, use the OpenVPN CLI:
# 1) Install the CLI
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get -y install openvpn
# 2) Run OpenVPN with your profile (runs in the foreground)
sudo openvpn --config /path/to/your/profile.ovpn
Choosing the Best Location
We provide multiple mainstream locations worldwide — choose the one closest to you for the best performance.
If a normal profile doesn’t connect on your network, try a DIRECT profile to bypass ISP DNS blocking.
Where to Get Your Profiles
| Type | Where to Download | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Server / IP | Your Dashboard (under “Attached Files” if requested) | Unique IP reserved for your account. |
| Shared VPN | Downloads Page | Shared exit IP, simple one-click import. |
Troubleshooting
- Authentication failed: Double-check your Client Area password or reset it, then re-import the profile if needed.
- No “Import from file…” option: Ensure
network-manager-openvpn-gnomeis installed and restart Network Manager. - Connects but no internet: Toggle the VPN off/on; try a different location; test a DIRECT profile.
- DNS leaks: After connecting, test at vpnleakcheck.com.
FAQs
What credentials do I use?
Use the email and password you used to sign up with PremierVPN.
Can I import multiple profiles?
Yes. Add as many locations as you like and switch between them from the VPN menu.
Where do I find Dedicated profiles?
In your Dashboard under your service — they will appear in “Attached Files” if requested.
Need help? We’re happy to assist with imports and connectivity checks.
Open a Support Ticket