How to Set Up VPN Connections with Cinnamon Desktop on Linux Mint

Introduction

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is essential for securing your internet connection, maintaining privacy, and bypassing geo-restrictions. If you are using Linux Mint with the Cinnamon desktop environment, setting up a VPN connection is straightforward. Whether you’re using OpenVPN, WireGuard, or PPTP, Linux Mint provides built-in tools to configure and manage VPN connections easily.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to set up a VPN on Linux Mint Cinnamon, covering different VPN types, configuration methods, and troubleshooting tips.

1. Understanding VPNs on Linux Mint

Before diving into the setup, let’s understand why VPNs are useful:

✅ Security: Encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for hackers to intercept your data.
✅ Privacy: Hides your IP address and prevents ISPs from tracking your online activities.
✅ Access Blocked Content: Allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access region-locked services.
✅ Safe Public Wi-Fi Use: Protects your data when using unsecured networks, such as coffee shops or airports.

Linux Mint supports multiple VPN protocols natively, and you can install additional tools if required.

2. Choosing a VPN Protocol

Linux Mint allows setting up different VPN protocols, each with pros and cons:

(a) OpenVPN

🔹 Pros: Highly secure, open-source, and widely supported.
🔹 Cons: Slightly more complex setup compared to other protocols.

(b) WireGuard

🔹 Pros: Faster performance and easier setup compared to OpenVPN.
🔹 Cons: Less widespread support among commercial VPN providers.

(c) PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol)

🔹 Pros: Simple to set up.
🔹 Cons: Weak encryption, making it less secure than OpenVPN or WireGuard.

3. Installing VPN Support on Linux Mint

Linux Mint Cinnamon has built-in VPN support, but depending on the protocol, you might need to install additional packages.

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing anything, update your system to ensure you have the latest security patches:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Required VPN Packages

For different VPN types, install the necessary packages using the following commands:

(a) OpenVPN

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

(b) WireGuard

sudo apt install wireguard

(c) PPTP

sudo apt install network-manager-pptp network-manager-pptp-gnome

Once installed, reboot your system:

sudo reboot

4. Configuring VPN on Cinnamon Desktop

Now that the VPN packages are installed, let’s configure the VPN connection using the Cinnamon Network Manager.

Step 1: Open Network Settings

1. Click on the Network Manager icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner).
2. Select Network Settings.
3. Click on VPN and then Add a VPN Connection.

Step 2: Choose Your VPN Type

Depending on your VPN provider, select the appropriate VPN type:

• OpenVPN: If your provider offers an .ovpn configuration file, select “Import from file”.
• PPTP: Select “Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)”.
• WireGuard: Select “WireGuard”.

5. Setting Up OpenVPN on Linux Mint Cinnamon

Step 1: Get Your VPN Configuration Files

Most VPN providers supply .ovpn files for OpenVPN setup. Download these files from your provider’s website.

Step 2: Import OpenVPN Configuration

1. Click Network Manager > Network Settings > VPN > Add.
2. Select Import from file and choose your .ovpn file.
3. Enter your VPN username and password (provided by your VPN service).
4. Click Save.

Step 3: Connect to VPN

• Toggle the VPN switch ON from the Network Manager.

• Verify your connection by checking your new IP address:

  curl ifconfig.me
  

6. Setting Up WireGuard on Linux Mint Cinnamon

Step 1: Generate WireGuard Keys

If your provider doesn’t give you a WireGuard configuration, generate a key pair:

wg genkey | tee privatekey | wg pubkey > publickey

Step 2: Create a WireGuard Configuration File

Use a text editor to create a config file:

sudo nano /etc/wireguard/wg0.conf

Add the following template, replacing YOUR_VALUES with your VPN provider’s details:

[Interface]
PrivateKey = YOUR_PRIVATE_KEY
Address = YOUR_VPN_IP
DNS = YOUR_DNS

[Peer]
PublicKey = YOUR_VPN_PUBLIC_KEY
Endpoint = YOUR_VPN_SERVER:51820
AllowedIPs = 0.0.0.0/0
PersistentKeepalive = 25

Step 3: Start WireGuard VPN

sudo wg-quick up wg0

To stop it:

sudo wg-quick down wg0

7. Setting Up PPTP VPN on Linux Mint Cinnamon

1. Open Network Settings and click Add a VPN Connection.
2. Select PPTP and enter the required details:
   • Gateway: VPN server address
   • Username: Your VPN login
   • Password: Your VPN password
3. Click Save, then enable the VPN toggle to connect.

8. Verifying VPN Connection

After connecting, check if the VPN is active by running:

curl ifconfig.me

If the displayed IP differs from your real IP, the VPN is working correctly.

For OpenVPN logs, run:

journalctl -u NetworkManager | grep vpn

9. Troubleshooting VPN Issues on Linux Mint

Here are some common issues and their fixes:

Problem: VPN Fails to Connect

✅ Ensure your VPN credentials are correct.
✅ Try restarting the Network Manager:

sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

✅ Check firewall rules:

sudo ufw status

Enable VPN ports if necessary.

Problem: No Internet After Connecting to VPN

✅ Change the DNS settings in your VPN configuration to Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1).
✅ Try a different VPN server if available.

Conclusion

Setting up a VPN on Linux Mint Cinnamon is relatively straightforward with built-in tools and additional packages. Whether using OpenVPN, WireGuard, or PPTP, you can easily configure and manage VPN connections through the Network Manager.

By following this guide, you can enhance your online security, privacy, and access to restricted content while using Linux Mint. If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section or check your VPN provider’s documentation.

Got questions? Feel free to ask in the comments! 🚀