How to Set Up and Use Atlas VPN on Linux in 2024? (2024)

Installing the VPN app package via the terminal is the only way to set up and use Atlas VPN on Linux. You can’t set it up using the Network Manager, OpenVPN configuration files, or a GUI.

Likewise, you can only set up Atlas VPN on Ubuntu, leaving other Linux distros without a setup package.

If that’s a dealbreaker, I’ll recommend alternatives to Atlas VPN that offer a better service on top of their immense Linux distro support.

But for now, let’s get into the Atlas VPN setup guide.

Installing Atlas VPN on Linux is as easy as downloading and installing the correct packages via the terminal.

Even if you’re not tech-savvy, the steps below will help you quickly get Atlas VPN on your Linux system.

1. Ensure you’re running Ubuntu. Atlas VPN doesn’t work on any other Linux distribution yet.
2. Get an Atlas VPN account. You can save on your first account by using these discounts.
3. Download Atlas VPN from its website. You can also run a command line in the terminal to do this, but it’s easier to download.

4. Go to your browser’s download folder and right-click the file you downloaded.

5. Go to the root folder of the downloaded file. For Google Chrome, you’ll click “Show in folder.”
6. Right-click the file in the download folder, then click “Properties” from the pop-up menu.

7. Copy the path information next to “Parent folder.” You can store this in a notes file on your Ubuntu.

8. Next, launch your Ubuntu terminal. You can find it in the app tray or hold CTRL + ALT + T.
9. Run the command [sudo dpkg -i /path/to/atlasvpn-repo.deb] to let your Ubuntu system know what directory the downloaded file is in. Change /path/to to the path information you copied in Step 7.

10. Enter your PC password if prompted.
11. Run the command below to update the Atlas VPN package to the latest version.

12. Run the command below to upgrade your Atlas VPN package.

13. Then, run the command below to finally install Atlas VPN.

Once you’ve installed the Atlas VPN app, you need to disable IPv6, sign in, and connect to start enjoying the VPN’s services.

Here’s how to do so from your terminal since Atlas VPN doesn’t have a Linux GUI:

1. Launch your Ubuntu terminal.
2. Run the command below.

3. Scroll to the bottom of the file.
4. Copy and paste these four lines of code at the bottom of the file.

5. Press Ctrl + O to write out the file, then exit with Ctrl + X.
   1. The commands to perform these tasks might differ on your terminal. So, it’s a good idea to check.

6. Run the command below to enforce your changes in the Linux system.

7. Now, test the effect of the changes by running the code below.

8. If you get the output “1,” then you’re on track.

9. Run the command below to sign in to Atlas VPN.

10. Write your email address, then press Enter.

11. Go to your email address and copy the login code sent to you. You don’t need to keep this code; it’ll change whenever you want to log in.

12. Paste the code in your terminal, then press Enter.
13. You’ll get a success message if you’ve signed in with the correct email address and code.

14. Now, run the command code below to start the connection process.

15. Choose an Atlas VPN server type to continue. You can learn more about the different types in this Atlas VPN specialty server guide.

16. Once selected, you’ll get a list of servers corresponding to your chosen type.
17. Enter the number of the server you want to connect to. I’ll choose 22 (United Kingdom – Manchester) for this example.
    1. You don’t need to memorize the server numbers. They change as Atlas VPN adds or removes servers.

18. Wait for the connection success message.

19. Test for leaks to be sure you’ve gotten the correct server plus its corresponding IP address.

I unblocked BBC iPlayer sports and movies on Ubuntu Linux while connected to Atlas VPN’s UK server.

Updating Atlas VPN on Linux is vital since the app might sometimes not work or install appropriately without the update. And if it does work, you might be missing serious security patches, leaving you vulnerable to the kind of zero-day flaw that affected some Atlas VPN Linux users in 2023.

So that you don’t fall victim to that, here’s how to update the VPN:

1. Launch your Linux terminal.
2. Run the code below to update the Atlas VPN package.

3. Run the code below to upgrade the package to the latest version.

4. Reboot the Ubuntu system.
5. Reconnect to Atlas VPN to start enjoying the VPN’s services with the most recent security patches installed.

Since Atlas VPN doesn’t have a GUI, disconnecting from a server might be tricky.

Thankfully, you only need to run one line of code in the terminal to stop the VPN server connection:

1. Launch the Linux terminal.
2. Run the command line [atlasvpn disconnect]. You can also run the shorter version [atlasvpn d].

3. Wait for the disconnection message.
4. You can run an IP test to confirm that you’re no longer using the VPN’s server.

It’s rare that Atlas VPN doesn’t work on your Linux system if you follow the setup guide above.

But if you can’t sign into the VPN, connect to a server, complete the installation, or face other issues, here are some pointers to help.

Atlas VPN can’t encrypt IPv6 traffic. So, you might be unable to connect to the VPN or keep leaking data while connected if IPv6 is enabled.

Follow steps 1-8 under the “How to Connect to Atlas VPN on Linux?” section above to disable IPv6.

Note:You can re-enable IPv6 on your Linux system by deleting the four lines of code you added to the configuration file above.

Before uninstalling, you should first update/upgrade the Atlas VPN Linux setup (as detailed in the sections above).

If that doesn’t work, it’s time to uninstall the Atlas VPN package.

Here’s how:

1. Launch the Linux terminal.
2. Run the command below to remove Atlas VPN from the system.

3. Enter your system password and press Enter.
4. When prompted, press “Y,” then the Enter key.

5. Restart your Linux computer.
6. Follow the installation steps from above again to install the VPN.

You must reboot your Linux system after installing Atlas VPN, or else it may not work. While the VPN is installed in the background, you won’t be able to connect to its server or sign in.

Hence, once you’re done with the installation, do this:

1. Click the systems icon tray.

2. Click “Power Off/ Log Out.”
3. Click “Restart…”
4. Wait for the system to restart.
5. Log in to your Atlas VPN account and connect to a server.

Atlas VPN isn’t an ideal VPN for Linux users who work with Debian, Mint, or other Linux distros besides Ubuntu since it doesn’t have an installation package for those.

Likewise, the VPN lacks a graphical user interface (GUI), which makes it harder to quickly select servers, tweak settings, and enjoy the VPN properly.

That also makes the setup, installation, connection, and disconnection more herculean for users who don’t want to use their terminal for everything.

On top of that, Atlas VPN doesn’t allow you to set up specific servers via the Network Manager.

If these don’t bother you, Atlas VPN is reliable enough to unblock content and ensure optimal privacy on Ubuntu. However, suppose you’re put off by one or more of these limitations. In that case, it’s best to switch to reliable Atlas VPN alternatives instead:

• NordVPN – Boasts a GUI app for Linux, supports multiple distros, and offers far more servers than Atlas VPN. (Setup guides here).
• Surfshark – Offers a Linux GUI app for Debian, Ubuntu, and Mint, and it supports every Linux distro with 5 unique setup methods (Setup guides here).

Every Atlas VPN plan allows you to install and simultaneously connect to the VPN on unlimited devices. If that excites you, follow the setup guide above to get the VPN working on your Ubuntu Linux devices.

Remember to avoid common mistakes like not rebooting your PC, forgetting to upgrade and update the package after getting it, or missing out on these Atlas VPN discount deals.