How to Install PiVPN on Linux Mint

PiVPN is an efficient tool used to set up a VPN on a Raspberry Pi. It helps secure your connection while accessing the internet. Installing PiVPN to Linux Mint is a straightforward process, and the following tutorial will guide you through.

First, ensure that your Linux Mint is fully up-to-date using the command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 1 - Install WireGuard

WireGuard is a VPN protocol that PiVPN is built upon. We need to install it first with the following command:

sudo apt install wireguard -y

Step 2 - Install PiVPN

Next, we will install PiVPN by issuing the following command:

curl -L https://install.pivpn.io | bash

This command will download and install PiVPN's script that will handle the installation process for us. It will prompt us for some details, such as the user we want to run PiVPN as and whether to enable unattended upgrades.

Step 3 - Create a Certificate Authority

PiVPN requires a certificate authority (CA) to issue certificates for our devices. To create a new CA, simply run the command:

sudo pivpn add -CA

It will prompt you to give a name and password for your certificate authority. Make sure to remember the password as we will need it later.

Step 4 - Add VPN Users

To add VPN users, use the command:

sudo pivpn add

It will ask you to enter a name and select the device type (i.e., WireGuard or OpenVPN). After this, it will generate a client configuration file that you can use to connect to the VPN.

Step 5 - Generate a User Configuration File

To generate a configuration file for a specific user, use the following command:

sudo pivpn -a <name>

This command will create a configuration file that you can download and use on the user's device.

Step 6 - Connect to the VPN

To connect to the VPN, you need to import the configuration file generated by Step 5 into the user's device. For WireGuard, you can use their mobile app or import it directly into your router's client configuration.

That's it; your VPN is ready to use. You can add more users using the Step 4 and 5 instructions above while maintaining PiVPN via the command:

sudo pivpn -c

Conclusion

Setting up PiVPN in Linux Mint is an easy process that you can accomplish in minutes. Once you have it, you can secure your connection and protect your data while accessing the internet.

If you want to self-host in an easy, hands free way, need an external IP address, or simply want your data in your own hands, give IPv6.rs a try!

Alternatively, for the best virtual desktop, try Shells!