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How to Set Up OpenVPN on Linux Debian via Terminal

This guide explains how to set up a CyberGhost VPN connection on Debian using OpenVPN through the Terminal. Once configured, you'll be able to connect to CyberGhost servers directly from the command line using your OpenVPN configuration files.

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

Disabling IPv6

CyberGhost doesn’t currently support IPv6 connections. If IPv6 remains enabled on your device, it may cause connectivity issues or lead to traffic leaks. To ensure stable performance and proper VPN functionality, it’s recommended to disable IPv6 before using CyberGhost.

You can follow our help guide to disable IPv6 on Linux.

Generating a CyberGhost OpenVPN Configuration File for Terminal Use

Before connecting to CyberGhost through the terminal, you need to generate and download an OpenVPN configuration file from your CyberGhost account.

  1. Open your browser and log into your CyberGhost account.

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  2. Click on the VPN tab.

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  3. Select Configure Device.

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  4. Choose OpenVPN type, server location, and server type.

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  • OpenVPN type: Select the OpenVPN configuration you want to use. Available options may include standard TCP-based configurations as well as legacy variants intended for older systems or compatibility purposes.
  • Server location: Choose the country or region of the CyberGhost server you want to connect to.
  • Server type: Select the type of server you would like to use. Depending on the chosen location, options may include Premium, Standard, ZenMate Premium, or Gaming servers.

Important: Not all OpenVPN protocol options and server types are available in every location. Availability may differ depending on the selected server region.  

  1. Name the device (e.g. Debian).

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  2. Optionally, select extra features.

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    • Protection against malicious websites: Blocks access to known harmful or unsafe websites to help keep your device protected while browsing.
    • Block online tracking: Limits tracking services from monitoring your activity across different websites.
    • Block ads: Reduces or blocks advertisements for a cleaner browsing experience.
      Redirect to HTTPS: Automatically directs you to the more secure HTTPS version of a website when it is available.

  3. Click Save configuration.

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  4. On the VPN tab, select View next to your newly created configuration.

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  5. Select Download configuration.

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This will download a zip file containing the OpenVPN configuration files and certificates needed to set up the VPN connection.

Important: Make sure to also note down your username and password, as you will need them later when setting up CyberGhost on Debian via Terminal.

  1. Open the download folder and extract the downloaded file. Once extracted, just close the window.

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Installing CyberGhost OpenVPN via Terminal

After downloading your OpenVPN configuration file, all remaining steps will be completed in the Terminal.

  1. Open Terminal.

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  2. Type cd ~/Downloads/openvpn to navigate to the folder containing your extracted file.

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  3. Once inside the folder, run the following command: sudo openvpn --config filename.ovpn (replace filename.ovpn with the actual name of your config file). If prompted, enter your password.

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  4. Enter your username and press Enter.

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  5. Enter your password and press Enter.

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Note: These credentials are often not your regular account login. They are generated specifically for manual OpenVPN setups and can be found on the same Debian configuration page where you downloaded the configuration files.

 

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