How to Connect to ProtonVPN (with examples)

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to connect to ProtonVPN using the protonvpn-cli connect command. ProtonVPN is a popular VPN service that allows users to secure their internet connection and enhance their privacy. The protonvpn-cli connect command is a command-line interface tool that enables users to establish a VPN connection to ProtonVPN. By following the examples provided in this article, users will be able to connect to ProtonVPN using various options and configurations.

Use case 1: Connect to ProtonVPN interactively

Code:

protonvpn-cli connect

Motivation: This use case is useful when the user wants to connect to ProtonVPN without specifying any additional options or requirements. It is a straightforward way to establish a VPN connection using ProtonVPN’s default settings.

Explanation: The protonvpn-cli connect command without any additional arguments will initiate a VPN connection using the default settings in the ProtonVPN configuration. It will connect to the fastest available server with the default protocol (either UDP or TCP).

Example output:

Connecting to ProtonVPN...
Connected! Your new IP address is XX.XX.XX.XX.

Use case 2: Connect to ProtonVPN using the fastest server available

Code:

protonvpn-cli connect --fastest

Motivation: This use case is suitable when the user wants to connect to ProtonVPN using the fastest server available. It ensures optimal connection speed and performance.

Explanation: The --fastest option instructs the protonvpn-cli connect command to connect to the server with the fastest response time. This option is useful when the user prioritizes connection speed over other criteria.

Example output:

Connecting to the fastest ProtonVPN server...
Connected! Your new IP address is XX.XX.XX.XX.

Use case 3: Connect to ProtonVPN using a specific server with a specific protocol

Code:

protonvpn-cli connect <server_name> --protocol udp|tcp

Motivation: This use case is applicable when the user wants to connect to a specific ProtonVPN server using a specific protocol (either UDP or TCP). It provides flexibility in server selection and protocol configuration.

Explanation: In this command, <server_name> should be replaced with the actual name of the desired ProtonVPN server. The --protocol option specifies the desired protocol for the VPN connection, either UDP or TCP. This use case allows users to connect to a server of their choice with a specific protocol to match their preferences or specific requirements.

Example output:

Connecting to ProtonVPN server <server_name> with protocol UDP...
Connected! Your new IP address is XX.XX.XX.XX.

Use case 4: Connect to ProtonVPN using a random server with a specific protocol

Code:

protonvpn-cli connect --random --protocol udp|tcp

Motivation: This use case is useful when the user wants to connect to a random ProtonVPN server using a specific protocol. It provides a highly randomized connection to enhance privacy and security.

Explanation: The --random option instructs the protonvpn-cli connect command to connect to a randomly selected ProtonVPN server. The --protocol option specifies the desired protocol for the VPN connection, either UDP or TCP.

Example output:

Connecting to a random ProtonVPN server with protocol TCP...
Connected! Your new IP address is XX.XX.XX.XX.

Use case 5: Connect to ProtonVPN using the fastest Tor-supporting server

Code:

protonvpn-cli connect --tor

Motivation: This use case is suitable when the user wants to connect to the fastest ProtonVPN server that supports Tor. It allows users to benefit from both VPN and Tor technologies simultaneously.

Explanation: The --tor option instructs the protonvpn-cli connect command to connect to the fastest ProtonVPN server that supports Tor. This use case ensures that the VPN connection is established through a server that has integrated Tor support.

Example output:

Connecting to the fastest ProtonVPN Tor-supporting server...
Connected! Your new IP address is XX.XX.XX.XX.

Use case 6: Display help

Code:

protonvpn-cli connect --help

Motivation: This use case is helpful when the user needs assistance or wants to get more information about the protonvpn-cli connect command and its available options.

Explanation: The --help option provides a detailed help message, including information about the protonvpn-cli connect command and its usage. It explains the available command-line options and provides additional resources for support and configuration.

Example output:

Usage: protonvpn-cli connect [-h] [--fastest] [--tor] [--protocol PROTOCOL]
                                 [--random] [SERVER]

positional arguments:
  SERVER                Specify the ProtonVPN server to connect to.

optional arguments:
  -h, --help            show this help message and exit
  --fastest             Connect to the fastest ProtonVPN server.
  --tor                 Connect to the fastest ProtonVPN server supporting Tor.
  --protocol PROTOCOL   Specify the protocol to use (tcp or udp).
  --random              Connect to a random ProtonVPN server.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the protonvpn-cli connect command is a versatile tool that allows users to connect to ProtonVPN using various options and configurations. By following the examples provided in this article, users can establish VPN connections interactively, with the fastest server available, with specific servers and protocols, and even with Tor support. The command provides flexibility and customization options to enhance privacy, security, and connection speed. Additionally, the --help option provides users with helpful information about the command’s usage and available options. With this knowledge, users can easily navigate the protonvpn-cli connect command and enjoy the benefits of ProtonVPN.