Linux - Installing the PIA App

The Private Internet Access (PIA) app supports systemd, sysvinit, and OpenRC-based operating systems, including Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Arch, and Debian.

How to Install the PIA App

  1. Log into your PIA account through the login page.
  2. Go to the Downloads tab and click Download (64-bit) under Linux.
PIA website showing the "Downloads" and the Linux download link highlighted.

If the download doesn’t start automatically, use this direct download link.

Note: If you use an ARM processor, download a compatible installer from the PIA changelog page.

  1. Save the installer file to your Downloads folder when prompted.
  2. Open Terminal. Navigate to the Downloads directory and run the installer:
cd Downloads
sh pia-linux-[version number].run

Replace [version number] with the version number in the installer filename.

Linux terminal showing the commands necessary to install PIA.

Note: Do not run the installer with sudo. The installer prompts you for your root or sudo password when needed.

  1. After installation, the app opens to the Quick Tour or login screen. Select Log In.
PIA desktop app showing the "Log In" option highlighted.
  1. Then enter your PIA credentials. Your PIA username usually starts with p, followed by 7 digits. For example: p1234567.
PIA app showing the login screen with the credentials filled in.
  1. After you log in, the main dashboard appears. Click the power button to connect to a VPN server. The connection may take a few moments. If the connection is successful, the power button turns green, and the server IP appears in the app. You can also find more info on what the tray icon displays and the meaning of the different colors here.
PIA app showing the connection status.

If you cannot connect, please refer to our connection troubleshooting guide.

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