Linux (Systemd) - Change Ports

If your VPN connection drops or you cannot stay connected to a server, changing the port or protocol can help improve stability.

How to Change Your Ports on Linux

  1. Find the Private Internet Access (PIA) app in your taskbar or system tray, depending on your desktop environment. If you’re connected to the VPN, click Disconnect to power off the VPN. Then, select Settings.
PIA in the system tray showing the "Disconnect" and "Settings" options highlighted.
  1. Select the Protocols tab. Make sure UDP is selected as the transport type. Open the Remote Port drop-down menu, then select a different UDP port.

PIA settings showing the "Protocols" settings tab and the "Transport" and "Remote Port" options highlighted.

  1. Return to the main dashboard and click the power button to reconnect.
PIA app showing the power button highlighted.
  1. Check if your connection is stable. If it’s stable, you can skip the remaining steps.
  2. If the issue continues, switch the transport type to TCP in the settings. Open the Remote Port drop-down menu, then select a different TCP port.

PIA settings showing the "Protocols" settings and the "Transport" and "Remote Port" options highlighted.

  1. Return to the main dashboard and click the power button to reconnect.
PIA app showing the VPN connected.

If the issue persists, repeat these steps with different port and protocol combinations until you find a stable connection.

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