Sometimes there are instances where it is not possible to uninstall the PIA Application using the in-app uninstaller. In these cases, we recommend uninstalling the app manually using the instructions below.

Step 1: Disconnect and exit the PIA app

First ensure that the VPN is disconnected and the application has been closed, so that the uninstaller can proceed. You can do so by right-clicking the application icon within the system tray or menu bar and clicking Disconnect, or by clicking the power button within the application menu.

After disconnecting, you can exit the app by right-clicking the application icon in the system tray or menu bar and selecting ‘Quit’ or by selecting the three vertical dots within the application menu and clicking ‘Quit”.

Step 2: Terminal

Once you have exited the application you will then need to open your Terminal. It can be found in the Applications menu, or opened with shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T

Step 3: Commands

In the terminal type the following commands, pressing Enter after each line:

NOTE: Please make sure these commands are entered carefully. All symbols and spacing are very important as they specify which files to delete. Incorrect usage of these commands can cause deletion of the wrong files and loss of personal data. (It is best to simply copy and paste the commands below, in the terminal window SHIFT + CTRL + V is used to paste).

rm -rf ~/.config/privateinternetaccess

rm -rf ~/.config/PrivateInternetAccess

Next, type this command and press Enter again:

sudo rm -rf /opt/piavpn

During the process you may be prompted for your root/admin password. Type it in and then press Enter once more.

Step 4: Finish

After running the above commands you will need to type this final command in order to remove the application menu icon (useful if you're fully uninstalling the PIA app and not just reinstalling it):

sudo rm -rf /usr/share/applications/piavpn.desktop

Press Enter one last time. Once completed the application is now fully uninstalled!

If you wish to now reinstall a fresh copy of the PIA App, navigate to our Downloads Tab here.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our support team via the Contact Us tab above.