How do I install and use VilaNet on Linux?

Download the AppImage for your computer, make it executable, sign in, and use VilaNet's one-time Install for TUN Mode flow to enable a full system-level VPN connection.

The VilaNet 2.12.82 packages, shared app labels, architecture requirements and AppImage TUN installation flow have been checked against the current release and application source. The desktop prompts and a real VPN tunnel still require final verification on clean AMD64 and ARM64 Ubuntu systems before publication.

Before you start

VilaNet's current official Linux builds support:

• AMD64 / x86_64: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or later; and
• ARM64 / aarch64: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS or later.

You also need an active VilaVPN account and administrator access for the one-time TUN setup.

To check your architecture, open Terminal and run:

uname -m

• x86_64 means download the AMD64 build.
• aarch64 or arm64 means download the ARM64 build.

1. Download the AppImage

The AppImage is the preferred starting package because it does not require a traditional package installation.

• AMD64: Download VilaNet 2.12.82 AppImage for AMD64
• ARM64: Download VilaNet 2.12.82 AppImage for ARM64

You can also reach both packages through the VilaVPN downloads page or verify them on the public VilaNet 2.12.82 release page.

Do not run a copy received through an unsolicited message or an unofficial download site.

2. Start VilaNet

1. Open Terminal.

2. Change to your Downloads directory:

   cd ~/Downloads
   

3. Make the downloaded AppImage executable. Use the command matching your computer:

   chmod +x VilaNet-for-Linux-AMD64-2.12.82.AppImage
   

   or:

   chmod +x VilaNet-for-Linux-ARM64-2.12.82.AppImage
   

4. Start VilaNet with the matching command:

   ./VilaNet-for-Linux-AMD64-2.12.82.AppImage
   

   or:

   ./VilaNet-for-Linux-ARM64-2.12.82.AppImage
   

The AppImage can initially use proxy mode. Complete the one-time TUN setup below if you want VilaNet to route full device traffic through a system-level VPN interface.

3. Sign in

1. Open VilaNet.
2. Review the linked EULA and Privacy Policy.
3. If the consent checkbox is not already selected, select it and review the minimal-data consent message.
4. Select Allow if you agree and want to continue.
5. Enter your VilaVPN account email under E-mail.
6. Enter your account password under Password.
7. Select Login.

VilaNet should open the main screen. An expired or inactive package must be renewed before it can connect.

4. Install TUN support

An AppImage runs from a read-only mounted image, so VilaNet first copies its runtime to a writable directory under ~/.local/share/VilaNet. It then asks for administrator permission to grant the installed runtime the Linux network capability it needs and restarts from that installed copy.

1. In VilaNet, open Settings.
2. Open Linux Settings.
3. Read the Running from AppImage information panel, then select Install for TUN Mode. Selecting TUN Mode under Connection Mode starts the same installation when the local runtime is not ready.
4. When Ubuntu asks for administrator authentication, verify that the request belongs to VilaNet's TUN installation, then enter your system password.
5. Wait while VilaNet installs the local runtime and restarts. Do not close the password prompt or launch a second copy during this step.
6. After restart, confirm TUN Mode is selected. The installed VilaNet entry is also added to your desktop application menu.

This is separate from your VilaVPN password: the administrator prompt expects the password for your Linux user account.

5. Choose a server and connect

The connection controls are shared with the other VilaNet apps.

1. Open Server Nodes.
2. Choose Auto Select for the fastest available server, unless you need a specific location.
3. Return to the main screen.
4. Select Connect.
5. Wait for Connecting to change to Connected.

If VilaNet asks for administrator permission at this point, finish the TUN installation steps above and allow the app to restart before connecting again.

6. Confirm that it works

1. Leave VilaNet open for a few seconds and confirm it remains Connected.
2. Open a browser and load two familiar HTTPS websites.
3. Return to VilaNet and confirm it still shows Connected.

The app status and working web traffic together are a stronger check than an IP-check website alone. See Confirm VilaVPN is working for the complete verification steps.

If something goes wrong

The AppImage does not start

• Confirm you downloaded the build matching uname -m.
• Run the AppImage from Terminal so you can preserve the exact error.
• Confirm the executable bit is set with chmod +x.
• Confirm the system meets the Ubuntu version requirement above.
• Download a fresh copy from an official link if the file is incomplete.

The administrator prompt does not appear

VilaNet uses a graphical password helper for one-time TUN elevation. On Ubuntu, install the preferred helper and try Install for TUN Mode again:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install zenity

If elevation is cancelled or fails, VilaNet does not complete TUN setup. Keep using proxy mode temporarily or preserve the error and contact support.

TUN mode does not work after restart

• Open Settings > Linux Settings and confirm TUN Mode is selected.
• Launch VilaNet from the desktop application menu so it uses the installed writable runtime, rather than starting the original AppImage again.
• Record any message mentioning CAP_NET_ADMIN, elevation, DNS or the TUN device.
• Do not repeatedly run the whole app with sudo; preserve diagnostics and contact support instead.

Login or connection fails

• Confirm the email address has no extra spaces and the subscription is active.
• Confirm ordinary internet access works while VilaNet is disconnected.
• Try Auto Select once.
• Record the exact error and preserve diagnostics before changing advanced settings or reinstalling.
• Continue to Cannot sign in or Cannot connect.

Next step

Learn how to choose a specific server, or keep Auto Select enabled for normal use.