One common problem that many Linux users face is the loss of internet connectivity when connected to a VPN, such as ProtonVPN. Even though your system shows that it’s connected to the internet (via Wi-Fi or LAN), you might find that you’re unable to access any websites or use the internet. This issue is usually caused by a misconfiguration of the system’s nameserver, especially when VPN’s kill switch feature is active.
In this article we’ll discuss how this issue occurs and we will provide you a step-by-step solution to get your internet working again in Linux: Ubuntu, Mint and debian based oprating systems by fixing the nameserver problem.
Why the Internet Stops Working on Linux with a VPN
When you connect to a VPN on Linux, the VPN client may change your system’s nameserver settings. ProtonVPN, in particular, has a kill switch feature that ensures your real IP address is not leaked if the VPN connection drops. However, sometimes this results in an issue where the system remains connected to the internet, but the nameserver is misconfigured, preventing you from actually accessing the web.
How to Fix Network Connection Issue ?
Well, it’s very simple to fix the connection issue. You just need to turn off the VPN’s kill switch button. The name of this option may vary depending on your VPN provider, but in Ubuntu and Mint operating systems, checking it is very easy.
1. Check Connected Network Profile
In this step you have to check your connection profile to do that simple open terminal by pressing alt + ctrl + T or you can open it by application search.
After that type a prompt that shows your connected profile.
nmcli d status

Here you can see your all connection profile we are using proton VPN that’s why we hae proton kill switch and their connection name is: pvpn-killswitch-ipv6.
2. Remove Connection profile
Now you have to remove your VPN profile if you found many profile that not belongs to you and not your, first of all delete these profile one by one.
In our case we are going delete VPN Kill Switch profile, do not worry this action will just turn off your VPN not delete your account and any other data.
To remove VPN profile just type a command nmcli c delete your connectoin name, in our case we are using proton vpn so that’s why we have connection name that is pvpn-killswitch-ipv6, to remove simply i will give the command nmcli c delete pvpn-killswitch-ipv6.
nmcli c delete YourConnectionName
Here you have to add your VPN connection name and hit enter.

You can see successfully connection is deleted, Now the internet working.
Still not working? just reboot your system, else you can try to change resolv.conf file and set the Nameserver to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
I am pretty sure you internet issue is resolve if you have question or suggestion and need help please comment below we will contact you soon to solve your problem.
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