uninstall tailscale linux

2 min read 23-02-2025

Tailscale is a popular zero-trust VPN, but sometimes you need to remove it from your Linux system. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the uninstallation process, covering various distributions and scenarios. Whether you're switching VPN providers or simply cleaning up your system, we'll show you how to completely uninstall Tailscale.

Preparing for Uninstallation

Before proceeding, it's crucial to understand the different ways Tailscale can be installed and the implications for removal. Tailscale might be installed via a package manager (like apt, pacman, or dnf), a script, or manually. The uninstallation method will vary depending on the installation method.

1. Check Your Installation Method:

Package Manager: If you installed Tailscale using your distribution's package manager (e.g., apt install tailscale on Debian/Ubuntu), uninstalling is typically straightforward using the package manager's removal commands.
Script Installation: If you used a script provided by Tailscale, it might have included an uninstall script. Check the documentation or the directory where you ran the installation script.
Manual Installation: This is less common. If you installed Tailscale manually, you'll need to carefully remove all files and directories associated with the installation. This is the most complex method.

2. Stop the Tailscale Service:

Regardless of the installation method, you should stop the Tailscale service before uninstalling. This ensures a clean removal and prevents potential conflicts. The command to stop the service varies depending on your systemd setup:

sudo systemctl stop tailscaled

This command ensures the Tailscale daemon is stopped. It’s an important first step before proceeding with the removal process to avoid issues.

Uninstallation Methods

The exact method for uninstalling Tailscale depends on your installation method. Below are the most common scenarios:

Method 1: Using a Package Manager (Recommended)

This is the simplest and safest method if you installed Tailscale using your distribution's package manager.

Debian/Ubuntu (apt):

sudo apt remove tailscale
sudo apt autoremove  # Remove any unused dependencies

Arch Linux (pacman):

sudo pacman -R tailscale

Fedora/RHEL/CentOS (dnf/yum):

sudo dnf remove tailscale  # or sudo yum remove tailscale for older versions

After running the appropriate command, verify the removal by checking if the tailscaled process is still running:

pgrep tailscaled

If it returns no output, the uninstallation was successful.

Method 2: Using an Uninstall Script (If Available)

If you installed Tailscale using a script, check the installation directory for an uninstall script (often named something like uninstall.sh). Run the script with sudo privileges:

sudo ./uninstall.sh

Follow any on-screen instructions provided by the script.

Method 3: Manual Uninstallation (Least Recommended)

Manual uninstallation is the most complex and error-prone method. Only attempt this if other methods fail and you understand the risks. You'll need to locate all files and directories associated with Tailscale and remove them manually. This usually involves searching your system for files related to "tailscale." This is highly discouraged, unless absolutely necessary, and mistakes here could potentially damage your system.

Verifying Uninstallation

After completing the uninstallation process, regardless of the method used, verify that Tailscale is completely removed. Check for the following:

Tailscaled process: Use pgrep tailscaled to confirm the process is not running.
Tailscale configuration files: Check the typical locations for configuration files (e.g., /etc/tailscale, ~/.config/tailscale). These directories should be empty or removed.
Tailscale directories: Check for remaining Tailscale directories or files within your home directory or system-wide directories.

Conclusion

Uninstalling Tailscale on Linux is generally straightforward, especially if you used a package manager. Always stop the tailscaled service before uninstalling. If you encounter any issues, consult the official Tailscale documentation for further assistance. Remember to back up important data before making any significant system changes.