5 Ways to Connect Devices to an OpenVPN Server

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are growing in popularity with increasing numbers of users wanting to keep their identities private on the network. OpenVPN is one of the popular VPN solutions. OpenVPN is suitable for use on most operating systems. You need a special client to connect the device to the OpenVPN server. You will also need a configuration file from the VPN service provider you are using.

Step

Method 1 of 5: Windows

Step 1. Download the OpenVPN client installer program

You need a connection program called a "client". The client program manages the connection from the computer to the OpenVPN server. You can download the client program from here. Use the "Installer" link that corresponds to your version of Windows. Image:Connect to an OpenVPN Server Step 1 Version 2.jpg|center]

You need to find out if the Windows you are using is a 32 bit or 64 bit version. Press Win+Pause, then find the entry "System type"

Step 2. Run the client installer program

Run the OpenVPN installer once it's finished downloading. Confirm that you want to run it. Follow the instructions given to continue, and leave all settings at their defaults. All necessary services will be installed for OpenVPN to function normally.

Step 3. Download the configuration file from the server

Any server running OpenVPN should provide you with a configuration file. One of the files it includes is a security certificate. Other files contain information about the server. There may be some server configuration files that you need to download if the VPN server offers service from multiple servers.

You can find the configuration file through the Support page of the VPN service you are using. Configuration files may be bundled in a ZIP file.
If you can't find the configuration file, you may still be able to connect your device to the OpenVPN server. See Step 9 on this method.

Step 4. Copy the configuration file into the required directory

Copy the key and configuration files into the C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config directory for OpenVPN. The directory may be located in C:\Program Files (x86)\OpenVPN\config if you can't find it through the previous directory.

Step 5. Right-click on the OpenVPN shortcut, then select "Run as administrator"

You must run OpenVPN using administrator privileges.

Make sure that OpenVPN is disabled before you start at this stage

Step 6. Double click on the OpenVPN icon on your System Tray

You will see a list of available servers based on the configuration file that was copied into OpenVPN's config directory.

Step 7. Select the server you want to use, then click "Connect"

You will be asked to enter a username and password for the server. You should get both information when you sign up for a VPN service.

Step 8. Make sure that you are connected

A notification indicating that you have connected to the VPN server will appear. Internet traffic will go through the VPN server.

Step 9. Connect the device to the VPN without using any configuration files

You may still be able to connect to the server and download the right files.

Start OpenVPN, then enter the IP address or server hostname.
Enter the username and password when prompted.
Select your profile when prompted.
Select "Always" when prompted to accept the certificate.

Method 2 of 5: Mac

Step 1. Download "Tunnelblick"

You need a program known as a "client" in order to connect to the server. The organization that created OpenVPN does not provide a client for mac. Tunnelblick is a free OpenVPN client designed for Mac. You can download it here. Select the "Latest" link to download the Tunnelblick installer.

Step 2. Double click to download the installer program

A new window will open. Double-click on the Tunnelblick.app file and select "Open". Confirm that you want to open the program. Enter your administrator information to install Tunnelblick.

Step 3. Download the VPN configuration file

Every OpenVPN service should have a downloadable configuration file. These files simplify the Tunnelblick installation process. You can download the configuration file through the VPN service provider's Support page.

Step 4. Launch Tunnelblick

Start Tunnelblick after you download the configuration file. You will be prompted to select a new configuration file before the client can start. Click "I have configuration file", then select "OpenVPN Configuration(s)". If the configuration file is specific to Tunnelblick, select "Tunnelblick VPN Configuration(s)".

Select "Open Private Configurations Folder". A finder window will open.
Drag and drop all configuration files into the directory that opens.

Step 5. Click the Tunnelblick icon on the menu bar

Select the server you want to use.

You will be prompted for an administrator password when you try to connect your device to the server for the first time

Step 6. Enter your user information

Enter the username and password provided by the VPN service when prompted. You can choose to save both information in Keychain so you can log in more easily next time.

Step 7. Download the certificate (if prompted)

You may be prompted to download a security certificate when you try to connect your device to the server. You need the certificate in order to connect the device to the server.

Method 3 of 5: Linux

Step 1. Install the OpenVPN client

You need a client to connect to the OpenVPN server. Most versions of Linux can download the OpenVPN client via the repository. The following guide applies to both Ubuntu and Debian versions of Linux. The process for doing so is similar for other versions of Linux as well.

Open Terminal, then type sudo apt-get install openvpn. Enter the administrator password to start the installation

Step 2. Download your VPN service configuration file

Most VPN services provide configuration files for OpenVPN. Configuration files are required for OpenVPN to connect to VPN services. You can find the configuration file through the Support page of the VPN service you are using.

Configuration files are usually bundled in a ZIP archive. Try to extract the files into an easily accessible directory

Step 3. Start OpenVPN from Terminal

Return to Terminal. If the extracted files are in the Home directory, you do not need to change the location. If the file is extracted to a different directory, enter into that directory using Terminal. Enter the following command to start OpenVPN:

openvpn --config configFile.ovpn

Step 4. Enter your user information

You will be asked to enter a VPN username and password. You get this information when you register to use a VPN service. The password will not appear when you type it.

Step 5. Wait until you are connected

You will see Terminal update the connection status. Wait until you see the message "Initialization Sequence Completed", then you are connected.

Method 4 of 5: Android

Step 1. Download the OpenVPN Connect app

The app is the official OpenVPN client for Android. You can download it for free through the Google Play Store. The application does not require root access on the device used.

Step 2. Download the configuration files and certificates for the VPN service you are using

You can find the configuration file on your VPN service's Support page. You will need the File Manager application to open the file and extract it.

Step 3. Tap the downloaded configuration file

Select OpenVPN when you are prompted to select the application to use to open the file.

Step 4. Enter your user information

You need to enter your username and password on the Login screen. Tap the "Save" box for easier login next time.

Step 5. Tap "Connect" to connect the device with the VPN server

The Android device will use the configuration file to connect to the VPN server. You can confirm that the process was successful by checking your public IP address. The IP address used should be the address of the VPN server, not your actual IP.]

Method 5 of 5: iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch

Step 1. Download the OpenVPN Connect app

You can download it for free through the iOS App Store.

Step 2. Download the VPN configuration file using a computer

You will need to email the configuration file on your computer to yourself (email). That way, you can access these files through your iOS device. Download the configuration file from your VPN service's Support page. Don't forget to extract the file first if the file is saved in ZIP or RAR format.

Step 3. Email the configuration file to yourself

Create a new email message on your computer. Include the OpenVPN configuration file as a message attachment. Send the message to yourself so you can open it using your iOS device.