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IPVanish Manual OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for Manual IPVanish Setup

Verify your IPVanish login information

If you are not already an IPVanish user Sign Up Now.

Log in to your account on the IPVanish website.

IPVanish Server Addresses

View a full list of IPVanish servers.

America

Ashburn:
iad-a01.ipvanish.com
through
iad-a78.ipvanish.com

Atlanta:
atl-a01.ipvanish.com
through
atl-a88.ipvanish.com

Boston:
bos-c01.ipvanish.com
through
bos-c27.ipvanish.com

Chicago:
chi-a01.ipvanish.com
through
chi-a58.ivpanish.com

Cleveland:
cle-c01.ipvanish.com
through
cle-c20.ipvanish.com

Dallas:
dal-a01.ipvanish.com
through
dal-a79.ipvanish.com

Denver:
den-c01.ipvanish.com
through
den-c13.ipvanish.com

Jackson:
jan-c01.ipvanish.com
through
jan-c15.ipvanish.com

Las Vegas:
las-c11.ipvanish.com
through
las-c20.ipvanish.com

Los Angeles:
lax-a01.ipvanish.com
through
lax-a60.ipvanish.com

Miami:
mia-a01.ipvanish.com
through
mia-a34.ipvanish.com

Milwaukee:
mke-c01.ipvanish.com
through
mke-c19.ipvanish.com

New York:
nyc-a01.ipvanish.com
through
nyc-a51.ipvanish.com

Phoenix:
phx-a01.ipvanish.com
through
phx-a24.ipvanish.com

Salt Lake City:
slc-c01.ipvanish.com
through
slc-c12.ipvanish.com

San Jose:
sjc-a01.ipvanish.com
through
sjc-a27.ipvanish.com

Seattle:
sea-a01-ipvanish.com
through
sea-a41.ipvanish.com

St. Louis:
stl-c01.ipvanish.com
through
stl-c18.ipvanish.com

United Kingdom

London:
lon-a01.ipvanish.com
through
lon-a69.ipvanish.com

lon-c01.ipvanish.com
through
lon-c58.ipvanish.com

Manchester:
man-c01.ipvanish.com
through
man-c09.ipvanish.com

DD-WRT Router Setup for IPVanish

Navigate to Services > VPN

Enter IPVanish settings

OpenVPN Client

Start OpenVPN Client

If you wish to disable your VPN connection simply set this to Disable at any time and click Apply Settings.

Server IP/Name

Copy and paste the server you would like to connect to from the server list above. Be sure there are no extra spaces or characters.

If you wish to change IPVanish connection locations, THIS IS THE ONLY FIELD YOU NEED TO CHANGE.

Port

443

Tunnel Device

TUN

Tunnel Protocol

UDP

Encryption cipher

AES-256-CBC

Hash Algorithm

SHA256

User Pass Authentication

Enable

Username

Enter the Username you successfully logged in to your IPVanish account with.

Password

Enter the Password you successfully logged in to your IPVanish account with.

Advanced Options

Enable

TLS Cipher

None

LZO Compression

Adaptive

NAT

Enable

Firewall Protection

Enable

Additional Config

persist-key
persist-tun
persist-remote-ip
keysize 256

Policy Based Routing

This field can be used for split VPN and Dual Gateway routing.

CA Cert

-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----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-----END CERTIFICATE-----

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

Leave all settings not mentioned above as their default setting.

Verify a successful IPVanish connection

Navigate to Status > OpenVPN

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED SUCCESS message.
  2. Visit IPVanish’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to IPVanish.

Back up your settings

Navigate to Administration > Backup.

  1. Click the Backup button.
  2. A file named nvrambak.bin will be saved to your computer.
  3. You can load nvrambak.bin to restore your settings in the event of a reset.

How to change the IPVanish server

  1. Copy the new IPVanish server address from the above server list.
  2. Paste the server into the Server IP/Name field.
  3. Click Apply Settings.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

AirVPN Manual OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for Manual AirVPN Setup

Obtain your AirVPN OpenVPN Information

If you are not already a AirVPN user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the AirVPN website.

AIRVPN OpenVPN Client Login for FlashRouter DD-WRT VPN Configuration

2. Click on the Client Area tab.

AIRVPN OpenVPN Client Area for FlashRouter DD-WRT VPN Configuration

3. Click on the Config Generator subtab.

AIRVPN OpenVPN Configuration Generator for FlashRouter DD-WRT VPN Configuration

4. Click on the Router icon under Choose your Operating System.

AIRVPN OpenVPN FlashRouter DD-WRT VPN Configuration

5. Select a Protocol under the Protocols section. We recommend UDP.

Select AIRVPN OpenVPN Encryption Protocol for FlashRouter DD-WRT VPN Configuration

6. Select one option under the Choose Servers section. AirVPN sorts these servers by Planet, Continent, Country, and Single servers. Choose whichever best suits your needs.

Sort AIRVPN OpenVPN Specific Certificates for FlashRouter DD-WRT VPN Configuration

7. Scroll down towards the bottom of the page and click on Generate.

Generate AIRVPN OpenVPN Specific Certificates for FlashRouter DD-WRT VPN Configuration

Open the file that was downloaded with NotePad++ for Windows or TextEdit for Apple. You will be copying the Server IP/Name, client.crt and client.key from this file.

Please note, all VPN servers have different keys and certificates. If you wish to change servers in the future, you will have to go through steps 1-7 again.

DD-WRT Router Setup for AirVPN

Navigate to Services > VPN

Enter AirVPN settings

OpenVPN Client

Start OpenVPN Client

If you wish to disable your VPN connection simply set this to Disable at any time and click Apply Settings.

Server IP/Name

Copy and paste the server you selected in your account. Be sure there are no extra spaces or characters.

Port

443

Tunnel Device

TUN

Tunnel Protocol

UDP or TCP

Encryption cipher

AES-256-CBC

Hash Algorithm

SHA1

User Pass Authentication

Disable

Advanced Options

Enable

TLS Cipher

None

LZO Compression

No

NAT

Enable

Firewall Protection

Enable

nsCertType verification

Checked

Policy Based Routing

This field can be used for split VPN and Dual Gateway routing.

TLS Auth Key

—–BEGIN OpenVPN Static key V1—–
7bb7a23a0f5f28d01e792df68f1764ab
f2688719288808bf58e8a2d4f9354ecf
132625dfb895fc3f6330ae1e868e4dfa
c164c0931593d7f9a7da9595cf353433
8896e1d0a987a0d19838944af8fea4e5
215a3a0c76f4c67d5a4aee6a53be66a4
c88b84f850030840fb30f8550ed8068f
35c1ef34ee8f40a0ea5862dfb6f8d3c5
7ab5e27ac2799cf93e8765ff63cd8cd8
6b391b813925cd373bb202796f64d16f
003d042ca828d1b07f18ba1d0cb0323d
df3ee9287e9e084e655699efb3cffa92
3626946fa372e7beee245e7a95b4c1d8
7d16cae685218d4b8afc019b22e41083
476ee9883fe666d236301e55b2062551
4d91c8a69467a758293994df1e6fa7ae
—–END OpenVPN Static key V1—–

CA Cert

—–BEGIN CERTIFICATE—–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—–END CERTIFICATE—–

Public Client Cert

Copy and paste all contents between <cert> and </cert> make sure to also include the following lines when copying and pasting:
—–BEGIN CERTIFICATE—–
…
—–END CERTIFICATE—–

Private Client Key

Copy and paste all contents between <key> and </key> make sure to also include the following lines when copying and pasting:
—–BEGIN PRIVATE KEY—–
…
—–END PRIVATE KEY—–

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

Leave all settings not mentioned above as their default setting.

Verify a successful AirVPN connection

Navigate to Status > OpenVPN

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED SUCCESS message.
  2. Visit whatismyipaddress.com to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to AirVPN.

Back up your settings

Navigate to Administration > Backup

  1. Click the Backup button.
  2. A file named nvrambak.bin will be saved to your computer.
  3. You can load nvrambak.bin to restore your settings in the event of a reset.

How to change the AirVPN server

  1. Follow the instructions for obtaining the OpenVPN information from above.
  2. Enter the new Server Address in the Server IP/Name field.
  3. Enter the new client.key and private.key
  4. Click Apply Settings.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

IPVanish AsusWRT OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for IPVanish AsusWRT Setup

Download your IPVanish .ovpn file

If you are not already an IPVanish user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the IPVanish website.

IPVanish login

2. Successfully log in with your account information then go to IPVanish .ovpn file page.

3. Click on the .ovpn file for the server location you want to use to dowloand the .ovpn file. Do not open this file.

IPVanish download ovpn

AsusWRT Router Setup for IPVanish

Login to AsusWRT firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the AsusWRT FlashRouter’s network.

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Fusion tab.

Asus VPN Fusion

3. Click Add profile.

Asus Add profile

4. In the Connection Name field enter in the name you’d like to use for this OpenVPN Client profile. We typically advise entering in the location or server number here. Our example server was in New York so I have entered in IPVanish New York.

5. In the VPN Type dropdown select OpenVPN.

6. Click Import .ovpn file and select the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier. Then click Upload.

7. In the Username and Password fields paste in the IPVanish email and password you use to successfully login to your IPVanish website account.

8. Click Apply and Enable at the bottom of the page.

Asus IPVanish profile

If you only want certain devices to connect to the OpenVPN Client profile you are setting up instead of all the devices connected to the FlashRouter’s network click into the profile and disable Apply to all devices. Then click Devices and select the devices that you want to connect to VPN.

Asus VPN devices
Asus VPN select devices

9. At the top of the page set the Service State toggle to ON to activate the VPN connection.

Asus IPVanish Connected

Verify a successful IPVanish connection

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED message.
  2. Visit IPVanish’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to IPVanish.

How to change the IPVanish server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to obtain a new .ovpn file.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Surfshark AsusWRT WireGuard Setup

· ·

Preparing for Surfshark AsusWRT Setup

Copy your Surfshark Private Key

If you are not already a Surfshark user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the Surfshark website.

Surfshark Account Login

2. Click VPN Manual Setup.

Surfshark VPN Manual Setup

3. Select Router as the Setup method.

Surfshark setup method Router

4. Select WireGuard as the Protocol.

Surfshark select WireGuard

5. Select I don’t have a key pair.

Surfshark No Key Pair

6. Enter FlashRouter as the name of the connection and click Next.

Surfshark Connection Name

7. Click Generate a new key pair.

Surfshark Generate new Key Pair

8. A Public Key and Private Key will then appear. Use the copy box to copy the Private Key. You will not need the public key.

Surfshark Private Key

AsusWRT Router Setup for Surfshark

Login to AsusWRT firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the AsusWRT FlashRouter’s network.

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Fusion tab.

Asus VPN Fusion

3. Click Add profile.

Asus Add profile

4. In the Connection Name field enter in Surfshark.

5. In the VPN Type dropdown select Surfshark.

6. In the Region dropdown select the Surfshark location you want to connect to.

7. In the Private Key field paste in the Surfshark Private Key obtained earlier.

8. Click Apply and Enable at the bottom of the page.

Asus Surfshark profile

If you only want certain devices to connect to the Surfshark profile you are setting up instead of all the devices connected to the FlashRouter’s network click into the profile and disable Apply to all devices. Then click Devices and select the devices that you want to connect to VPN.

Asus VPN devices
Asus VPN select devices

9. At the top of the page set the Service State toggle to ON to activate the VPN connection.

Asus Surfshark Connected

Verify a successful Surfshark connection

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED message.
  2. Visit Surfshark’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to Surfshark.

How to change the Surfshark server

  1. Use the profile service state toggle to disconnect the currently connected location.
  2. Then click into the Surfshark profile in the router’s settings.
  3. Then adjust the Region dropdown to a new location.
  4. Click Apply all settings.
  5. Use the profile service state toggle to connect the new location.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

ExpressVPN Asus AX1800S OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for ExpressVPN Asus AX1800S Setup

Obtain your ExpressVPN OpenVPN Information

If you are not already an ExpressVPN user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the ExpressVPN website.

ExpressVPN login page

2. Successfully log in with your account information. Select More.

3. Select Manual Configuration and copy the Username and Password that are displayed on the right hand side of the screen.

ExpressVPN Manual Configuration
ExpressVPN username and password

4. Click the Server Location that you want to connect to. This will download a .ovpn file to your computer that we will use later on. There is no need to open the file. For this example I have selected New York but feel free to select any server listed there.

ExpressVPN Download .ovpn file

Asus AX1800S Router Setup for ExpressVPN

Login to Asus firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the FlashRouter’s network.

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

Asus AX1800S VPN Settings

3. Click Add Profile.

Asus AX1800S VPN Settings

4. Click Choose file and select the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier. Then click Upload.

Asus AX1800S OpenVPN upload

5. In the Description field enter in the name you’d like to use for this OpenVPN Client profile. We typically advise entering in the location or server number here.

6. Enter your ExpressVPN username and password that you obtained earlier in the Username and Password. Note that these are different from your ExpressVPN email login and password.

7. Click the Activate button.

Verify a successful ExpressVPN connection

  1. You should now see a check mark in the Connection Status area.
  2. Visit ExpressVPN’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to ExpressVPN.

How to change the ExpressVPN server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to obtain a new .ovpn file.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.
  3. Be sure to deactivate a previously active connection before activating the new one. You do not want to connect to two at the same time.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

PrivateInternetAccess (PIA) TP-Link OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for PIA TP-Link Setup

Download your PIA .ovpn file

If you are not already a PIA user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the PIA website.

PIA login

2. Successfully log in with your account information then go to PIA’s OpenVPN Config Generator.

3. On the OpenVPN Configuration Generator select the following:

OpenVPN Version: OpenVPN 2.4 or newer

Select Platform: Linux

Select Region: Choose the server location you’d like to connect to

Select Port: Typically we recommend UDP/1198 RSA-2048 AES-128-CBC SHA1 for best speeds but feel free to select the one you want to use.

4. Click Generate to download the .ovpn file. Do not open this file once it is downloaded.

PIA Generate .ovpn file

TP-Link Router Setup for PIA

Login to TP-Link firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the FlashRouter’s network.

1. Navigate to the Advanced tab.

TP-Link Advanced settings

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

TP-Link VPN Client

3. Check the Enable box next to VPN Client. Then click Save at the bottom of the page.

TP-Link VPN Client enable

4. Click the Add button in the Server List area.

TP-Link Add server button

5. In the Description field enter in the name you’d like to use for this OpenVPN Client profile. We typically advise entering in the location. Our example server was New York so I have entered in PIA New York.

Set the VPN Type to OpenVPN.

In the Username and Password fields paste in the PIA username and password you use to successfully login to your PIA website account.

Click Browse and select the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier. Then click Save.

TP-Link PIA

By default no devices will be assigned to the VPN Tunnel. With TP-Link firmware you must manually assign the devices that you want connected to the VPN tunnel. Proceed with the next steps to do so for all devices you want connected to VPN.

6. Click the Add button in the Device List area.

TP-Link add devices to VPN tunnel

7. A list of devices connected to the FlashRouter’s network will appear. Check the devices that you want to connect to VPN. Then click OK.

TP-Link select devices to add to VPN tunnel

8. Now that the devices have been assigned to the VPN connection click the Enable toggle in the Server List area.

TP-Link PIA Connected

Verify a successful PIA connection

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED message.
  2. Visit PIA’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to PIA.

How to change the PIA server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to obtain a new .ovpn file.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

IPVanish TP-Link OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for IPVanish TP-Link Setup

Download your IPVanish .ovpn file

If you are not already an IPVanish user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the IPVanish website.

IPVanish login

2. Successfully log in with your account information then go to IPVanish .ovpn file page.

3. Click on the .ovpn file for the server location you want to use to dowloand the .ovpn file. Do not open this file.

IPVanish download ovpn

TP-Link Router Setup for IPVanish

Login to TP-Link firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the FlashRouter’s network.

1. Navigate to the Advanced tab.

TP-Link Advanced settings

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

TP-Link VPN Client

3. Check the Enable box next to VPN Client. Then click Save at the bottom of the page.

TP-Link VPN Client enable

4. Click the Add button in the Server List area.

TP-Link Add server button

5. In the Description field enter in the name you’d like to use for this OpenVPN Client profile. We typically advise entering in the location. Our example server was New York so I have entered in IPVanish New York.

Set the VPN Type to OpenVPN.

In the Username and Password fields paste in the IPVanish email and password you use to successfully login to your IPVanish website account.

Click Browse and select the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier. Then click Save.

TP-Link IPVanish

By default no devices will be assigned to the VPN Tunnel. With TP-Link firmware you must manually assign the devices that you want connected to the VPN tunnel. Proceed with the next steps to do so for all devices you want connected to VPN.

6. Click the Add button in the Device List area.

TP-Link add devices to VPN tunnel

7. A list of devices connected to the FlashRouter’s network will appear. Check the devices that you want to connect to VPN. Then click OK.

TP-Link select devices to add to VPN tunnel

8. Now that the devices have been assigned to the VPN connection click the Enable toggle in the Server List area.

TP-Link IPVanish Connected

Verify a successful IPVanish connection

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED message.
  2. Visit IPVanish’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to IPVanish.

How to change the IPVanish server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to obtain a new .ovpn file.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Privacy Hero Creating User Profiles and Adding Devices to Profiles

· ·

Your Privacy Hero router uses Cloud Based router management which means you can access the router settings from anywhere on any device that has an internet connection. You can follow these steps while connected to your phone, other Wi-Fi network, or the Privacy Hero network.

The Privacy Hero router allows for User Profile creation. Doing so allows you to group different user’s devices together to customize the following rules:

  • Internet access scheduler (Bedtime settings)
  • Internet Safe Search
  • Youtube Safe Search
  • Block Adult Content

This makes the Privacy Hero a great router option for families and internet addicts.

1. From any device that has a browser such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet visit app.privacyhero.com

App.PrivacyHero.com

2. Enter your Privacy Hero account email and password. Click Login.

Privacy Hero Access Settings

If you have not created your Privacy Hero account yet please follow these instructions.

3. Click the Profiles symbol.

Privacy Hero Profiles

4. Click Create New Profile.

Privacy Hero Create New Profile

5. Set the Profile Name, select the Profile Icon, and click Save.

Privacy Hero Set Profile Name

6. Click the name of the User Profile.

Privacy Hero Select Profile

7. Select Devices.

Privacy Hero Select Devices

8. Select Manage Devices.

Privacy Hero Select Manage Devices

9. If you have not already connected your devices to the Privacy Hero network via wireless or ethernet you can do so now. Refresh the page after connecting a new device and it will appear in the list where you can select Move to “Profile Name” to move the device to the appropriate profile. By default new devices are in the Shared profile.

Privacy Hero Move to User Profile

If your devices were already connected to the Privacy Hero network and you are having issues identifying them I would recommend the following steps:

  1. Click the Devices icon.
  2. Select the device in question.
  3. Click Nerd and note down the IP Address of the device.
  4. Go to the network settings of your device where it will display the local IP Address and match that to the IP Address noted in Privacy Hero.

This is how you can identify a device that is not properly named.

10. Now that your devices are assigned you can set the Bedtime Settings (Internet Scheduler) and Safe Surf settings for your new Profile.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Surfshark TP-Link OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for Surfshark TP-Link Setup

Download your Surfshark .ovpn file

If you are not already a Surfshark user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the Surfshark website.

Surfshark Account Login

2. Click VPN Manual Setup.

Surfshark VPN Manual Setup

3. Select Router as the Setup method.

Surfshark setup method Router

4. Select OpenVPN as the Protocol.

Surfshark OpenVPN Protocol

5. Copy and paste your Surfshark manual username and password to a secure location. This is the username and password you will enter into the router settings to connect to Surfshark.

Surfshark OpenVPN credentials

6. Click Location and select the server location you want to connect to. Unless you need a specific location we recommend using Surfshark’s recommended Fastest server. Click Download to download the UDP .ovpn file for this Surfshark server location.

Surfshark download .ovpn file

TP-Link Router Setup for Surfshark

Login to TP-Link firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the FlashRouter’s network.

1. Navigate to the Advanced tab.

TP-Link Advanced settings

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

TP-Link VPN Client

3. Check the Enable box next to VPN Client. Then click Save at the bottom of the page.

TP-Link VPN Client enable

4. Click the Add button in the Server List area.

TP-Link Add server button

5. In the Description field enter in the name you’d like to use for this OpenVPN Client profile. We typically advise entering in the location. Our example server was New York so I have entered in Surfshark New York.

Set the VPN Type to OpenVPN.

In the Username and Password fields paste in the Surfshark username and password we obtained earlier.

Click Browse and select the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier. Then click Save.

TP-Link Surfshark OpenVPN

By default no devices will be assigned to the VPN Tunnel. With TP-Link firmware you must manually assign the devices that you want connected to the VPN tunnel. Proceed with the next steps to do so for all devices you want connected to VPN.

6. Click the Add button in the Device List area.

TP-Link add devices to VPN tunnel

7. A list of devices connected to the FlashRouter’s network will appear. Check the devices that you want to connect to VPN. Then click OK.

TP-Link select devices to add to VPN tunnel

8. Now that the devices have been assigned to the VPN connection click the Enable toggle in the Server List area.

TP-Link Surfshark OpenVPN connected

Verify a successful Surfshark connection

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED message.
  2. Visit Surfshark’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to Surfshark.

How to change the Surfshark server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to obtain a new .ovpn file.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

PrivateInternetAccess (PIA) AsusWRT OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for PIA AsusWRT Setup

Download your PIA .ovpn file

If you are not already a PIA user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the PIA website.

PIA login

2. Successfully log in with your account information then go to PIA’s OpenVPN Config Generator.

3. On the OpenVPN Configuration Generator select the following:

OpenVPN Version: OpenVPN 2.4 or newer

Select Platform: Linux

Select Region: Choose the server location you’d like to connect to

Select Port: Typically we recommend UDP/1198 RSA-2048 AES-128-CBC SHA1 for best speeds but feel free to select the one you want to use.

4. Click Generate to download the .ovpn file. Do not open this file once it is downloaded.

PIA Generate .ovpn file

AsusWRT Router Setup for PIA

Login to AsusWRT firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the AsusWRT FlashRouter’s network.

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Fusion tab.

Asus VPN Fusion

3. Click Add profile.

Asus Add profile

4. In the Connection Name field enter in the name you’d like to use for this OpenVPN Client profile. We typically advise entering in the location or server number here. Our example server was in New York so I have entered in PIA New York.

5. In the VPN Type dropdown select OpenVPN.

6. Click Import .ovpn file and select the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier. Then click Upload.

7. In the Username and Password fields paste in the PIA username and password you use to successfully login to your PIA website account.

8. Click Apply and Enable at the bottom of the page.

Asus PIA profile

If you only want certain devices to connect to the OpenVPN Client profile you are setting up instead of all the devices connected to the FlashRouter’s network click into the profile and disable Apply to all devices. Then click Devices and select the devices that you want to connect to VPN.

Asus VPN devices
Asus VPN select devices

9. At the top of the page set the Service State toggle to ON to activate the VPN connection.

Asus PIA Connected

Verify a successful PIA connection

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED message.
  2. Visit PIA’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to PIA.

How to change the PIA server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to obtain a new .ovpn file.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

SaferVPN Manual OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for Manual SaferVPN Setup

Verify your SaferVPN login information

If you are not already an SaferVPN user Sign Up Now.

Log in to your account on the SaferVPN website.

FlashRouters Privacy App - SaferVPN Login

SaferVPN Server Addresses

View a full list of SaferVPN servers.

America

East Coast:
us1.safervpn.net

West Coast:
us2.safervpn.net

United Kingdom

uk1.safervpn.net

DD-WRT Router Setup for SaferVPN

Navigate to Services > VPN

Enter SaferVPN settings

OpenVPN Client

Start OpenVPN Client

If you wish to disable your VPN connection simply set this to Disable at any time and click Apply Settings.

Server IP/Name

Copy and paste the server you would like to connect to from the server list above. Be sure there are no extra spaces or characters.

If you wish to change SaferVPN connection locations, THIS IS THE ONLY FIELD YOU NEED TO CHANGE.

Port

1194

Tunnel Device

TUN

Tunnel Protocol

UDP

Encryption cipher

AES-256-CBC

Hash Algorithm

SHA1

User Pass Authentication

Enable

Username

Enter the Username you successfully logged in to your SaferVPN account with.

Password

Enter the Password you successfully logged in to your SaferVPN account with.

Advanced Options

Enable

TLS Cipher

None

LZO Compression

Adaptive

NAT

Enable

Additional Config

persist-key
persist-tun
tun-mtu-extra 32
mssfix 1450

Policy Based Routing

This field can be used for split VPN and Dual Gateway routing.

CA Cert

-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----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-----END CERTIFICATE-----

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

Leave all settings not mentioned above as their default setting.

Verify a successful SaferVPN connection

Navigate to Status > OpenVPN

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED SUCCESS message.
  2. Visit SaferVPN’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to SaferVPN.

Back up your settings

Navigate to Administration > Backup

  1. Click the Backup button.
  2. A file named nvrambak.bin will be saved to your computer.
  3. You can load nvrambak.bin to restore your settings in the event of a reset.

How to change the SaferVPN server

  1. Copy the new SaferVPN server address from the above server list.
  2. Paste the server into the Server IP/Name field.
  3. Click Apply Settings.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Surfshark Manual OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for Manual Surfshark Setup

Obtain your Surfshark OpenVPN information

If you are not already an Surfshark user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the Surfshark website.

2. Successfully log in with your account information and Navigate to the Manual Connection Guide. Here you will find the OpenVPN Specific Username and Password required for manual configuration.

FlashRouters Privacy App - SurfShark OpenVPN Specific Username and Password

Surfshark Server Addresses

View a full list of Surfshark servers.

United States

Atlanta:
us-atl.prod.surfshark.com
Buffalo:
us-buf.prod.surfshark.com
Chicago:
us-chi.prod.surfshark.com
Dallas:
us-dal.prod.surfshark.com
Las Vegas:
us-las.prod.surfshark.com
Los Angeles:
us-lax.prod.surfshark.com
Miami:
us-mia.prod.surfshark.com
New York City:
us-nyc.prod.surfshark.com
Phoenix:
us-phx.prod.surfshark.com
San Fransisco:
us-sfo.prod.surfshark.com
Seattle:
us-sea.prod.surfshark.com

DD-WRT Router Setup for Surfshark

Navigate to Services > VPN

Enter Surfshark settings

OpenVPN Client

Start OpenVPN Client

If you wish to disable your VPN connection simply set this to Disable at any time and click Apply Settings.

Server IP/Name

Copy and paste the server you would like to connect to from the server list above. Be sure there are no extra spaces or characters.

If you wish to change Surfshark connection locations, THIS IS THE ONLY FIELD YOU NEED TO CHANGE.

Port

1194

Tunnel Device

TUN

Tunnel Protocol

UDP

Encryption cipher

None

Hash Algorithm

SHA512

Userpass Authentication

Enable

Username

Enter your OpenVPN specific Username.

Password

Enter your OpenVPN specific Password.

Advanced Options

Enable

TLS Cipher

None

LZO Compression

Disabled

NAT

Enable

Firewall Protection

Enable

TLS Auth Key

-----BEGIN OpenVPN Static key V1-----
b02cb1d7c6fee5d4f89b8de72b51a8d0
c7b282631d6fc19be1df6ebae9e2779e
6d9f097058a31c97f57f0c35526a44ae
09a01d1284b50b954d9246725a1ead1f
f224a102ed9ab3da0152a15525643b2e
ee226c37041dc55539d475183b889a10
e18bb94f079a4a49888da566b9978346
0ece01daaf93548beea6c827d9674897
e7279ff1a19cb092659e8c1860fbad0d
b4ad0ad5732f1af4655dbd66214e552f
04ed8fd0104e1d4bf99c249ac229ce16
9d9ba22068c6c0ab742424760911d463
6aafb4b85f0c952a9ce4275bc821391a
a65fcd0d2394f006e3fba0fd34c4bc4a
b260f4b45dec3285875589c97d3087c9
134d3a3aa2f904512e85aa2dc2202498
-----END OpenVPN Static key V1-----

Additional Config

remote-cert-tls server
remote-random
nobind
tun-mtu 1500
tun-mtu-extra 32
mssfix 1450
persist-key
persist-tun
ping-timer-rem
reneg-sec 0
cipher AES-256-GCM
log /tmp/vpn.log

Policy Based Routing

This field can be used for split VPN and Dual Gateway routing.

CA Cert

-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----
MIIFTTCCAzWgAwIBAgIJAMs9S3fqwv+mMA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBCwUAMD0xCzAJBgNV
BAYTAlZHMRIwEAYDVQQKDAlTdXJmc2hhcmsxGjAYBgNVBAMMEVN1cmZzaGFyayBS
b290IENBMB4XDTE4MDMxNDA4NTkyM1oXDTI4MDMxMTA4NTkyM1owPTELMAkGA1UE
BhMCVkcxEjAQBgNVBAoMCVN1cmZzaGFyazEaMBgGA1UEAwwRU3VyZnNoYXJrIFJv
b3QgQ0EwggIiMA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBAQUAA4ICDwAwggIKAoICAQDEGMNj0aisM63o
SkmVJyZPaYX7aPsZtzsxo6m6p5Wta3MGASoryRsBuRaH6VVa0fwbI1nw5ubyxkua
Na4v3zHVwuSq6F1p8S811+1YP1av+jqDcMyojH0ujZSHIcb/i5LtaHNXBQ3qN48C
c7sqBnTIIFpmb5HthQ/4pW+a82b1guM5dZHsh7q+LKQDIGmvtMtO1+NEnmj81BAp
FayiaD1ggvwDI4x7o/Y3ksfWSCHnqXGyqzSFLh8QuQrTmWUm84YHGFxoI1/8AKdI
yVoB6BjcaMKtKs/pbctk6vkzmYf0XmGovDKPQF6MwUekchLjB5gSBNnptSQ9kNgn
TLqi0OpSwI6ixX52Ksva6UM8P01ZIhWZ6ua/T/tArgODy5JZMW+pQ1A6L0b7egIe
ghpwKnPRG+5CzgO0J5UE6gv000mqbmC3CbiS8xi2xuNgruAyY2hUOoV9/BuBev8t
tE5ZCsJH3YlG6NtbZ9hPc61GiBSx8NJnX5QHyCnfic/X87eST/amZsZCAOJ5v4EP
SaKrItt+HrEFWZQIq4fJmHJNNbYvWzCE08AL+5/6Z+lxb/Bm3dapx2zdit3x2e+m
iGHekuiE8lQWD0rXD4+T+nDRi3X+kyt8Ex/8qRiUfrisrSHFzVMRungIMGdO9O/z
CINFrb7wahm4PqU2f12Z9TRCOTXciQIDAQABo1AwTjAdBgNVHQ4EFgQUYRpbQwyD
ahLMN3F2ony3+UqOYOgwHwYDVR0jBBgwFoAUYRpbQwyDahLMN3F2ony3+UqOYOgw
DAYDVR0TBAUwAwEB/zANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQsFAAOCAgEAn9zV7F/XVnFNZhHFrt0Z
S1Yqz+qM9CojLmiyblMFh0p7t+Hh+VKVgMwrz0LwDH4UsOosXA28eJPmech6/bjf
ymkoXISy/NUSTFpUChGO9RabGGxJsT4dugOw9MPaIVZffny4qYOc/rXDXDSfF2b+
303lLPI43y9qoe0oyZ1vtk/UKG75FkWfFUogGNbpOkuz+et5Y0aIEiyg0yh6/l5Q
5h8+yom0HZnREHhqieGbkaGKLkyu7zQ4D4tRK/mBhd8nv+09GtPEG+D5LPbabFVx
KjBMP4Vp24WuSUOqcGSsURHevawPVBfgmsxf1UCjelaIwngdh6WfNCRXa5QQPQTK
ubQvkvXONCDdhmdXQccnRX1nJWhPYi0onffvjsWUfztRypsKzX4dvM9k7xnIcGSG
EnCC4RCgt1UiZIj7frcCMssbA6vJ9naM0s7JF7N3VKeHJtqe1OCRHMYnWUZt9vrq
X6IoIHlZCoLlv39wFW9QNxelcAOCVbD+19MZ0ZXt7LitjIqe7yF5WxDQN4xru087
FzQ4Hfj7eH1SNLLyKZkA1eecjmRoi/OoqAt7afSnwtQLtMUc2bQDg6rHt5C0e4dC
LqP/9PGZTSJiwmtRHJ/N5qYWIh9ju83APvLm/AGBTR2pXmj9G3KdVOkpIC7L35dI
623cSEC3Q3UZutsEm/UplsM=
-----END CERTIFICATE-----

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

Leave all settings not mentioned above as their default setting.

Verify a successful Surfshark connection

Navigate to Status > OpenVPN

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED SUCCESS message.
  2. Visit WhatIsMyIPAddress to verify your new IP address, virtual location, and status as Protected at the top of the page.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to Surfshark VPN.

Back up your settings

Navigate to Administration > Backup

  1. Click the Backup button.
  2. A file named nvrambak.bin will be saved to your computer.
  3. You can load nvrambak.bin to restore your settings in the event of a reset.

How to change the Surfshark server

  1. Visit the Surfshark Manual setup page and scroll down to Section 3.
  2. Copy and paste one of the server IP Address into the Server IP/Name field.
  3. Click Apply Settings.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

PrivateInternetAccess (PIA) Manual OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for Manual PIA Setup

Verify your PIA login information

If you are not already a PIA user Sign Up Now.

Log in to your account on the PIA website.

FlashRouters Privacy App - PIA Login

PIA Server Addresses

The below servers are the only servers compatible with PIA router connections. Dedicated IP Addresses are not able to connect via routers.

United States

us-california.privacy.network
us-newjersey.privacy.network
us-chicago.privacy.network
us-texas.privacy.network
us-florida.privacy.network
us-seattle.privacy.network
us3.privacy.network
us-siliconvalley.privacy.network
us-newyorkcity.privacy.network
us-washingtondc.privacy.network
us-atlanta.privacy.network
us-houston.privacy.network
us-denver.privacy.network

United Kingdom

uk-london.privacy.network
uk-manchester.privacy.network

Canada

ca-toronto.privacy.network
ca-montreal.privacy.network

Australia

au-sydney.privacy.network
aus-melbourne.privacy.network
aus-perth.privacy.network

Germany

de-berlin.privacy.network
de-frankfurt.privacy.network

Rest of the World

ae.privacy.network
austria.privacy.network
dz.privacy.network
ad.privacy.network
ar.privacy.network
yerevan.privacy.network
bahamas.privacy.network
bangladesh.privacy.network
brussels.privacy.network
sofia.privacy.network
cambodia.privacy.network
china.privacy.network
cyprus.privacy.network
czech.privacy.network
denmark.privacy.network
egypt.privacy.network
fi.privacy.network
france.privacy.network
georgia.privacy.network
greenland.privacy.network
hungary.privacy.network
is.privacy.network
in.privacy.network
iran.privacy.network
ireland.privacy.network
man.privacy.network
israel.privacy.network
italy.privacy.network
japan.privacy.network
kazakhstan.privacy.network
liechtenstein.privacy.network
lu.privacy.network
macau.privacy.network
malta.privacy.network
mexico.privacy.network
md.privacy.network
monaco.privacy.network
mongolia.privacy.network
montenegro.privacy.network
morocco.privacy.network
nl-amsterdam.privacy.network
nz.privacy.network
nigeria.privacy.network
no.privacy.network
panama.privacy.network
philippines.privacy.network
poland.privacy.network
qatar.privacy.network
ro.privacy.network
rs.privacy.network
saudiarabia.privacy.network
spain.privacy.network
srilanka.privacy.network
sweden.privacy.network
swiss.privacy.network
sg.privacy.network
tr.privacy.network
taiwan.privacy.network
ua.privacy.network
venezuela.privacy.network
vietnam.privacy.network
za.privacy.network

DD-WRT Router Setup for PIA

Navigate to Services > VPN

PIA offers two different Encryption levels.
Default Encryption (AES-128) typically provides faster speeds.
Strong Encryption (AES-256) provides stronger encryption.
Follow the table below of the one that fits your needs.

Enter PIA settings (Default Encryption)

OpenVPN Client

Start OpenVPN Client

If you wish to disable your VPN connection simply set this to Disable at any time and click Apply Settings.

Server IP/Name

Copy and paste the server you would like to connect to from the server list above. Be sure there are no extra spaces or characters.

If you wish to change PIA connection locations, THIS IS THE ONLY FIELD YOU NEED TO CHANGE.

Port

1198

Tunnel Device

TUN

Tunnel Protocol

UDP

Encryption cipher

AES-128-CBC

Hash Algorithm

SHA1

First Data Cipher

Not set

Second Data Cipher

Not set

Third Data Cipher

Not set

Userpass Authentication

Enable

Username

Enter the Username you successfully logged in to your PIA account with.

Password

Enter the Password you successfully logged in to your PIA account with.

Advanced Options

Enable

TLS Cipher

None

LZO Compression

Disabled

NAT

Enable

Firewall Protection

Enable

Additional Config

persist-key
persist-tun

Policy Based Routing

This field can be used for split VPN and Dual Gateway routing.

CA Cert

-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----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-----END CERTIFICATE-----

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

Leave all settings not mentioned above as their default setting.

Enter PIA settings (Strong Encryption)

OpenVPN Client

Start OpenVPN Client

If you wish to disable your VPN connection simply set this to Disable at any time and click Apply Settings.

Server IP/Name

Copy and paste the server you would like to connect to from the server list above. Be sure there are no extra spaces or characters.

If you wish to change PIA connection locations, THIS IS THE ONLY FIELD YOU NEED TO CHANGE.

Port

1197

Tunnel Device

TUN

Tunnel Protocol

UDP

Encryption cipher

AES-256-CBC

Hash Algorithm

SHA256

First Data Cipher

Not set

Second Data Cipher

Not set

Third Data Cipher

Not set

Userpass Authentication

Enable

Username

Enter the Username you successfully logged in to your PIA account with.

Password

Enter the Password you successfully logged in to your PIA account with.

Advanced Options

Enable

TLS Cipher

None

LZO Compression

Adaptive

NAT

Enable

Firewall Protection

Enable

Additional Config

persist-key
persist-tun

Policy Based Routing

This field can be used for split VPN and Dual Gateway routing.

CA Cert

-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----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=
-----END CERTIFICATE-----

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

Leave all settings not mentioned above as their default setting.

Verify a successful PIA connection

Navigate to Status > OpenVPN

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED SUCCESS message.
  2. Visit PIA’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to PIA.

Back up your settings

Navigate to Administration > Backup

  1. Click the Backup button.
  2. A file named nvrambak.bin will be saved to your computer.
  3. You can load nvrambak.bin to restore your settings in the event of a reset.

How to change the PIA server

  1. Copy the new PIA server address from the above server list.
  2. Paste the server into the Server IP/Name field.
  3. Click Apply Settings.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

NordVPN Asus AX1800S OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for NordVPN Asus AX1800S Setup

Obtain your NordVPN manual Username and Password

If you are not already an NordVPN user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the NordVPN website.

NordVPN login

2. Click NordVPN on the left hand side and then click Setup NordVPN manually.

NordVPN setup manually

3. Enter in the verification code that was sent to your email.

NordVPN verify code

4. Copy and paste your NordVPN manual username and password to a secure location. This is the username and password you will enter into the router settings to connect to NordVPN.

NordVPN credentials

Download your NordVPN .ovpn file

1. There are two options for obtaining the .ovpn file. The first and recommended is to navigate to NordVPN’s server recommendation page. Click Recommended Server to display the fastest server based on your actual location. You can adjust the country if you don’t want to connect to the recommended country.

Then click Show Available Protocols. Click Download Config next to OpenVPN UDP. This will download the .ovpn file to your computer for this server. Do not open this file.

NordVPN Recommended Server

The second method to obtain a server is for connecting to a specific server number that you know you want to use. This applies to NordVPN Dedicated IP servers if you are signed up for that service. Go to NordVPN’s .ovpn file page. Then search for the server number that you want to use and click Download UDP.

NordVPN Download Specific Server

Asus AX1800S Router Setup for NordVPN

Login to Asus firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the FlashRouter’s network.

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

Asus AX1800S VPN Settings

3. Click Add Profile.

Asus AX1800S VPN Settings

4. Click Choose file and select the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier. Then click Upload.

Asus AX1800S OpenVPN upload

5. In the Description field enter in the name you’d like to use for this OpenVPN Client profile. We typically advise entering in the location or server number here.

6. Enter your NordVPN username and password that you obtained earlier in the Username and Password. Note that these are different from your NordVPN email login and password. Click OK.

7. Click the Activate button.

Verify a successful NordVPN connection

  1. You should now see a check mark in the Connection Status area.
  2. Visit NordVPN’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to NordVPN.

How to change the NordVPN server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to obtain a new .ovpn file.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.
  3. Be sure to deactivate a previously active connection before activating the new one. You do not want to connect to two at the same time.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

IPVanish Asus AX1800S OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for IPVanish Asus AX1800S Setup

Download your IPVanish .ovpn file

If you are not already an IPVanish user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the IPVanish website.

IPVanish login

2. Successfully log in with your account information then go to IPVanish .ovpn file page.

3. Click on the .ovpn file for the server location you want to use to dowloand the .ovpn file. Do not open this file.

IPVanish download ovpn

Asus AX1800S Router Setup for IPVanish

Login to Asus firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the FlashRouter’s network.

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

Asus AX1800S VPN Settings

3. Click Add Profile.

Asus AX1800S VPN Settings

4. Click Choose file and select the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier. Then click Upload.

Asus AX1800S OpenVPN upload

5. In the Description field enter in the name you’d like to use for this OpenVPN Client profile. We typically advise entering in the location or server number here.

6. Enter your IPVanish account email/username and password.

7. Click the Activate button.

Verify a successful IPVanish connection

  1. You should now see a check mark in the Connection Status area.
  2. Visit IPVanish’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to IPVanish.

How to change the IPVanish server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to obtain a new .ovpn file.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.
  3. Be sure to deactivate a previously active connection before activating the new one. You do not want to connect to two at the same time.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

PrivateInternetAccess (PIA) Asus AX1800S OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for PIA Asus AX1800S Setup

Download your PIA .ovpn file

If you are not already a PIA user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the PIA website.

PIA login

2. Successfully log in with your account information then go to PIA’s OpenVPN Config Generator.

3. On the OpenVPN Configuration Generator select the following:

OpenVPN Version: OpenVPN 2.4 or newer

Select Platform: Linux

Select Region: Choose the server location you’d like to connect to

Select Port: Typically we recommend UDP/1198 RSA-2048 AES-128-CBC SHA1 for best speeds but feel free to select the one you want to use.

4. Click Generate to download the .ovpn file. Do not open this file once it is downloaded.

PIA Generate .ovpn file

Asus AX1800S Router Setup for PIA

Login to Asus firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the FlashRouter’s network.

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

Asus AX1800S VPN Settings

3. Click Add Profile.

Asus AX1800S VPN Settings

4. Click Choose file and select the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier. Then click Upload.

Asus AX1800S OpenVPN upload

5. In the Description field enter in the name you’d like to use for this OpenVPN Client profile. We typically advise entering in the location here.

6. Enter your PIA account username and password.

7. Click the Activate button.

Verify a successful PIA connection

  1. You should now see a check mark in the Connection Status area.
  2. Visit PIA’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to PIA.

How to change the PIA server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to obtain a new .ovpn file.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.
  3. Be sure to deactivate a previously active connection before activating the new one. You do not want to connect to two at the same time.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

ExpressVPN Cudy OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for ExpressVPN Cudy Setup

Obtain your ExpressVPN OpenVPN Information

If you are not already an ExpressVPN user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the ExpressVPN website.

ExpressVPN login page

2. Successfully log in with your account information. Select More.

3. Select Manual Configuration and copy the Username and Password that are displayed on the right hand side of the screen.

ExpressVPN Manual Configuration
ExpressVPN username and password

4. Click the Server Location that you want to connect to. This will download a .ovpn file to your computer that we will use later on. There is no need to open the file. For this example I have selected New York but feel free to select any server listed there.

ExpressVPN Download .ovpn file

Cudy Router Setup for ExpressVPN

Login to Cudy firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the Cudy FlashRouter’s network.

1. Click General Settings.

Cudy General Settings

2. Click VPN.

Cudy VPN Tab

3. Toggle the Enable switch to On.

Cudy enable VPN

4. Select OpenVPN Client from the Protocol dropdown.

Cudy select OpenVPN Client

5. Click Browse and select the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier. You should see the server file name listed next to Current Config File after doing so.

Cudy OpenVPN Browse button

6. Enter your ExpressVPN username and password that you obtained earlier in the Username and Password. Note that these are different from your ExpressVPN email login and password.

Cudy ExpressVPN enter username and password

7. Click Save & Apply at the bottom of the page.

Verify a successful ExpressVPN connection

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED message.
  2. Visit ExpressVPN’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to ExpressVPN.

How to change the ExpressVPN server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to obtain a new .ovpn file.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Privacy Hero Activation and Setup

· ·

Follow this article when you receive your new Privacy Hero router to create your Privacy Hero account, connect your Privacy Hero to the Internet, and customize your network so it is ready to use.

Your Privacy Hero router uses Cloud Based router management which means you can access the router settings from anywhere on any device that has an internet connection. You can follow these steps while connected to your phone or your other Wi-Fi network.

Create your Privacy Hero account

1. From any device that has a browser such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet visit app.privacyhero.com

App.PrivacyHero.com

2. Select Create Account.

Privacy Hero create Account

3. Enter the Email address you want to set for your Privacy Hero account. This will be your login to the Privacy Hero settings moving forward. Click Create Account.

Privacy Hero Enter account email

4. Go to your Email inbox and check for an email from Privacy Hero and click the Confirm email address link. This email may be in your Promotions or Spam inbox if it is not appearing in your main inbox.

Privacy Hero Confirm Email

5. Enter the password that you want to use for your Privacy Hero account. Be sure to note this in a secure location so you do not forget. Click Submit.

Privacy Hero create password

6. You have now created your Privacy Hero account. You will use this login to access the Privacy Hero router settings.

Activate your Privacy Hero Internet and setup Wi-Fi

1. You will then be taken to the Router Activation steps. Connect the ethernet cable that the Privacy Hero came with from an open Ethernet port on your ISP modem or other router to the WAN/Internet (blue) port of the Privacy Hero.

Then power the Privacy Hero device on by connecting the power supply. This is shown in the video on the page as well. Wait about a minute or so for the Privacy Hero router to fully boot up and then click I’m Connected.

Wire Up Privacy Hero

2. The next page may say Router Found or ask you to enter the Activation Code. If it asks for the Activation Code that will be the code printed on the bottom of the Privacy Hero. Enter this code and click Next.

Privacy Hero Router Found

3. Set the Wi-Fi name and password for connecting your devices to the Privacy Hero network. Make sure it is not a duplicate name of an existing Wi-Fi network. Click Next.

Privacy Hero Set wifi name and password

4. To activate your 1 Year NordVPN code:

Click on Claim NordVPN 1 Year Code Now

NordVPN Claim Code

Go to the Account section of your router settings.

Copy the NordVPN code shown under Claim NordVPN 1 Year Code.

PH Nord Code

Go to the NordVPN activation page.

This code can be used with a new or existing NordVPN account.

NordVPN Activate Page

5. You are now all set to begin joining your devices to the new Privacy Hero network with the Wi-Fi name and password you entered and setting up some of the Privacy Hero features.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Windscribe Manual OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for Manual Windscribe Setup

Verify your Windscribe login information

If you are not already an Windscribe user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the Windscribe website.

2. Click on the Download link at the top of the page.

3. Scroll down to the Config Generators section and Click on the OpenVPN link.

Windscribe Website - Generate OpenVPN Configuration Files

4. Click on Get Credentials and copy the Username and Password. This information will be used later on in the configuration.

Windscribe Website OpenVPN Specific Username and Password

Windscribe Server Addresses

United States

US East:
us-east.windscribe.com
US West:
us-west.windscribe.com
US Windflix:
wf-us.windscribe.com

Canada

Canada:
ca.windscribe.com
Canada West:
ca-west.windscribe.com

Additional Servers

Australia:
au.windscribe.com
Austria:
at.windscribe.com
Belgium:
be.windscribe.com
Brazil:
br.windscribe.com
Bulgaria:
bg.windscribe.com
Czech Republic:
cz.windscribe.com
Denmark:
dk.windscribe.com
Egypt:
eg.windscribe.com
Finland:
fi.windscribe.com
France:
fr.windscribe.com
Germany:
de.windscribe.com
Hong Kong:
hk.windscribe.com
Hungary:
hu.windscribe.com
India:
in.windscribe.com
Ireland:
ie.windscribe.com
Italy:
it.windscribe.com
Japan:
jp.windscribe.com
Latvia:
lv.windscribe.com
Luxemburg:
lu.windscribe.com
Malaysia:
my.windscribe.com
Mexico:
mx.windscribe.com
Netherlands:
nl.windscribe.com
Norway:
no.windscribe.com
Poland:
pl.windscribe.com
Romania:
ro.windscribe.com
Russia:
ru.windscribe.com
Singapore:
ch.windscribe.com
South Africa:
za.windscribe.com
South Korea:
kr.windscribe.com
Spain:
es.windscribe.com
Sweden:
se.windscribe.com
Switzerland:
ch.windscribe.com
Taiwan:
tw.windscribe.com
Turkey:
tr.windscribe.com
Ukraine:
ua.windscribe.com
United Kingdom:
uk.windscribe.com

DD-WRT Router Setup for Windscribe

Navigate to Services > VPN

Enter Windscribe settings

OpenVPN Client

Start OpenVPN Client

If you wish to disable your VPN connection simply set this to Disable at any time and click Apply Settings.

Server IP/Name

Copy and Paste the server you would like to connect to from the server list above. Be sure there are no extra spaces or characters.

If you wish to change Windscribe connection locations, THIS IS THE ONLY FIELD YOU NEED TO CHANGE.

Port

443

Tunnel Device

TUN

Tunnel Protocol

UDP

Encryption cipher

AES-256-CBC

Hash Algorithm

SHA512

User Pass Authentication

Enable

Username

Enter your OpenVPN specific Username.

Password

Enter your OpenVPN specific Password.

Advanced Options

Enable

TLS Cipher

None

LZO Compression

Adaptive

NAT

Enable

Firewall Protection

Enable

TLS Auth Key

-----BEGIN OpenVPN Static key V1-----
5801926a57ac2ce27e3dfd1dd6ef8204
2d82bd4f3f0021296f57734f6f1ea714
a6623845541c4b0c3dea0a050fe6746c
b66dfab14cda27e5ae09d7c155aa554f
399fa4a863f0e8c1af787e5c602a801d
3a2ec41e395a978d56729457fe6102d7
d9e9119aa83643210b33c678f9d4109e
3154ac9c759e490cb309b319cf708cae
83ddadc3060a7a26564d1a24411cd552
fe6620ea16b755697a4fc5e6e9d0cfc0
c5c4a1874685429046a424c026db672e
4c2c492898052ba59128d46200b40f88
0027a8b6610a4d559bdc9346d33a0a6b
08e75c7fd43192b162bfd0aef0c716b3
1584827693f676f9a5047123466f0654
eade34972586b31c6ce7e395f4b478cb
-----END OpenVPN Static key V1-----

Additional Config

tun-mtu-extra 32
mssfix 1450
persist-key
persist-tun

Policy Based Routing

This field can be used for split VPN and Dual Gateway routing.

CA Cert

-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----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-----END CERTIFICATE-----

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

Leave all settings not mentioned above as their default setting.

Verify a successful VPN connection

Navigate to Status > OpenVPN

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED SUCCESS message.
  2. Visit WhatIsMyIPAddress to verify your new IP address, virtual location, and status as Protected at the top of the page.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to Windscribe VPN.

Back up your settings

Navigate to Administration > Backup

  1. Click the Backup button.
  2. A file named nvrambak.bin will be saved to your computer.
  3. You can load nvrambak.bin to restore your settings in the event of a reset.

How to change the Windscribe server

  1. Copy and paste the server IP Address from the server list above into the Server IP/Name field.
  2. Click Apply Settings.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

NordVPN Merlin OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for NordVPN Merlin Setup

Obtain your NordVPN manual Username and Password

If you are not already an NordVPN user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the NordVPN website.

NordVPN login

2. Click NordVPN on the left hand side and then click Setup NordVPN manually.

NordVPN setup manually

3. Enter in the verification code that was sent to your email.

NordVPN verify code

4. Copy and paste your NordVPN manual username and password to a secure location. This is the username and password you will enter into the router settings to connect to NordVPN.

NordVPN credentials

Download your NordVPN .ovpn file

1. There are two options for obtaining the .ovpn file. The first and recommended is to navigate to NordVPN’s server recommendation page. Click Recommended Server to display the fastest server based on your actual location. You can adjust the country if you don’t want to connect to the recommended country.

Then click Show Available Protocols. Click Download Config next to OpenVPN UDP. This will download the .ovpn file to your computer for this server. Do not open this file.

NordVPN Recommended Server

The second method to obtain a server is for connecting to a specific server number that you know you want to use. This applies to NordVPN Dedicated IP servers if you are signed up for that service. Go to NordVPN’s .ovpn file page. Then search for the server number that you want to use and click Download UDP.

NordVPN Download Specific Server

Merlin Router Setup for NordVPN

Login to Asus Merlin firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the Merlin FlashRouter’s network.

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

Merlin VPN Client Tab

3. Click Choose file and select the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier. Then click Upload.

Merlin Choose File Upload

4. Set Automatic Start at boot time to Yes if you want the VPN connection to begin automatically when the router is powered off and back on.

Merlin Automatic Start at boot time

5. In the Description field enter in the name you’d like to use for this OpenVPN Client profile. We typically advise entering in the location or server number here. Our example server was in us5835.nordvpn.com so I have entered in NordVPN us5835.

Merlin NordVPN Description

6. Set Accept DNS Configuration to Strict. Set Redirect Internet traffic through tunnel to Yes (all). Set Kill Switch to Yes or No depending on if you want the Internet to be killed if the VPN connection drops.

Merlin Accept DNS configuration Redirect Internet and Kill Switch

If you only want certain devices to connect to the OpenVPN Client profile you are setting up instead of all the devices connected to the FlashRouter’s network please set the Redirect Internet traffic through tunnel to VPN Director. Then complete the instructions on this page and then view our VPN Director guide.

7. Enter your NordVPN username and password that you obtained earlier in the Username and Password. Note that these are different from your NordVPN email login and password.

Merlin VPN Username and Password

8. Click Apply at the bottom of the page.

9. At the top of the page set the Service State toggle to ON to activate the VPN connection.

Merlin Service State All Providers

Verify a successful NordVPN connection

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED message.
  2. Visit NordVPN’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to NordVPN.

How to change the NordVPN server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to obtain a new .ovpn file.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

PrivateInternetAccess (PIA) Merlin OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for PIA Merlin Setup

Download your PIA .ovpn file

If you are not already a PIA user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the PIA website.

PIA login

2. Successfully log in with your account information then go to PIA’s OpenVPN Config Generator.

3. On the OpenVPN Configuration Generator select the following:

OpenVPN Version: OpenVPN 2.4 or newer

Select Platform: Linux

Select Region: Choose the server location you’d like to connect to

Select Port: Typically we recommend UDP/1198 RSA-2048 AES-128-CBC SHA1 for best speeds but feel free to select the one you want to use.

4. Click Generate to download the .ovpn file. Do not open this file once it is downloaded.

PIA Generate .ovpn file

Merlin Router Setup for PIA

Login to Asus Merlin firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the Merlin FlashRouter’s network.

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

Merlin VPN Client Tab

3. Click Choose file and select the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier. Then click Upload.

Merlin Choose File Upload

4. Set Automatic Start at boot time to Yes if you want the VPN connection to begin automatically when the router is powered off and back on.

Merlin Automatic Start at boot time

5. In the Description field enter in the name you’d like to use for this OpenVPN Client profile. We typically advise entering in the location here. Our example server was in US East Streaming so I have entered in PIA US East Streaming.

PIA Description

6. Set Accept DNS Configuration to Strict. Set Redirect Internet traffic through tunnel to Yes (all). Set Kill Switch to Yes or No depending on if you want the Internet to be killed if the VPN connection drops.

Merlin Accept DNS configuration Redirect Internet and Kill Switch

If you only want certain devices to connect to the OpenVPN Client profile you are setting up instead of all the devices connected to the FlashRouter’s network please set the Redirect Internet traffic through tunnel to VPN Director. Then complete the instructions on this page and then view our VPN Director guide.

7. Enter your PIA account username and password.

Merlin VPN Username and Password

8. Click Apply at the bottom of the page.

9. At the top of the page set the Service State toggle to ON to activate the VPN connection.

Merlin Service State All Providers

Verify a successful PIA connection

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED message.
  2. Visit PIA’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to PIA.

How to change the PIA server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to obtain a new .ovpn file.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

IPVanish Merlin OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for IPVanish Merlin Setup

Download your IPVanish .ovpn file

If you are not already an IPVanish user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the IPVanish website.

IPVanish login

2. Successfully log in with your account information then go to IPVanish .ovpn file page.

3. Click on the .ovpn file for the server location you want to use to dowloand the .ovpn file. Do not open this file.

IPVanish download ovpn

Merlin Router Setup for IPVanish

Login to Asus Merlin firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the Merlin FlashRouter’s network.

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

Merlin VPN Client Tab

3. Click Choose file and select the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier. Then click Upload.

Merlin Choose File Upload

4. Set Automatic Start at boot time to Yes if you want the VPN connection to begin automatically when the router is powered off and back on.

Merlin Automatic Start at boot time

5. In the Description field enter in the name you’d like to use for this OpenVPN Client profile. We typically advise entering in the location here. Our example server was in nyc-a50 so I have entered in IPVanish a-50.

IPVanish Description

6. Set Accept DNS Configuration to Strict. Set Redirect Internet traffic through tunnel to Yes (all). Set Kill Switch to Yes or No depending on if you want the Internet to be killed if the VPN connection drops.

Merlin Accept DNS configuration Redirect Internet and Kill Switch

If you only want certain devices to connect to the OpenVPN Client profile you are setting up instead of all the devices connected to the FlashRouter’s network please set the Redirect Internet traffic through tunnel to VPN Director. Then complete the instructions on this page and then view our VPN Director guide.

7. Enter your IPVanish account email/username and password.

Merlin VPN Username and Password

8. Click Apply at the bottom of the page.

9. At the top of the page set the Service State toggle to ON to activate the VPN connection.

Merlin Service State All Providers

Verify a successful IPVanish connection

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED message.
  2. Visit IPVanish’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to IPVanish.

How to change the IPVanish server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to obtain a new .ovpn file.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

NordVPN Cudy OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for NordVPN Cudy Setup

Obtain your NordVPN manual Username and Password

If you are not already an NordVPN user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the NordVPN website.

NordVPN login

2. Click NordVPN on the left hand side and then click Setup NordVPN manually.

NordVPN setup manually

3. Enter in the verification code that was sent to your email.

NordVPN verify code

4. Copy and paste your NordVPN manual username and password to a secure location. This is the username and password you will enter into the router settings to connect to NordVPN.

NordVPN credentials

Download your NordVPN .ovpn file

1. There are two options for obtaining the .ovpn file. The first and recommended is to navigate to NordVPN’s server recommendation page. Click Recommended Server to display the fastest server based on your actual location. You can adjust the country if you don’t want to connect to the recommended country.

Then click Show Available Protocols. Click Download Config next to OpenVPN UDP. This will download the .ovpn file to your computer for this server. Do not open this file.

NordVPN Recommended Server

The second method to obtain a server is for connecting to a specific server number that you know you want to use. This applies to NordVPN Dedicated IP servers if you are signed up for that service. Go to NordVPN’s .ovpn file page. Then search for the server number that you want to use and click Download UDP.

NordVPN Download Specific Server

Cudy Router Setup for NordVPN

Login to Cudy firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the Cudy FlashRouter’s network.

1. Click General Settings.

Cudy General Settings

2. Click VPN.

Cudy VPN Tab

3. Toggle the Enable switch to On.

Cudy enable VPN

4. Select OpenVPN Client from the Protocol dropdown.

Cudy select OpenVPN Client

5. Click Browse and select the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier. You should see the server file name listed next to Current Config File after doing so.

Cudy OpenVPN Browse button

6. Enter your NordVPN username and password that you obtained earlier in the Username and Password. Note that these are different from your NordVPN email login and password.

Cudy NordVPN enter username and password

7. Click Save & Apply at the bottom of the page.

Verify a successful NordVPN connection

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED message.
  2. Visit NordVPN’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to NordVPN.

How to change the NordVPN server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to obtain a new .ovpn file.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

IPVanish Cudy OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for IPVanish Cudy Setup

Download your IPVanish .ovpn file

If you are not already an IPVanish user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the IPVanish website.

IPVanish login

2. Successfully log in with your account information then go to IPVanish .ovpn file page.

3. Click on the .ovpn file for the server location you want to use to dowloand the .ovpn file. Do not open this file.

IPVanish download ovpn

Cudy Router Setup for IPVanish

Login to Cudy firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the Cudy FlashRouter’s network.

1. Click General Settings.

Cudy General Settings

2. Click VPN.

Cudy VPN Tab

3. Toggle the Enable switch to On.

Cudy enable VPN

4. Select OpenVPN Client from the Protocol dropdown.

Cudy select OpenVPN Client

5. Click Browse and select the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier. You should see the server file name listed next to Current Config File after doing so.

Cudy OpenVPN Browse button

6. Enter your IPVanish account login email and password that you obtained earlier in the Username and Password.

Cudy IPVanish enter username and password

7. Click Save & Apply at the bottom of the page.

Verify a successful IPVanish connection

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED message.
  2. Visit IPVanish’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to IPVanish.

How to change the IPVanish server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to obtain a new .ovpn file.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

PrivateInternetAccess (PIA) Cudy OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for PIA Cudy Setup

Download your PIA .ovpn file

If you are not already a PIA user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the PIA website.

PIA login

2. Successfully log in with your account information then go to PIA’s OpenVPN Config Generator.

3. On the OpenVPN Configuration Generator select the following:

OpenVPN Version: OpenVPN 2.4 or newer

Select Platform: Linux

Select Region: Choose the server location you’d like to connect to

Select Port: Typically we recommend UDP/1198 RSA-2048 AES-128-CBC SHA1 for best speeds but feel free to select the one you want to use.

4. Click Generate to download the .ovpn file. Do not open this file once it is downloaded.

PIA Generate .ovpn file

Cudy Router Setup for PIA

Login to Cudy firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the Cudy FlashRouter’s network.

1. Click General Settings.

Cudy General Settings

2. Click VPN.

Cudy VPN Tab

3. Toggle the Enable switch to On.

Cudy enable VPN

4. Select OpenVPN Client from the Protocol dropdown.

Cudy select OpenVPN Client

5. Click Browse and select the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier. You should see the server file name listed next to Current Config File after doing so.

Cudy OpenVPN Browse button

6. Enter your PIA account login username and password in the Username and Password.

Cudy PIA enter username and password

7. Click Save & Apply at the bottom of the page.

Verify a successful PIA connection

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED message.
  2. Visit PIA’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to PIA.

How to change the PIA server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to obtain a new .ovpn file.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

NordVPN TP-Link OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for NordVPN TP-Link Setup

Obtain your NordVPN manual Username and Password

If you are not already an NordVPN user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the NordVPN website.

NordVPN login

2. Click NordVPN on the left hand side and then click Setup NordVPN manually.

NordVPN setup manually

3. Enter in the verification code that was sent to your email.

NordVPN verify code

4. Copy and paste your NordVPN manual username and password to a secure location. This is the username and password you will enter into the router settings to connect to NordVPN.

NordVPN credentials

Download your NordVPN .ovpn file

1. There are two options for obtaining the .ovpn file. The first and recommended is to navigate to NordVPN’s server recommendation page. Click Recommended Server to display the fastest server based on your actual location. You can adjust the country if you don’t want to connect to the recommended country.

Then click Show Available Protocols. Click Download Config next to OpenVPN UDP. This will download the .ovpn file to your computer for this server. Do not open this file.

NordVPN Recommended Server

The second method to obtain a server is for connecting to a specific server number that you know you want to use. This applies to NordVPN Dedicated IP servers if you are signed up for that service. Go to NordVPN’s .ovpn file page. Then search for the server number that you want to use and click Download UDP.

NordVPN Download Specific Server

TP-Link Router Setup for NordVPN

Login to TP-Link firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the FlashRouter’s network.

1. Navigate to the Advanced tab.

TP-Link Advanced settings

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

TP-Link VPN Client

3. Check the Enable box next to VPN Client. Then click Save at the bottom of the page.

TP-Link VPN Client enable

4. Click the Add button in the Server List area.

TP-Link Add server button

5. In the Description field enter in the name you’d like to use for this OpenVPN Client profile. We typically advise entering in the location or server number here. Our example server was us6821 so I have entered in NordVPN us6821.

Set the VPN Type to OpenVPN.

In the Username and Password fields paste in the NordVPN username and password we obtained earlier.

Click Browse and select the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier. Then click Save.

TP-Link NordVPN

By default no devices will be assigned to the VPN Tunnel. With TP-Link firmware you must manually assign the devices that you want connected to the VPN tunnel. Proceed with the next steps to do so for all devices you want connected to VPN.

6. Click the Add button in the Device List area.

TP-Link add devices to VPN tunnel

7. A list of devices connected to the FlashRouter’s network will appear. Check the devices that you want to connect to VPN. Then click OK.

TP-Link select devices to add to VPN tunnel

8. Now that the devices have been assigned to the VPN connection click the Enable toggle in the Server List area.

TP-Link NordVPN connected

Verify a successful NordVPN connection

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED message.
  2. Visit NordVPN’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

In some cases you may notice that the location is not showing the same location as the server you have input in your router settings; this is because geo tracking tools are often tricked by VPN connections. As long as you see an IP address that is not the same as your normal Internet IP address then you are indeed connected to NordVPN.

How to change the NordVPN server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to obtain a new .ovpn file.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Roqos Core Internet Setup and Activation

· ·

Follow this article when you receive your new Roqos Core router to create your Roqos account, connect your Roqos to the Internet, and customize your network so it is ready to use.

Create your Roqos account

1. From any device that has a browser such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet visit login.roqos.com

Roqos Login URL

2. Select Create Account.

Roqos Create Account

3. Enter the Email address and password you want to set for your Roqos account. This will be your login to the Roqos settings moving forward. Click Next.

Roqos Enter Email

4. Enter the name and phone number you want associated with your Roqos. Click Next.

Roqos Enter Name and Number

5. Enter the address where your Roqos is located. This section may require a CAPTCHA to be completed to authenticate you are human. Click Create Account.

Roqos Enter Address

6. You have now created your Roqos account. In a new tab proceed to open the email from Roqos and click the Activate account button.

Roqos email activation

Activate your Roqos Internet

1. From the Account created page click Next to begin the Internet Setup of the Roqos.

Roqos Account Created

2. Select the Roqos model Teal RC10-P. Click Next.

Roqos Model

3. Connect the ethernet cable that came with your Roqos from the port labeled INTERNET on the back of your Roqos to an open ethernet port on your ISP Modem or other router in your network.

Roqos Wiring

4. Then connect the power adapter that came with the Roqos to the back of the Roqos. Wait for the light on the Roqos to begin blinking blue. Once your see the blinking blue lights on the Roqos click Next.

Roqos Power On

If your Roqos lights does not begin blinking blue after a long while please see the steps in this article and contact us.

5. Enter in the Roqos serial number found on the bottom of the device exactly as it appears there. Click Next.

Roqos Activation Code

Setup your Roqos Network

1. Enter in a name that you would like to call the Roqos. This is just the Roqo’s device name and it is not the WiFi network name. Click Next.

Roqos Device Name

2. Select the Time Zone of your actual location from the dropdown. Click Next.

Roqos Time Zone

3. Set the WiFi name and password for the Roqos. The WiFi name should be unique and not a duplicate of an existing wireless network. This will be the name that appears in your wireless devices available network list and the password to join the devices to the network. Click Next.

Roqos Set WiFi Name and Password

4. Select the custom alert settings as you best see fit using the toggle switches. We typically recommend having the first two toggles selected for Email Alerts and Consolidate Security Alerts. Click Next.

Begin connecting your devices to the Roqos network

You are now done setting up your Roqos to connect to the Internet and can begin joining your wireless devices to the Roqos network and exploring the Roqos Core Features.

Roqos Setup Done

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

SmartDNSProxy SmartDNS Setup

· ·

SmartDNSProxy offers a SmartDNS service for unblocking geo-restricted content without the encryption of a VPN service. SmartDNS routes DNS servers to different regions which “tricks” the website to allow access to previously restricted content.

SmartDNS does not change your IP Address or provide the encryption that a VPN connection does. This can result in faster speeds and unblocked content.

SmartDNS and VPN should not be configured at the same time. When using a SmartDNS connection, make sure to disable your VPN connection on the FlashRouter.

Register your IP Address

If you are not already a SmartDNSProxy user Sign Up Now.

Click on Sign Up and fill in the requested information.

SmartDNSProxy SmartDNS Account Sign Up For DD-WRT FlashRouter

Access the e-mail you entered and Verify your new account.

SmartDNSProxy SmartDNS Activate DNS for DD-WRT FlashRouter

Your account will now be verified.

Activate SmartDNSProxy SmartDNS Service and Subscription

Login to SmartDNSProxy

SmartDNSProxy Server Location Addresses for FlashRouter DD-WRT Settings

Visit SmartDNSProxy’s DNS servers list and note the DNS servers of the location you would like to access content from.

Enter SmartDNSProxy SmartDNS servers on your FlashRouter

Navigate to Setup > Basic Setup

  1. Scroll down to Network Address Server Settings (DHCP).
  2. Enter in any combination of SmartDNSProxy SmartDNS servers you noted into Static DNS fields 1 and 2.
  3. Click Apply Settings at the bottom of the page.
  4. Reboot the FlashRouter.

Once the router is fully booted back up, you can access your desired regional content on any device that connects to the FlashRouter’s network.

Privacy Hero VPN Setup Guide for Privacy Hero

· ·

Your Privacy Hero router uses Cloud Based router management which means you can access the router settings from anywhere on any device that has an internet connection. You can follow these steps while connected to your phone, other Wi-Fi network, or the Privacy Hero network.

Use these steps to connect to Privacy Hero’s own WireGuard VPN servers. You will automatically be connected to the ideal USA or Canada server based on your location.

1. From any device that has a browser such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet visit app.privacyhero.com

App.PrivacyHero.com

2. Enter your Privacy Hero account email and password. Click Login.

Privacy Hero Access Settings

If you have not created your Privacy Hero account yet please follow these instructions.

3. Click the VPN symbol.

Privacy Hero Setup VPN

4. Set the VPN toggle to On.

Privacy Hero Enable VPN

5. Connect to the Privacy Hero’s via wireless or ethernet connection on your device and visit What is my IP Address from a private/incognito browser to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

Privacy Hero’s cloud based router settings access makes it so you can change settings while not connected to the Privacy Hero network so if your IP Address has not changed be sure to double check that you are indeed connected to the Privacy Hero network on the device you are checking your IP from.

Keep in mind that the VPN connection will not change the location of the streaming services listed in the Streaming Relocation area of the Privacy Hero settings.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

CyberGhost Merlin OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for CyberGhost Setup

Obtain your CyberGhost OpenVPN information

If you are not already a CyberGhost user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the CyberGhost website.

CyberGhost Website Login

2. Select VPN.

CyberGhost VPN

3. Click Configure New Device.

CyberGhost Configure Device

4. Set Protocol to OpenVPN. Select the Country you would like to connect to. Select the Server Group. Name the device in the Device Name field. Click Save Configuration.

CyberGhost protocol and location

5. Press View configuration.

CyberGhost view configuration

6. Copy the Username, and Password that appear to a notepad, since you will need this information later in the setup process. Click Download Configuration.

CyberGhost Website OpenVPN Configuration Files Generator 1

Open the folder that was downloaded. Then open the ca.crt the client.crt, and client.key files with NotePad++ for Windows or TextEdit for Apple. All CyberGhost servers have different keys and certificates.

Merlin Router Setup for CyberGhost

Login to Asus Merlin firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the Merlin FlashRouter’s network.

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

Merlin VPN Client Tab

3. Click Choose file and select the .ovpn file from the folder you downloaded earlier. Then click Upload.

Merlin Choose File Upload

4. Set Automatic Start at boot time to Yes if you want the VPN connection to begin automatically when the router is powered off and back on.

Merlin Automatic Start at boot time

5. In the Description field enter in the name you’d like to use for this OpenVPN Client profile. We typically advise entering in the location here. Our example server was in USA so I have entered in CyberGhost USA.

Merlin CyberGhost Description field

6. Set Accept DNS Configuration to Strict. Set Redirect Internet traffic through tunnel to Yes (all). Set Kill Switch to Yes or No depending on if you want the Internet to be killed if the VPN connection drops.

Merlin Accept DNS configuration Redirect Internet and Kill Switch

If you only want certain devices to connect to the OpenVPN Client profile you are setting up instead of all the devices connected to the FlashRouter’s network please set the Redirect Internet traffic through tunnel to VPN Director. Then complete the instructions on this page and then view our VPN Director guide.

7. Enter your CyberGhost OpenVPN username and password that you obtained earlier. Do not enter your account login.

Merlin VPN Username and Password

8. Click the Edit button in the Keys and Certificates area.

Merlin Keys and Certificates Edit button

9. In the Certificate Authority field paste in the entire content of the ca.crt file.

—– BEGIN xxx —– / —– END xxx —– block (including those two lines).

Merlin Certificate Authority

10. In the Client Certificate field paste in the entire content of the client.crt file.

—– BEGIN xxx —– / —– END xxx —– block (including those two lines).

Merlin Client Certificate

11. In the Client Key field paste in the entire content of the client.key file.

—– BEGIN xxx —– / —– END xxx —– block (including those two lines).

Merlin Client Key

12. Click Save at the bottom of that window.

13. Click Apply at the bottom of the page.

14. At the top of the page set the Service State toggle to ON to activate the VPN connection.

Merlin Service State All Providers

Verify a successful CyberGhost connection

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED message.
  2. Visit What is my IP Address from a private/incognito browser to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the FR Privacy App Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here