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Warranty and Returns FAQs

admin · Jan 29, 2019 ·

Warranty and Returns FAQs

At FlashRouters, we are confident that every router sold will function as advertised. We open, inspect, upgrade, configure, and then test all FlashRouters before they get shipped out. That is why we guarantee you will receive a working unit and offer our own 1-Year Hardware Warranty included with all New and Refurbished routers purchased from the FlashRouters website.

If you would like to extend the warranty coverage period to 2 years, the option is available during the FlashRouters checkout process.

Since we are so certain you will be happy with your upgraded and super secure network, all routers purchased from FlashRouters.com also come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

Please read the warranty and return section in detail before placing an order or requesting an RMA. Our goal is to make the return process as smooth and transparent as possible for all customers. If the router you purchased does not work out for your needs we still want you to be satisfied with your purchasing experience.

Hardware Warranty and Return Policy

Requesting an RMA

Automated Return Merchant Authorization (RMA) requests are available from within your customer account panel. If you are eligible for a return then your RMA request will be approved. If your RMA request is not valid then it will be denied and you must e-mail FlashRouters Support for any additional information or actions. RMAs are valid for 7 days from the day they are issued.

The following are the available options when submitting an RMA request. Continue reading for more information on all available RMA options and conditions.

Hardware Guarantee – available for 7 days after receiving your FlashRouter.
Satisfaction Guarantee – available for 30 days after receiving your FlashRouter.
Hardware Warranty – available for 1 year, or 2 years if upgraded when purchasing a FlashRouter.
Hardware Repair – Anyone with a valid FlashRouters Support subscription is eligible for free Hardware Repair.

Please note we can only provide prepaid labels for approved Hardware Warranty returns within the USA. Prepaid labels are not available for international customers. All return shipping for 30 Day Satisfaction refunds is paid for by the customer.

Hardware Guarantee

In the rare case you receive a faulty router, you can open a ticket to contact FlashRouter Support for an RMA or request an RMA in your customer account panel and we will work to rectify the situation immediately. If it is determined that the power supply you received was faulty, and not the router itself, our team will immediately ship you out a tested power supply at no additional cost.

Rest assured that we individually test and inspect every FlashRouter with great detail before shipment. BUT… if router gremlins (yes they do exist) snuck into your router during the shipping process and it no longer powers on, our team will supply you with a prepaid shipping label to return the unit back to our offices. As soon as we receive verified tracking on your return shipment we will ship out another thoroughly tested unit to you at no additional cost.

You must contact us within 7 days from when you received your FlashRouter to be eligible for a Hardware Guarantee prepaid shipping label from FlashRouters.

30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee

If you are not satisfied with the performance of your router after trying it out for up to 30 days, you can open a ticket to contact FlashRouter Support for an RMA or request an RMA in your customer account panel. Once the RMA is approved, you will then have the option to ship the unit back to FlashRouters.

Once we receive the return, our team inspects and refunds accordingly based on the original purchase price of your FlashRouter. Please note there is a $25 restocking fee and refunds do not include any initial shipping costs associated with your order. All restocking fees are returned as Store Credit. This means if you make another purchase at FlashRouters then your fee is refunded.

The item must also be fully functional and have no signs of cosmetic damage for you to receive the maximum refund. If you do not include the original boxing, or any router accessories you may also be charged an additional fee as indicated.

Ethernet Cable: $5

Power Source: $10

Antennas: $5 per antenna

Router Stand: $10

Box: $10

Cosmetic Damage: Up to $25

What is covered under the 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee?

If the VPN speeds or WiFi network speeds are not what you had hoped, if the setup is too complicated, or you just decided on another solution; these are all covered under the 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.

We will not accept any returns of working routers after 30 days from the date you received your router. After 30 days, router returns/replacements will only be processed under the Hardware Warranty.

Can I get the restocking fee waived?

If you place a new order for a different FlashRouter unit before returning your initial purchase, then we will waive the restocking fee. Otherwise the $25 restocking fee will be applied to your customer account as a store credit. You can then use this $25 store credit on any future FlashRouter purchase.

Rewards Points refunds

If you return your FlashRouter under the 30 day satisfaction guarantee then you will lose any reward points received for your initial purchase.

Hardware Warranty

A 1-year Hardware Warranty is included with the purchase of all New and Refurbished FlashRouters. If your router suffers hardware failure within 365 days from the date you received the unit then we will replace your router with another fully tested unit. You must pay for return shipping of the faulty unit back to our offices located in New Jersey, USA and our team will ship out your replacement at no additional cost.

You must contact the FlashRouter support team for an RMA number or request an RMA from your customer account panel before returning a router for warranty replacement. If you do not receive approval for a return then you will not be eligible for a replacement unit.

There are 2 options for receiving a Hardware Warranty replacement unit:

Option #1: Process another order for immediate shipping and as soon as we receive the returned device back in our offices we will issue you a refund for the initial purchase.

Option #2: Ship your faulty router back to our office, and as soon as we receive the unit our returns department will have a replacement unit shipped out to you at no extra cost.

How long do I have before my RMA expires?

RMA’s are good for 7 days from the date they are issued.

What if I upgraded to a 2 year Hardware Warranty at checkout?

All refund, replacement, RMA details, and options covered by the 1-year Warranty apply in the exact same manner for 2 year warranties over each respective warranty coverage period.

If for any reason the router you purchased is no longer in stock or discontinued then you have the option to replace your router with one of equal value or receive a refund. Hardware warranties are only eligible for refunds if we are unable to provide a replacement unit for you.

What should I do if my router is out of warranty coverage?

If your FlashRouter is out of the warranty coverage period, we are first and foremost apologetic for the passing of your router. Be sure to contact our sales team though and you can receive a special coupon as a return customer for a shiny new wireless networking centerpiece.

What is not covered with a FlashRouter Warranty?

Items that have been clearly damaged either by the customer or during the return process are not eligible for a full refund. This includes routers that have visible dents, scratches, or moving parts inside the router.

Can I upgrade to a 2 year warranty after my FlashRouter purchase?

2 year warranty upgrades are only available at the time of your FlashRouter purchase. Upgrades are not available once a FlashRouter order has been shipped.

Can I get a Warranty on my router if I purchased a “Flash My Router” plan from FlashRouters?

Routers that have been “flashed” and configured by our support specialists for anyone who has purchased a Flash My Router Plan are not eligible for warranty coverage from FlashRouters. Only routers purchased through the FlashRouters.com website are eligible for warranty replacements or refunds.

Hardware Repair

FlashRouters is proud to offer a free repair and upgrade service for anyone with an active Silver or Gold Service Plan subscription. Any and all shipment costs associated with FlashRouter repairs or upgrade requests are the burden of the customer and will not be paid for by FlashRouters. However, the repair and upgrade service itself is FREE.

If you do choose to ship your router back to our office for repair, then you should include a prepaid shipping label in your package back to your home or office, so our team can send the router back to you whether we are able to repair the unit or not. Router accessories like power supplies, ethernet cable, or antennas do not need to be included when shipping back a unit for repair.

If our team is not able to resurrect your router from a power failure, faulty firmware upgrade, or any other reason then we can return the faulty unit back to you using the return shipping label included with your return package. Alternatively, we can destroy the unit and refund the return shipping costs if that is your preference.

Open Box Routers

What is an Open Box Router?

Open Box routers are fully functional units that have cosmetic flaws and are sold at heavy discounts. These units come with the same Support Plan options as New or RM units, which means you get the same support service with extremely discounted hardware.

Open Box routers are covered under the FlashRouter 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee BUT come with no Hardware Warranty. We take every measure possible to ensure complete functionality and our team fully load tests these devices before shipment, but you should be very aware that you buy these discounted “open box” devices at your own risk without any Hardware Warranty.

What is the Open Box Router return policy?

Open Box Routers can only be returned within 30 days from the date you received your router. Returns will not be accepted on open box routers after 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee window has expired. Please note that Open Box Router return shipping costs are not covered by FlashRouters and initial shipping costs are not included in any refunds.

Accessories Warranty

All Accessories come with manufacturer warranties as listed on the respective product pages.

FlashRouters will accept returns for refund or replacement of accessories only within 30 days from the date you received your order. After 30 days you must contact the manufacturer for any warranty replacements.

Accessories must be returned with all original packaging and with no cosmetic damage to receive a full refund. A missing box or damage to an item will result in a restocking fee per our discretion.

"Flash My Router" Refund Policy

The “Flash My Router” product offered by FlashRouters is a virtual service provided by the FlashRouters support team. This product includes a remote support session where our support team will flash your router and then complete your internet, WiFi, and VPN setup, and in certain cases support additional router features.

Once your remote support session is completed there are absolutely no refunds on “Flash My Router” purchases. In the case we are unable to successfully flash your router we will offer a full refund for your “Flash My Router” purchase. “Flash My Router” purchases are fully refundable if you decide you would no longer like to use the service after your purchase is completed.

Service Plan Subscription Refund Policy

All FlashRouter router purchases include a recurring FlashRouters Service Plan subscription. There are 3 levels of support to choose from as either a quarterly or yearly recurring billing plan.

30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee

If you choose to return your FlashRouter under the 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee, then you are eligible for a full refund on any Service Plan purchased with your FlashRouter.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your recurring billing at any time and you will not be charged again. Please note you will not be refunded for unused time from the initial billing/service period of your support plan subscription.

If you choose to cancel your 3 month FlashRouter support plan then you will retain support until the end of the 3 month period. If you choose to cancel your 1 year FlashRouter support plan then you will retain support until the end of the 1 year period. You will not lose time from your existing service plan if you cancel when a plan is active.

There is a 7-day grace period after Service Plan renewals have been charged, where you may request an immediate cancellation and full refund.

How do I change my FlashRouter Support subscription level?

How do I Upgrade my Service Plan?

You can upgrade a Service Plan at any time during a billing cycle. You must e-mail or live chat our support team and request an upgrade. Our team will then issue you store credit for any unused time on your existing Service Plan, which will then be immediately applied to your new upgraded Service Plan purchase. Your recurring billing will then continue at the new Service Plan level. Your 3 months or 1 year of upgrade service will start again from the date of the upgrade purchase.

How do I switch from a Quarterly to a Yearly Service Plan?

If you would like to switch to a Yearly plan from a Quarterly plan of the same service level, then you must e-mail or live chat our support team and request an upgrade. Our team will then issue you store credit for any unused time on your existing Quarterly Service Plan, which will then be immediately applied to your new Yearly Service Plan purchase. Your recurring billing will then continue at the Yearly Service Plan level. Your 1 year of service will start again from the date of the upgrade purchase.

How do I Downgrade my Service Plan?

If you are subscribed a Service Plan, but would like to switch to a lower level Service Plan then you can request that our support team cancel your recurring billing at any time. As soon your existing Service Plan is expired you can make a new purchase for the new Service Plan of your choice.

How do I switch from a Yearly to a Quarterly Service Plan?

If you would like to change the billing cycle from yearly to quarterly, you may cancel your existing subscription plan and then once your year of service has expired, you may purchase a Quarterly Service Plan instead.

If you just purchased a FlashRouter, there is a 7-day grace period from when you receive your unit if you would like an immediate change from Yearly to a Quarterly Service Plan.

How do I cancel my subscription?

You may request a Service Plan subscription cancellation by e-mailing support@flashrouters.com or from within your customer account panel at any time. You will be notified of a successful cancellation and your payment method will not be billed again.

Please note there are no refunds when cancelling your subscription. Cancellation means you will not be billed again for your Service Plan, there are no partial refunds for cancelled Service Plans.

Service Plan FAQs

admin · May 25, 2021 ·

Service Plan FAQs

Is the service plan a one time purchase or does it renew?

All FR service plans automatically renew on a quarterly or annual basis based on the term initially purchased. A reminder e-mail will be sent one week prior to renewal. In your FlashRouter account panel, you can cancel the plan at any time to stop any further renewals.

What is included with a FlashRouter?

On-demand Installation of enhanced firmware and our exclusive FlashRouters VPN Privacy App.
Custom setup guide.
Power cord and an ethernet cable.
Individual VPN Account Setup/Pre-configuration (On Request)
1 year open source hardware warranty.
30 day satisfaction guarantee.
Initial basic setup assistance via e-mail. For any advanced setups/configurations, live chat or remote assistance, a service plan purchase is required.

Does the service plan include a VPN subscription?

A subscription to a VPN does not come with a FlashRouter or Service plan. If you are planning to use a VPN, you would need to sign up for one separately, directly from a provider.

Need assistance in finding a VPN Provider? Please visit our recent VPN Provider Best Seller List.

Plug and Play VPN Support

Unlike other VPN Router providers, FlashRouters is proud to offer free VPN service integration with any purchase.

To receive a plug and play with VPN device, you will need to provide our team with the credentials from your VPN provider subscription.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not required but recommended for users who wish to have the simplest, most seamless experience when the FlashRouter arrives. You can always change the password when the device arrives if you wish as well.

To have your router VPN pre-configured:

Select Yes from the “Want Your Router Preconfigured?” on the Payment Page during check out.
Select your VPN provider. If you don’t see your VPN listed select “Other” and you will see an additional field to input who your provider is.
Enter your your VPN username and password
For ExpressVPN Firmware Routers there will be an additional box for your activation code.

Please note: If you do not enter a server location request in “Order Comments”, we will automatically start the device with the closest/optimal server for the location we are shipping the device by default. A location has to be added to the initial configuration for plug and play encryption security to occur on the device.

Do I have to buy a service plan?

Our routers are priced for the custom upgrades performed at our warehouse, testing expenses and keeping the FlashRouter App update to date.

Our service plan has three levels as an optional add-on with your purchase to get continued direct assistance from our team. This is especially useful to customers who are less tech savvy and want direct access to our support team to make sure their network is running exactly how they desire. Here is how these plans differ

Bronze – Basic E-mail Support
Silver – E-mail and Live Chat Support.
Gold – E-mail, Live Chat, and Remote One-on-One Sessions

Each situation and user has different needs and expertise. Our team of US-based support agents are highly trained specialists in VPN and DD-WRT router setup. From firmware updates to networking configuration/troubleshooting,solutions, the purpose of our Service Plans is to help our customers in whatever level they deem necessary.

Does FlashRouters offer phone support?

At this time, we do not provide phone support with our service plans. We have tested phone support for networking troubleshooting in the past but have found that on average caused us to help less customers in a less efficient manner. However, with a purchase of a Gold Service Plan, customers can schedule 1-on-1 remote support sessions via Teamviewer with our engineers and they will provide a hands-on, personal solution, to any problems you may be facing.

Do I need a Service Plan for a firmware upgrade?

Firmware upgrades are free of charge to any FlashRouter customer!

You can visit our support center and select your specific router model to upgrade your firmware based on the recommendations provided.

If you want the help of our Support Team to assist in this upgrade, you can always sign up for our Gold Service Plan and schedule a 1-on-1 Teamviewer session in which our trained engineers will take care of the upgrade for you!

What does the warranty cover?

Our complimentary 1-year hardware warranty does not include tech support outside. If your router suffers hardware failure within 365 days from the date you received the unit, then we will gladly replace your router with another fully tested one. For more information regarding our warranty and return policy, please check out our warranty and return section.

Can I purchase a router without a service plan and subscribe later?

Yes, you may purchase a service plan at any time. However, we can’t guarantee any pricing, or apply any previously offered discounts or specific features at that later date.

VPN FAQs

admin · Jan 29, 2019 ·

VPN FAQs

General VPN FAQ Answers

What is a VPN?

VPN is an acronym for ‘Virtual Private Network’, historically used by private organizations to seamlessly link geographically diverse locations via the Internet. A VPN ‘tunnels’ traffic between two devices by transmitting it over a secure network. There are also clearly identifiable benefits to individual Internet users accessing a VPN.

A VPN provides you with top-level security and privacy for all your Internet downloading, streaming and browsing. As long as you are signed into your VPN account, all data you transmit over the Internet is encrypted.
A VPN encrypts your device by hiding the IP address assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and replacing it with the IP address of your choosing from the list of server locations belonging to your VPN provider. This masks your identity when visiting sites that geo-restricted content, and helps you avoid devious local Internet marketing and advertising schemes that track you through your IP address.

Will a FlashRouter with a built-in VPN client speed up my connection?

FlashRouters are relatively new models that may enhance data transfers across your home network or extend the range of your Wireless signal. However, the speed at which you download or stream content can not exceed the speed of the connection you pay for through your ISP. Purchasing a FlashRouter or signing up for VPN service WILL NOT transform your regular connection into a high-speed broadband connection.

At the same time, if you do have a broadband connection, a FlashRouter with a VPN connection may slow down your transfer speeds due to the processor encrypting all of your data. In certain cases a FlashRouter with a VPN can also prevent throttling by an ISP of specific service like Netflix or Amazon Video.

Which VPN provider should I use?

Our routers have been tested to perform with many of the most popular VPN providers such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, IPVanish, PrivateInternetAccess & CyberGhost among 50+ VPN providers so that subscribers can get the maximum benefit from their VPN service. If you prefer another provider, that is not an issue at all. You can still use a DD-WRT VPN FlashRouter with any VPN provider that offers DD-WRT router integration support. Contact our team for further information about using our routers with your VPN service of choice or if you need a VPN provider recommendation based on your location.

Should my FlashRouter replace my old router?

A FlashRouter will work as a standalone router by connecting your modem to its Wide Area Network (WAN) port, or using it in a Dual Router Network by connecting it to your existing router through a Local Area Network (LAN)/Ethernet port. Either way a FlashRouter can be configured to tunnel all traffic through the VPN server of your choosing.

If you would like to set up your Home Network so that some devices are being tunneled through a VPN server, and others are connecting to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) within your home country, then using your FlashRouter as an auxiliary device is recommended.

VPN Security FAQ Answers

Can I change my IP address to one in another country?

YES! The countries that you can change your IP address to depend on the offerings of your specific VPN providers. Prices and server locations vary across all VPN providers.

If you choose to purchase a FlashRouter then you will not have to install any VPN client software on your computer to change your IP address; the VPN will already be configured within the router. Therefore, any device you plug into this FlashRouter is automatically assigned the IP address of your selected VPN server.

When is my connection secure?

As long as the VPN account preset into your FlashRouter is active, any device that is connected to the Internet through this router has its network traffic encrypted, and IP address masked. With a FlashRouter you never have to physically login to your VPN account, as the settings have been stored in the router’s DD-WRT firmware.

Don’t worry though! If you are not at home, and using Wi-Fi in a public location, you can still use your VPN account on a laptop or mobile device through various other methods.

How can I be sure my connection is safe and encrypted?

In order to make sure that the connection on your FlashRouter is being rerouted appropriately through your VPN service, visit What is my IP address and make sure the location listed is the one you have chosen in your VPN settings, NOT your actual location.

If you wish, there is an Internet Kill Switch available as well for your router which will block the internet whenever you disconnect from VPN.

What VPN connection standards are supported on a FlashRouter?

Currently we support the OpenVPN protocol for VPN client connections. PPTP VPN has been deemed as insecure by the privacy community and so we no longer offer support for PPTP VPN connections.

Technical VPN FAQ Answers

What operating systems do you support?

A FlashRouter can be used with any operating system, be it Windows, Mac OS or Linux. A FlashRouter can also be used as a wireless access point for iPhones, iPads, and Android devices.

Our routers also work in conjunction with any other brand of router of ADSL or DSL modem/router combo from ISPs across the world.

Can I set up a VPN on a PS4, Xbox One, Kindle Fire, Roku, AppleTV or other devices without native VPN support?

THAT’S WHAT WE ARE HERE FOR!

If you purchase one of our FlashRouters loaded with DD-WRT firmware, you can run the client VPN connection from your router. Once you do this every device connected to the router will tunnel through the VPN.

Now you can stream content like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Pandora Hulu, or Amazon Instant to your TV through any of these devices, instead of being constrained to streaming content on your computer!

If you need a recommendation for a VPN service with a specific streaming platform do not hesitate to contact our support team.

Shipping FAQs

admin · Jan 29, 2019 ·

Shipping FAQs

General Shipping FAQs

What company do you use for shipping?

For domestic shipping, we offer United State Postal Service (USPS), and a FedEx Expedited 2-3 Day delivery option.

For International shipments, we offer USPS and FedEx.

Where do you ship from?

We ship all packages from our New Jersey warehouse.

How much does shipping cost?

Domestic Customers:

Free Standard Shipping 3-10 day Delivery when you purchase a router with any Service Plan.
$20 Flat Rate FedEx 2-3 Day Express shipping

International Customers:

Pricing for USPS, and FedEx will vary by country. You can see rates on the Shipping Estimate tab on any FlashRouters product page. FlashRouters does not add any internal handling fees to international rates.
Note: Customers pay customs, duties, processing fees, and taxes (if applicable).

How fast do you ship?

We aim to ship your purchase within 1-2 business days from the original order date.

There may be a delay of up to 24 hours if our configuration team is unable to configure your router as requested. In these cases, our support team will reach out to you in an attempt to find a solution. If the team does not hear back from you within 24 hours they will ship out the unit to avoid further delays. Keep in mind our support team will be available to assist if you have any setup issues once you receive your router.

Who pays for shipping?

Domestic customers can choose Free standard shipping. Customers pay shipping costs including customs, duties, processing fees, and taxes (if applicable) for all other options.

Can you ship to my country?

We ship to almost all countries around the world with some exclusions. If you would like to ship to any of these excluded countries, we recommend using PayPal and a Freight forwarding service such as Aramex, MyUS, or Shipito.

Another option if you are located in a country we do not ship to is to purchase a compatible router locally that we can flash remotely for you via our Flash My Router plan. A full list of compatible routers are listed there.

Known excluded countries are:

Afghanistan
Algeria
Angola
Bangladesh
Benin
Bhutan
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros
Congo – Brazzaville
Congo – Kinshasa
Cuba
Djibouti
Egypt
Eritrea
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Kenya
Kiribati
Kosovo
Laos
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Mali
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mozambique
Myanmar (Burma)
Namibia
Nauru
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
North Korea
Palastinian Territories
Russia
Rwanda
Sao Tome & Principe
Senegal
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
Somalia
Sudan
Syria
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Togo
Tokelau
Tunisia
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
Uganda
Wallis & Futuna
Western Sahara
Zambia
Zimbabwe

2025 - Postal Calendar

We will not be able to ship on the dates below. Your package will be shipped the following business day.

New Year’s Day: January-01
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January-20
President’s Day: February-17
Memorial Day: May-26
Independence Day: July-04
Labor Day: September-01
Columbus Day: October-13
Veteran’s Day: November-11
Thanksgiving Day: November-27
Christmas Eve: December-24
New Year’s Eve: December-31

2025 Holiday Shipping Deadlines
In order to ensure timely delivery of your packages for the holiday season, please refer to the following shipping deadline dates for the following types of mail.

PLEASE NOTE: All deadlines are at 1PM EST of the designated.

USPS Priority 12/18
USPS APO/FPO/DPO 12/11
FedEx 12/21

International

International dates are for estimated delivery dates. However, customs can cause issues and may take longer.

Puerto Rico 12/21
Canada 12/21
Mexico 12/21
UK 12/20
Hong Kong 12/19
Australia 12/19
Middle East 12/19

Regardless of your carrier or country, we recommend that you place your holiday orders as soon as possible to ensure timely delivery.

Customs and Expenses

Will there be extra customs charges when my FlashRouter arrives?

There may be additional customs fees incurred based on the local importation laws of your country. You (the recipient) are responsible for all customs fees charged by your country’s customs agency.

Customs charges are NOT factored into the FlashRouters shipping cost.

All customs fees will be a separate charge and must be paid for by the recipient of the package.

We do our best to inform you of possible customs fees to the best of our ability, however we will not accept returns because of refusal to pay these fees.

If we receive a return due to failure to pay customs fees, you will be refunded but ONLY for the price of the FlashRouter. Original Shipping charges will NOT be refunded.

We do our best to make FlashRouters’ shipping quick and affordable but are unable to foresee all customs-related issues. Please be sure to check before ordering if you are concerned with local customs fees.

Do you charge sales tax?

We will charge sales tax in any state where we are required to do so. Currently that is within New Jersey, due to the fact that this is the physical location of our business and New York but that is subject to change as law dictates.

Any taxes or customs fees that are incurred to your country’s current policies are out of our hands. We do our best to make the router and the shipping quick and affordable.

Sales FAQs

admin · Jan 29, 2019 ·

Sales FAQs

Can My Router Be Preconfigured With My VPN Information?

Plug and Play VPN Support

Yes you can!

To receive a plug and play with VPN device, you will need to provide our team with the credentials from your VPN provider subscription.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not required but recommended for users who wish to have the simplest, most seamless experience when the FlashRouter arrives. You can always change the password when the device arrives if you wish as well.

To have your router VPN preconfigured:

Check the “Connect To VPN For Me” box under VPN – Preconfiguration on the Product Page during check out.
Select your VPN provider. If you don’t see your VPN listed select “Other” and you will see an additional field to input who your provider is.
You’ll receive an email after purchase with detailed instructions. If you have any questions our team is happy to help!

Please note: If you do give a server location, we will automatically start the device with the closest/optimal server for the location we are shipping the device by default. A location has to be added to the initial configuration for plug and play encryption security to occur on the device.

Privacy Hero 2 Only:

While our team isn’t able to pre-configure the Privacy Hero 2 VPN Router before shipping it out since you’ll have to make a Privacy Hero user account and register your router, we can assist you with the VPN set up process once you receive the router and create your Privacy Hero user account via 1-on-1 remote session, email, or live chat on our site.

You can also use our step-by-step Privacy Hero VPN Router Setup Guide to complete the process.

Can I Use My Dedicated IP Address With A FlashRouter?

Dedicated IP Addresses from NordVPN, SurfShark, & TorGuard are supported on almost all of our FlashRouter options.

Check out our Dedicated IP Addresses Blog Post for more details!

Can I Use A FlashRouter With My Current Mesh System?

Yes!

You will be able to connect the FlashRouter of your choosing to your current mesh router via ethernet port as shown below:

ISP Modem/Router —- FlashRouter (VPN) —- Main Mesh Router (VPN from FlashRouter)

This setup will allow you to keep your mesh network with added VPN protection, as well as add the FlashRouter wireless network for your devices.

You can disable the wifi on the FlashRouter also if you only wanted to use the mesh network for wifi.

Can You Flash My Router and Connect me to VPN?

At FlashRouters, we offer expert router flashing and VPN configuration services through our Flash My Router plans. Whether your router needs custom firmware flashing or just a VPN configuration, we ensure it’s set up for maximum security, privacy, and streaming performance with your chosen VPN provider.

The appointment will take place via remote software. During the appointment, our team will also answer any questions you may have about using the VPN on the router. Flashing is done out of the East Coast of the United States – we will do our best to accommodate your time zone difference if you are located in another part of the United States or another country.

👉 Explore our Flash My Router plans:
🔗 Flash My Router Plans

🔹 How It Works

✅ Flashing vs. Configuration: Some routers require custom firmware (flashing) to enable VPN, while others can be configured without flashing.
✅ Fully Optimized: Our team ensures your router is ready to securely connect to your VPN, block ISP tracking, and enhance your streaming experience.
✅ Remote Assistance Available: Get expert help setting up your VPN connection remotely if needed.

Flashing vs. Configuration: Router Compatibility

At FlashRouters, we handle VPN setup differently based on your router brand and model. Some routers require flashing custom firmware (like DD-WRT or AsusWRT-Merlin), while others can be configured without flashing.

🛠 Router Setup Types by Brand

🔹 Flashing Required (Custom Firmware Installation)

These routers require firmware flashing (DD-WRT or AsusWRT-Merlin) to enable VPN compatibility.

Asus – Flashed with AsusWRT-Merlin or updated to the latest AsusWRT build. Some models only require configuration.
Linksys – Flashed with DD-WRT firmware.
Netgear – Flashed with DD-WRT firmware.

🔹 Configuration Only (No Flashing Required)

These routers have built-in VPN support and only require proper setup.

TP-Link – Configured without flashing.
GL.iNet – Configured without flashing.
Cudy – Configured without flashing.

📌 Other brands are not supported at this time. If you have a different router, we recommend checking out our pre-flashed router options.

✅ Supported VPN Providers

We work with a wide range of VPN providers, including:

NordVPN
ExpressVPN
Surfshark
CyberGhost
IPVanish
Private Internet Access (PIA)
VyprVPN
ProtonVPN
PureVPN
Windscribe
IVPN
Mullvad
StrongVPN
AzireVPN
AstrillVPN
HotspotShield VPN

(If your provider isn’t listed, reach out – we may still be able to support it!)

🔗 Get Started Today!

👉 Explore our Flash My Router plans:
🔗 Flash My Router Plans

🔹 Need help selecting the right option? Contact our support team! We’re happy to assist.

How Can I Add The 1 Year NordVPN Service From My FlashRouters.com Order To My Current NordVPN Account?

You can easily combine the free 1 year of NordVPN included with your FlashRouter purchase once you receive the NordVPN Activation Code Email from FlashRouters.com. The email is typically received within 24 hours of order completion and will contain a link as well as an activation code.

This code can be entered at nordvpn.com/activate with the email address associated with your current NordVPN account to add the 1 year of free service to your existing service.

Privacy Hero 2 Only:

You can easily combine the free 1 year of NordVPN included with the Privacy Hero 2 VPN Router during the router activation process.

After activating the router, you’ll receive a NordVPN activation code within your privacy hero account dashboard. This code can be entered at nordvpn.com/activate with the email address associated with your current NordVPN account to add the 1 year of free service to your existing service.

What Are the Differences Between New, Recertified, And Open Box FlashRouters?

New

Direct from manufacturer, in new box.
Custom flashed on demand at time of the order.
30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee / 1 Year Warranty.

Recertified (RM)

Direct from manufacturer/reseller, may be reboxed.
Custom flashed on demand at time of the order.
Specialists tested to guarantee same functionality as NEW routers.
30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee / 1 Year Warranty.

Open Box

Limited quantity, discount items reboxed that may have cosmetic imperfections.
Same testing and functionality level and New and RM.
30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee / No Warranty.

Will a FlashRouter Work With My Internet Service Provider?

US Customers (Single Router Solution):

Almost all Internet Service Providers(ISPs) require a modem in place to establish a connection to their service, however a modem by itself doesn’t provide the wifi connectivity needed in the home or office. A FlashRouter can connect directly to all known modems provided by major ISPs to create a wireless network so long as there is an Ethernet port on the modem to connect to the FlashRouter Internet port.

US Customers (Dual Router Solution):

Yes, FlashRouters are compatible with your ISP in what is called a Dual Router Set Up.

For this type of setup, you would use your current router or modem router to connect to your local ISP while using a FlashRouter to connect to your VPN. This is recommended as you will not overhaul your network with a new router, and you will be able to use your selected VPN service on the devices you wish to use it with.

This set up would result in the creation of two networks, which can be seen as the “Local Network” and the “FlashRouter Network”. All devices connected to the FlashRouter Network will go through the VPN service.

For any device you would prefer to use without a VPN, you can connect to the local network. The chain of devices would be connected from LAN ton your modem or modem/router to WAN on the FlashRouter, with your current router connected to the FlashRouter via Ethernet cable.

International Customers (Single Router Solution):

Almost all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) require a modem in place to establish a connection to their service, however a modem by itself doesn’t provide the wifi connectivity needed in the home or office. A FlashRouter can connect directly to all known modems provided by major ISPs to create a wireless network so long as there is an Ethernet port on the modem to connect to the FlashRouter Internet port.

International Customers (Dual Router Solution):

ISPs should all be compatible. Some providers require VLAN tagging/VID settings when wiring directly from modem to FlashRouter.

What Stock Firmware Features Will I Lose If I Flash My Router

Open Source firmware like DD-WRT or Assu Merlin has many features equivalent to what stock firmware has, in addition to adding new features to a router. However, some features are lost from the stock firmware when a router is flashed.

These are typically features that are put into the stock firmware by the manufacturers themselves. Things like the Linksys App and the NetGear Genie are examples of what would not be available or compatible on the router after flashing.

Most routers also have a WPS button. By default, the WPS button’s functionality is disabled when a router is flashed as it can be vulnerable and a security risk. It can be re-enabled by following this guide but we do not recommend it.

Does a FlashRouter or Service Plan Purchase Include a VPN Subscription?

A subscription to a VPN does not come with a FlashRouter or Service plan. If you are planning to use a VPN, you would need to sign up for one separately, directly from a provider.

Need assistance in finding a VPN Provider? Please visit our recent VPN Provider Best Seller List.

Plug and Play VPN Support

Unlike other VPN Router providers, FlashRouters is proud to offer free VPN service integration with any purchase.

To receive a plug and play with VPN device, you will need to provide our team with the credentials from your VPN provider subscription.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not required but recommended for users who wish to have the simplest, most seamless experience when the FlashRouter arrives. You can always change the password when the device arrives if you wish as well.

To have your router VPN pre-configured:

Select Yes from the “Want Your Router Preconfigured?” on the Payment Page during checkout.
Select your VPN provider. If you don’t see your VPN listed select “Other” and you will see an additional field to input who your provider is.
Enter your your VPN username and password
For ExpressVPN Firmware Routers there will be an additional box for your activation code.

Can I Use A FlashRouter To Work From Home?

Yes! A large number of our customers use their FlashRouters to “work from home” no matter where your travels take you. Check out our Working Remotely Blog Post for more details.

What is the Difference Between Business VPNs and VPN Services?

Location: VPN Services offer many server locations to encrypt your traffic through. They are located in several countries worldwide for creating a private VPN tunnel for your online activities. A business VPN connects to specific central servers for data or directly to your office, creating a direct tunnel for accessing sensitive work documents and information.

Logging: Most VPN services offer log-free connections for total anonymity and security when connected (it is important to check out their terms of service and privacy policy for full details). A business VPN is monitored and maintained by employers such as corporations, hospitals or universities.

Protection: VPN services secure your family’s personal data while using computers, SmartTVs and various Internet of Things devices. Business VPNs protect the data of the company while you are tunneling into work.

Are There VPN Service Providers That Offer VPN for Business?

There are in fact several trusted VPN providers that have services specially tailored for business use. NordVPN Teams and VyprVPN for Business offer a full suite of solutions like user management tools, dedicated IPs, personal product managers, global server access, business pricing, and more.

These solutions allow you to quickly deploy a safe and secure corporate network without building and maintaining your own servers. If you are a small business looking to quickly secure remote workers as they shift to work from home, and you do not have an in-house IT expert, then you should consider NordVPN Teams or VyprVPN for Business.

Even better, when choosing a business VPN provider like NordVPN or VyprVPN, employees can use routers with direct NordVPN and VyprVPN integration already included through the FR Privacy App. Meaning that a full network kill switch, routing by device, automatic connections, and more are all included as features with your business VPN connection.

Can I use a VPN on a FlashRouter With My Work/Corporate VPN?

Many of our customers have found that they can connect to both their corporate and personal VPN, however due to the variables beyond our control, we cannot guarantee this for every unique situation.

Using two VPNs at once can lead to unpredictable results. Bouncing your network traffic to multiple servers before finally arriving at it’s intended destination can sometimes introduce speed and connection issues.

Please consider that some employers and agencies are more vigilant regarding third party VPN use than others. There are tools readily available that detect the use of VPN services.

While these tools cannot decrypt and view your network traffic, they can tell your employer that you are potentially using a VPN, which can be against company policy.

If your corporate and personal VPN do not work together, then you can always set the computer using your work VPN to bypass the FlashRouter’s VPN tunnel by accessing the router admin panel for your device.

This way, your computer would only use the work VPN. Keep in mind however, your location would appear as your actual location to your work.

Every FlashRouter also comes with a 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee.

If in the event you determine the FlashRouter is not working out for you, you can return the device within the first 30 Days. A $25 restocking fee does apply.

Can I Use a FlashRouter to Connect to a Dedicated Business VPN Network?

Of course! If you have an OpenVPN server running on a local machine or hosted on a cloud provider like Amazon Web Services (AWS), FlashRouters can create a custom router client configuration to connect the entire router and all connected devices to your OpenVPN server. Instead of employees connecting device-by-device, a router-based VPN connection allows for always-on secure VPN tunneling.

Our service team is here to work with you to test and ensure compatibility before purchasing. Interested in a router based custom client VPN solution for your remote workers? Please do not hesitate to contact us.

And, if you’re looking for a specific router, take a look at some of our most popular options!

How can I Reset the Password for My FlashRouters.com Customer Account?

To reset your password, you’ll want to click the “Account” icon in the upper right hand corner on our main website (Flashrouters.com). Once clicked, a menu will open where you can enter your login information, or select the “Forgot Password” button to trigger a reset email.

If you’re still having issues accessing your FlashRouters.com customer account after attempting a password reset, please reach out to us at support@flashrouters.com for further assistance.

What Payment Methods does FlashRouters Accept?

We accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, and all major cred/debit card providers on our payment method options page during checkout.

If you’d like to complete a purchase using PayPal as a payment method, please contact our team at support@flashrouters.com to request an invoice.

Can I Make Change/Update/Cancel My Order?

We strive to process and ship all orders within one business day. If you wish to make changes or cancellations, please contact us within 24 hours of placing your order at support@flashrouters.com with your order number and the changes you’d like to make.

While we will do our best to accommodate your request, please note that we cannot guarantee changes or cancellations.

Please note that if you need to update the shipping address, the order will require reapproval through our fraud prevention system with the new address.

Trouble Checking Out

Some customers have found that trying the methods below have helped solve any checkout errors they may have encountered:

⚡️Clearing cache
⚡️Refreshing web page
⚡️Switching web browsers
⚡️Using an incognito/private window
⚡️Confirming all billing information is accurate
⚡️Disable VPN if one is enabled
⚡️Disable Ad & Script Blockers if enabled
⚡️If you’re using a mobile device, switching to a computer or laptop would be ideal.

ASUS Guest WiFi With or Without VPN: Setup Guide

Dave · Oct 26, 2026 ·

On supported ASUS routers, you can create a separate WiFi network (SSID) that routes connected devices through a VPN profile, while another network uses the regular ISP connection. This is useful for streaming TVs, guests, work devices, and family members who need different VPN behavior.

The available controls depend on your ASUS model and firmware. Newer routers may call the feature Guest Network Pro or simply Network; older routers may only have Guest Network, which does not offer the same VPN-by-SSID options.

What You Need Before Starting

Connect to your ASUS router and open http://www.asusrouter.com or its LAN IP. For login details, see AsusWRT Router Access Guide.
For a VPN WiFi network, first set up and verify at least one connected VPN profile under VPN > VPN Fusion. Choose a supported VPN provider from the AsusWRT VPN Setup Guides, then review How to Use ASUS VPN Fusion: Assign Devices and Multiple VPNs for routing options.
Look for Guest Network Pro, Network, or VPN Network in your ASUS firmware. If you only see the traditional Guest Network screen, read the legacy note below before proceeding.

Create a Dedicated WiFi Network That Uses the VPN

Preferred route for supported ASUS models: create a VPN Network SSID so all devices joining that SSID use the chosen VPN without individual device assignments.

Open Guest Network Pro > VPN Network, or the equivalent Network > Add Network > VPN Network menu in newer firmware.
Choose a recognizable WiFi name such as Home-VPN and a strong WiFi password.
Select the configured, connected VPN Fusion client/profile and enable VPN routing for that network.
Review any options for local-network access, guest isolation, and bands, then click Apply.
Connect a test device to the new Home-VPN WiFi SSID and check its public IP.

ASUS official walkthrough: Guest Network Pro / VPN Network Setup.

Alternative: Assign a VPN to an Existing Guest Network Pro SSID

In Guest Network Pro / Network, open the existing Guest Network profile.
Select the VPN tab, enable VPN routing, and choose your existing VPN Fusion client.
Click Apply, reconnect a device to the guest SSID, and verify the VPN IP.

ASUS also documents this path: Assign a VPN to Guest Network Pro.

Create a Separate WiFi Network Without a VPN

Use a guest/secondary network routed through the regular ISP internet connection for devices that should not use the VPN.

Under Guest Network Pro / Network, add a normal Guest Network or other suitable network profile (not the VPN Network preset).
Set a clear name such as Home-ISP and secure it with a strong password.
In that network profile’s VPN tab, leave the VPN assignment disabled or choose the Internet/ISP path if your firmware offers it.
Check your VPN Fusion default connection and device policies. If a VPN is set to Apply to all devices, simply turning off the Guest Network’s VPN toggle may not guarantee an ISP bypass on every firmware. Configure an explicit ISP/bypass route where supported.
Save, join the Home-ISP network with a test device, and confirm the public IP matches the ISP connection.

Confirm Each WiFi Network Uses the Intended Internet Route

Connect a phone or laptop to the VPN WiFi SSID. Disable any VPN app or iCloud Private Relay on the device for this test.
Visit WhatIsMyIPAddress.com and note the public IP and location. This should reflect your selected VPN endpoint.
Disconnect and join the ISP WiFi SSID. Repeat the IP check; it should now show the ISP’s public internet route.
If both SSIDs show the same IP, review the VPN Fusion default profile, guest-network VPN assignment, and any device-specific rules.

Common Issues and What to Check

I only see “Guest Network,” not “Guest Network Pro” or “VPN Network”

Your router may use older firmware or lack this feature. Traditional Guest Network creates a separate WiFi SSID, but the VPN routing option may not exist. Use VPN Fusion device assignments as an alternative rather than assuming the guest network automatically bypasses or uses the VPN.

Every network still uses the VPN

Check whether Apply to all devices is enabled in VPN Fusion. If it is, verify that the guest profile actually overrides the default route on your firmware. You may need an explicit per-network or per-device ISP rule.

A phone reports the wrong IP although the guest VPN profile is correct

Temporarily disable device-level VPN apps, iCloud Private Relay / Limit IP Address Tracking, browser proxy, or Private DNS settings, then reconnect. See Device Settings That Interfere With Router VPN.

Guest devices cannot reach local printers or other LAN devices

Check the guest network’s intranet access / network isolation settings. Changing isolation affects LAN access, not necessarily VPN selection. Keep guests isolated unless LAN access is actually needed.

Upgrade your ASUS router

Explore the Latest WiFi 7 ASUS FlashRouters

Looking for a newer ASUS router? Browse WiFi 7 models available from FlashRouters and compare features to find the right fit for your home or office. VPN Fusion and other features vary by router model and firmware.

Shop ASUS WiFi 7 Routers →

ProtonVPN Setup Guide for GL.iNet Routers

Dave · Mar 23, 2026 ·

You can connect to ProtonVPN on your GL.iNet router using Wireguard or OpenVPN.

Quick Options

Wireguard: Download your preferred server .conf configuration file from the ProtonVPN website.
OpenVPN: Download your preferred server .ovpn configuration file from the ProtonVPN website.

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

ProtonVPN Wireguard Setup for GLiNet (Recommended)

1. Login to your ProtonVPN account and go to the Downloads section of your ProtonVPN account page

2. Scroll down to find the WireGuard configuration section. Name your configuration and then select Router as the platform, and select Standard server configs.

3. Click Create button to choose the recommended server or scroll down to choose and Download any of the available server files from the list.

4. Login to GL.iNet firmware settings (usually 192.168.8.1) in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the GL.iNet FlashRouter’s network.

View our guide for more instructions on how to access GL.iNet firmware settings.

5. Navigate to the VPN tab and select WireGuard Client then click + New Group and name your connection and click the check to save.

6. Upload the configuration file and click Apply.

7. Start a connection by clicking the 3 dots (…) > Start next to your chosen server.

8. A green dot confirms success. You can also switch between Global Mode or Policy Mode for routing in the VPN Dashboard.

ProtonVPN OpenVPN Setup for GLiNet

1. Log in to your ProtonVPN account and navigate to the Account tab. Scroll down to find your OpenVPN specific Username and Password.

2. Go to the Downloads section of your ProtonVPN account page

3. Scroll down to find the OpenVPN configuration Files. Select Router as the platform, UDP as the protocol, and select Standard server configs. Choose your preferred country and download the configuration file.

4. Login to GL.iNet firmware settings (usually 192.168.8.1) in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the GL.iNet FlashRouter’s network.

View our guide for more instructions on how to access GL.iNet firmware settings.

5. Navigate to the VPN tab and select OpenVPN Client.

6. Select Add Manually then click + New Group and name your connection and click the check to save.

7. Upload the configuration file and input your username and password, click Apply.

8. Start a connection by clicking the 3 dots (…) > Start next to your chosen server.

9. A green dot confirms success. You can also switch between Global Mode or Policy Mode for routing in the VPN Dashboard.

You should now see information appear in the Server Address, Server Listen Port, Traffic Statistics, and Client Virtual IP areas.
Visit ProtonVPN’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 ProtonVPN.

🚫📱Do not run ProtonVPN apps on devices connected to your ProtonVPN router. Using the app at the same time as the router VPN may cause conflicts and connection issues.

Still having issues?

Feel free to submit a ticket and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Number test

admin · Oct 23, 2019 ·

Visit ExpressVPN’s website login page
Successfully log in with your account information. Select Setup on More Devices.
Select Manual Config and copy the Username and Password that are displayed on the right hand side of the screen.

NordVPN Setup for GL.iNet Routers

TeamFlashRouters · May 29, 2023 ·

You can connect to NordVPN on your GL.iNet router using NordLynx, OpenVPN, or a Dedicated IP.

Quick Options

NordLynx: Choose your preferred city or country from NordVPN’s server list
OpenVPN: Choose your preferred city or country from NordVPN’s server list.
Dedicated IP (optional): Enter your unique configuration file if you’ve been assigned a static NordVPN IP.

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

NordVPN NordLynx Setup for GLiNet

1. Get your NordVPN Access Token for NordLynx connections. Log in to your NordVPN account and select NordVPN from your list of Services.

2. At the bottom of the page click Get Access token and you will receive a code via email. Enter this code to proceed.

3. After you enter the email code select Generate new token and set it to Doesn’t expire. Copy this token.

4. Login to GL.iNet firmware settings (usually 192.168.8.1) in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the GL.iNet FlashRouter’s network.

View our guide for more instructions on how to access GL.iNet firmware settings.

5. Navigate to the VPN tab and select Wireguard Client then choose NordVPN. Enter your Token then click Save and Continue

6. Select your preferred server locations, and click Apply.

7. Start a connection by clicking the 3 dots (…) > Start next to your chosen server.

8. A green dot confirms success. You can also switch between Global Mode or Policy Mode for routing in the VPN Dashboard.

NordVPN OpenVPN Setup for GLiNet

1. Get your NordVPN manual service credentials for OpenVPN connections. Log in to your NordVPN account and select NordVPN from your list of Services.

2. At the bottom of the page in the Manual Setup section click Setup NordVPN manually then under the Configuration section go to Service credentials. Click Verify email to receive a code via email and enter the code to view and copy your credentials.

3. Login to GL.iNet firmware settings (usually 192.168.8.1) in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the GL.iNet FlashRouter’s network.

View our guide for more instructions on how to access GL.iNet firmware settings.

4. Navigate to the VPN tab and select OpenVPN Client.

5. Select the NordVPN group, enter your manual credentials, then click Save Credentials & Get Servers.

6. Choose UDP (recommended), select your preferred server locations, and click Apply.

7. Start a connection by clicking the 3 dots (…) > Start next to your chosen server.

8. A green dot confirms success. You can also switch between Global Mode or Policy Mode for routing in the VPN Dashboard.

NordVPN Dedicated IP Setup for GLiNet

1. Get your NordVPN manual service credentials for OpenVPN connections. Log in to your NordVPN account and select NordVPN from your list of Services.

3. Login to GL.iNet firmware settings (usually 192.168.8.1) in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the GL.iNet FlashRouter’s network.

View our guide for more instructions on how to access GL.iNet firmware settings.

4. Navigate to the VPN tab and select OpenVPN Client.

5. Download your Dedicated IP configuration file from the NordVPN website.

6. Click +New Group and name your NordVPN Dedicated IP connection, then upload the configuration file, enter your manual service credentials and click Apply.

7. Start a connection by clicking the 3 dots (…) > Start next to your chosen server.

8. A green dot confirms success. You can also switch between Global Mode or Policy Mode for routing in the VPN Dashboard.

You should now see information appear in the Server Address, Server Listen Port, Traffic Statistics, and Client Virtual IP areas.
Visit NordVPN’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

🚫📱Do not run NordVPN apps on devices connected to your NordVPN router. Using the app at the same time as the router VPN may cause conflicts and connection issues.

Still having issues?

Feel free to submit a ticket and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

NordVPN Setup for Privacy Hero

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 3, 2023 ·

Privacy Hero supports NordVPN using both NordLynx and OpenVPN.

NordLynx is recommended for most users. OpenVPN is also available and may be required for NordVPN Dedicated IP connections. Some Dedicated IP configurations require a private OpenVPN file imported as a Custom VPN.

Privacy Hero is cloud-managed, so you can complete the setup from any device with an internet connection. You do not need to be connected to Privacy Hero WiFi to change these settings.

NordVPN NordLynx Setup

NordLynx uses a NordVPN access token, not your regular NordVPN website email and password.

Open Privacy Hero and Select NordLynx

From a computer, smartphone, or tablet, open app.privacyhero.com.
Sign in with your Privacy Hero account email and password.
Open the VPN section.
Click Change and select NordVPN.
Choose NordLynx.

Generate Your NordVPN Access Token

In another browser tab, open NordVPN Access Tokens and sign in to your NordVPN account.
Complete any account or email verification requested by NordVPN.
Select Generate new token; choose Doesn’t expire if available, then copy the token.

Important: Treat your NordVPN token as a password. Do not share it publicly.

Connect Privacy Hero to NordVPN

Return to Privacy Hero, paste the token into the NordLynx token field, and click Save. The default country selection automatically chooses an available NordVPN server for that location.
Wait for the VPN status to show Connected.

NordVPN OpenVPN Setup

Use OpenVPN if you prefer the OpenVPN protocol or if your configuration requires it. OpenVPN requires NordVPN Manual Service Credentials, which are different from your website login email and password.

Select OpenVPN in Privacy Hero

Open app.privacyhero.com and sign in.
Open the VPN section.
Click Change and select NordVPN.
Select OpenVPN.

Get Your Manual Service Credentials

Open NordVPN Manual Service Credentials and sign in.
Complete NordVPN’s verification if prompted, then copy the current Service Username and Service Password.

Important: Do not enter your normal NordVPN website email and password into Privacy Hero’s OpenVPN fields.

Save Your OpenVPN Connection

Return to Privacy Hero and enter the manual service username and password in the OpenVPN credential fields. Click Save.
Confirm Privacy Hero shows the connection as Connected.

Choose a NordVPN Country or Specific Server

Privacy Hero can select a NordVPN server automatically, or you can choose a country or specify a server hostname.

Choose a Country

Open your NordVPN connection in Privacy Hero.
Open the Country dropdown.
Search for and select your preferred country.
Click Save. Privacy Hero will use an available NordVPN server for the selected country.

Use a Specific NordVPN Server

Open your NordVPN connection in Privacy Hero.
Open Advanced Options.
Enter the NordVPN server hostname, for example us12286.nordvpn.com.
Click Save.

Use NordVPN’s server recommendation tool if you need a hostname. NordVPN servers can be retired or taken offline for maintenance; if your specific server stops working, choose another server or return to country selection.

NordVPN Dedicated IP Setup

NordVPN Dedicated IP can require either the regular NordVPN OpenVPN connection or a private .ovpn file imported as a Custom VPN.

Method 1: OpenVPN Advanced Options

Try this first if your Dedicated IP works with the standard NordVPN OpenVPN setup.

Set up NordVPN → OpenVPN using your NordVPN Manual Service Credentials as described above.
Open Advanced Options.
Enter the Dedicated IP server hostname assigned to your account.
Click Save and check whether the VPN connects.
Verify that your public IP matches your assigned Dedicated IP.

If connected and the public IP matches, no additional configuration is needed.

Method 2: Custom VPN With a Private OpenVPN File

Some Dedicated IP servers require a private OpenVPN configuration file. If Method 1 does not connect, follow NordVPN’s Manual Dedicated IP Server Setup instructions.

Download Your Dedicated IP Configuration

Sign in to the NordVPN account associated with the Dedicated IP.
Locate your assigned Dedicated IP server using NordVPN’s manual setup instructions.
Download its OpenVPN UDP configuration file.
Save the .ovpn file to your computer or device.

Important: Use the private configuration file for your actual Dedicated IP, not a public NordVPN server file.

Upload the File as a Custom VPN

Open app.privacyhero.com and select VPN → Change.
Select Custom from the VPN provider dropdown, not NordVPN.
Upload your Dedicated IP UDP .ovpn file.
Enter your NordVPN Manual Service Username and Password.
Save the configuration, enable the VPN, and wait for Connected.
Verify the public IP matches your NordVPN Dedicated IP.

These are NordVPN’s separate manual service credentials, not your regular website login.

Verify Your NordVPN Connection

Connect your testing device to the Privacy Hero WiFi.
Disconnect any NordVPN or other VPN app running directly on that device.
Open a fresh private/incognito browser window.
Visit NordVPN What Is My IP.
Confirm the public IP and location match your selected NordVPN server (or assigned Dedicated IP).

Running a VPN application directly on the device at the same time as the router VPN can produce double-VPN conflicts and unexpected IP or location results.

Streaming Relocation and VPN Location

If Streaming Relocation is enabled for a supported service, that service may use the Streaming Relocation region instead of your VPN server region. See Privacy Hero Streaming Relocation.

NordVPN Not Connecting?

If the VPN displays Failed, Connecting, or a timeout error, check for:

A server undergoing maintenance or no longer available.
An expired, revoked, or outdated NordLynx access token.
Incorrect or changed OpenVPN Manual Service Credentials.
Recent account changes or an inactive NordVPN subscription.
A protocol-specific issue.
A Dedicated IP that requires a private .ovpn file and Custom provider selection.

Follow Privacy Hero NordVPN Not Connecting or Showing Timeout Errors for troubleshooting.

No Internet After NordVPN Disconnects?

If internet access stops when the VPN disconnects, the VPN Kill Switch may be blocking normal traffic as intended. See Privacy Hero VPN Kill Switch: No Internet or WiFi Troubleshooting.

VPN Connected, but One Device Shows the Wrong IP?

If other devices show the correct VPN IP, check the affected device’s VPN apps, Private Relay, Private DNS, antivirus, and browser settings. See Device Settings That Can Interfere With Your Router VPN.

Related Privacy Hero Guides

Private Internet Access (PIA) Setup for Privacy Hero

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 3, 2023 ·

Privacy Hero supports Private Internet Access (PIA) with WireGuard (recommended) and OpenVPN. You need an active PIA subscription and your PIA VPN username and password.

Important difference: PIA WireGuard has a built-in provider integration in Privacy Hero. Choose Private Internet Access from the VPN provider list—not Custom WireGuard. No WireGuard configuration file or key generation is needed.

By default, Privacy Hero can automatically select an optimal available PIA server based on your location and server conditions. Alternatively, use Advanced Options to enter a specific PIA server hostname from the regional list below.

Privacy Hero is cloud-managed. You can configure your router from any device with an internet connection, whether or not you are on the Privacy Hero WiFi network.

Set Up PIA WireGuard in Privacy Hero (Recommended)

Unlike most other providers, PIA WireGuard does not use Custom VPN file uploads in Privacy Hero. The built-in PIA integration connects using your PIA account credentials and handles the WireGuard configuration for you.

Open app.privacyhero.com and sign in to your Privacy Hero account.
Open the VPN section. Select Change beside your current VPN provider.
Choose Private Internet Access from the provider list. Do not select Custom for this WireGuard setup.
Enter your PIA VPN account username and password (not your Privacy Hero dashboard credentials). You can check your account at PIA Client Control Panel.
For automatic server selection, leave the optional server hostname unset, then click Save to connect. Wait until Privacy Hero displays Connected.

Privacy Hero built-in Private Internet Access provider login settings

Choose the Automatic Server or a Specific PIA Location

Privacy Hero offers two ways to select the PIA WireGuard server:

Automatic (recommended for most users): Leave the server hostname field blank. Privacy Hero selects an optimal available PIA location, generally favoring nearby servers and server conditions such as load. You do not need to manually maintain a server address.
Specific location: Enter a PIA region hostname under Advanced Options. This is useful when you need an IP address from a particular country or city.

To use a specific location, open the existing Private Internet Access connection and select Advanced Options.
Enter a complete PIA server hostname from the list below, for example us-newyorkcity.privacy.network or uk-london.privacy.network.
Click Save, wait for Connected, then verify your new public IP address. If the selected location becomes unavailable, try another hostname or remove the hostname to return to automatic selection.

Privacy Hero Private Internet Access Advanced Options field for entering a VPN server hostname

PIA Server Hostname List by Region

Use these hostnames in PIA > Advanced Options when you prefer a specific location. Expand a region below and copy the complete hostname, including .privacy.network. This list is retained from the existing FlashRouters guide.

Server availability can change. Some hostnames, particularly those ending in -pf or marked for streaming, are specialized locations and may not be available for every connection. If a hostname no longer works, use automatic selection or check PIA’s current location list for available locations. PIA’s location list names regions; it does not necessarily provide matching hostnames.

North America (65 locations)

bahamas.privacy.networkca-ontario.privacy.networkca-toronto.privacy.networkca-vancouver.privacy.networkca-montreal.privacy.networkgreenland.privacy.networkgt-guatemala-pf.privacy.networkmexico.privacy.networkpanama.privacy.networksanjose.privacy.networkus-alabama-pf.privacy.networkus-alaska-pf.privacy.networkus-arkansas-pf.privacy.networkus-atlanta.privacy.networkus-california.privacy.networkus-chicago.privacy.networkus-connecticut-pf.privacy.networkus-denver.privacy.networkus-florida.privacy.networkus-houston.privacy.networkus-idaho-pf.privacy.networkus-indiana-pf.privacy.networkus-iowa-pf.privacy.networkus-kansas-pf.privacy.networkus-kentucky-pf.privacy.networkus-lasvegas.privacy.networkus-louisiana-pf.privacy.networkus-maine-pf.privacy.networkus-massachusetts-pf.privacy.networkus-michigan-pf.privacy.networkus-minnesota-pf.privacy.networkus-mississippi-pf.privacy.networkus-missouri-pf.privacy.networkus-montana-pf.privacy.networkus-nebraska-pf.privacy.networkus-new-hampshire-pf.privacy.networkus-new-mexico-pf.privacy.networkus-newyorkcity.privacy.networkus-north-carolina-pf.privacy.networkus-north-dakota-pf.privacy.networkus-ohio-pf.privacy.networkus-oklahoma-pf.privacy.networkus-oregon-pf.privacy.networkus-pennsylvania-pf.privacy.networkus-rhode-island-pf.privacy.networkus-seattle.privacy.networkus-siliconvalley.privacy.networkus-south-carolina-pf.privacy.networkus-south-dakota-pf.privacy.networkus-texas.privacy.networkus-tennessee-pf.privacy.networkus-vermont-pf.privacy.networkus-virginia-pf.privacy.networkus-washingtondc.privacy.networkus-west-virginia-pf.privacy.networkus-wisconsin-pf.privacy.networkus-wyoming-pf.privacy.networkus3.privacy.networkus-baltimore.privacy.networkus-honolulu.privacy.networkus-newjersey.privacy.networkus-saltlakecity.privacy.networkus-streaming-2.privacy.networkus-streaming.privacy.networkus-wilmington.privacy.network

South America (9 locations)

ar.privacy.networkbo-bolivia-pf.privacy.networkbogota.privacy.networkbr.privacy.networkec-ecuador-pf.privacy.networkpe-peru-pf.privacy.networksantiago.privacy.networkuy-uruguay-pf.privacy.networkvenezuela.privacy.network

Europe (51 locations)

al.privacy.networkad.privacy.networkaustria.privacy.networkbrussels.privacy.networkba.privacy.networksofia.privacy.networkzagreb.privacy.networkczech.privacy.networkde-berlin.privacy.networkde-frankfurt.privacy.networkdenmark.privacy.networkdenmark-2.privacy.networkspain.privacy.networkes-valencia.privacy.networkee.privacy.networkfi.privacy.networkfi-2.privacy.networkfrance.privacy.networkgr.privacy.networkhungary.privacy.networkitaly.privacy.networkitaly-2.privacy.networkis.privacy.networkireland.privacy.networkman.privacy.networklv.privacy.networkliechtenstein.privacy.networklt.privacy.networklu.privacy.networkmalta.privacy.networkmd.privacy.networkmonaco.privacy.networkmontenegro.privacy.networknl-amsterdam.privacy.networkmk.privacy.networkno.privacy.networkpoland.privacy.networkpt.privacy.networkro.privacy.networksweden.privacy.networksweden-2.privacy.networkrs.privacy.networksk.privacy.networkslovenia.privacy.networkswiss.privacy.networktr.privacy.networkuk-london.privacy.networkuk-manchester.privacy.networkuk-southampton.privacy.networkuk-2.privacy.networkua.privacy.network

Asia (26 locations)

ae.privacy.networkbangladesh.privacy.networkcambodia.privacy.networkchina.privacy.networkcyprus.privacy.networkgeorgia.privacy.networkhk.privacy.networkin.privacy.networkisrael.privacy.networkjakarta.privacy.networkjapan.privacy.networkjapan-2.privacy.networkkazakhstan.privacy.networkkr-south-korea-pf.privacy.networkkualalumpur.privacy.networkmacau.privacy.networkmongolia.privacy.networknp-nepal-pf.privacy.networkphilippines.privacy.networkqatar.privacy.networksaudiarabia.privacy.networksg.privacy.networksrilanka.privacy.networktaiwan.privacy.networkvietnam.privacy.networkyerevan.privacy.network

Oceania (7 locations)

au-adelaide-pf.privacy.networkau-australia-so.privacy.networkau-brisbane-pf.privacy.networkaus-melbourne.privacy.networkaus-perth.privacy.networkau-sydney.privacy.networknz.privacy.network

Africa (5 locations)

dz.privacy.networkegypt.privacy.networkmorocco.privacy.networknigeria.privacy.networkza.privacy.network

Set Up PIA OpenVPN in Privacy Hero

OpenVPN is the alternative when you need a manually uploaded connection or if the built-in PIA WireGuard method does not work on your network. OpenVPN uses Custom in Privacy Hero, unlike the built-in PIA WireGuard setup.

Download a PIA OpenVPN Configuration File

Sign in to the PIA Client Control Panel using your PIA VPN account.
Open Downloads and scroll to OpenVPN Configuration Generator or OpenVPN Configurations.
If using the generator, choose OpenVPN 2.4 or newer and Linux when these options are offered, then choose an available server location.
Select your preferred configuration. UDP / 1198 (AES-128-CBC) is a standard default. UDP / 1197 (AES-256-CBC) is an alternative. Use a PIA-provided TCP configuration if UDP does not work on your network.
Click Generate or download a suitable pre-made configuration and save the resulting .ovpn file. Each server file is tied to its selected location/settings.

PIA also provides pre-made OpenVPN configuration bundles; see PIA’s OpenVPN file instructions.

Add PIA OpenVPN as a Custom VPN

Open Privacy Hero, go to VPN, click Change, and select Custom.
Choose OpenVPN and upload the PIA .ovpn file downloaded in the previous section.
Enter your PIA VPN username and password in the Custom OpenVPN authentication fields.
Click Save and confirm Privacy Hero shows Connected.

Privacy Hero Custom OpenVPN configuration with file upload and username password fields

Note: If OpenVPN UDP cannot connect, try a TCP profile from PIA or another server. When switching protocols, make sure you upload a matching PIA configuration file.

Verify Your Private Internet Access Connection

Connect a device to the Privacy Hero WiFi or LAN network.
Disconnect any PIA app or other VPN running directly on the device so the router VPN can be tested independently.
Open a private/incognito browser window and visit PIA What Is My IP.
Confirm that your public IP address reflects the VPN connection, and that the approximate location is consistent with either the selected hostname or Privacy Hero’s automatic server selection.

Privacy Hero VPN settings can be changed remotely, but the device used to verify the VPN IP must be connected to the Privacy Hero network.

Streaming Relocation and Your PIA Location

If Streaming Relocation is enabled for a supported service, that service may use the Streaming Relocation location instead of your PIA VPN server location. See Privacy Hero Streaming Relocation.

PIA VPN Not Connecting?

If Privacy Hero reports Failed, stays on Connecting, or connected devices lose internet access, try these checks:

Confirm your PIA subscription is active and enter your PIA VPN login, not your Privacy Hero email/password.
For built-in PIA WireGuard, verify the provider is Private Internet Access—not Custom. No downloaded WireGuard file is required.
Remove any specific server hostname to test automatic server selection. If that connects, the previous hostname may be unavailable.
For Custom OpenVPN, upload a fresh PIA .ovpn file, re-enter the PIA credentials, and try a different server or a TCP configuration.
Turn off the router VPN temporarily to check that normal internet access works. If the VPN Kill Switch is blocking internet traffic, temporarily disable it for testing, then restore your preferred setting.
Check whether a separate VPN app, iCloud Private Relay, Private DNS, proxy, or security software on the testing device is affecting your VPN IP results.

No Internet When the VPN Disconnects?

The Privacy Hero VPN Kill Switch may intentionally block internet access if the VPN goes down. See Privacy Hero VPN Kill Switch: No Internet or WiFi Troubleshooting.

VPN Connected but One Device Shows the Wrong IP?

If other devices show the expected VPN address, review device VPN apps, iCloud Private Relay, Private DNS, and security settings.

Related Privacy Hero Guides

Privacy Hero Bypass certain devices from VPN

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 3, 2023 ·

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.

If you have certain devices in your network that you do NOT want connecting to VPN you can follow these steps to bypass these devices from the Privacy Hero’s VPN connection.

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

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

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

3. Click the Devices symbol.

4. Click the name of the Device you want to bypass from VPN.

5. Set the VPN toggle to Off. You can also do the same for Adblocking and Device Protection as needed.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Surfshark Setup for Privacy Hero

TeamFlashRouters · Sep 23, 2025 ·

Privacy Hero supports Surfshark through WireGuard and OpenVPN using the Custom VPN provider option.

WireGuard is recommended for most users. It requires a Surfshark WireGuard key pair and a downloaded server configuration file. OpenVPN uses a downloaded .ovpn file and Surfshark’s separate Manual Setup credentials, not your usual Surfshark login email and password.

Privacy Hero is cloud-managed. You can change these settings from any computer, smartphone, or tablet with an internet connection; you do not need to be on the Privacy Hero WiFi to configure the VPN.

Surfshark WireGuard Setup (Recommended)

WireGuard uses a key pair for authentication. A separate Surfshark username and password is not needed for the WireGuard configuration.

Create or Select Your Surfshark WireGuard Key Pair

Sign in to your Surfshark account.
Open VPN → Manual Setup, choose the Router setup option, and select WireGuard.
If you already registered a key pair with Surfshark, select I have a key pair and follow the prompts to register your public key. Otherwise, select I don’t have a key pair.
If generating a new key pair, enter a name and choose Generate a new key pair. Save the generated keys securely when prompted.

Important: Your WireGuard private key is sensitive. Do not publish or send it in a support ticket. Surfshark notes that you may not be able to view the generated keys again after leaving that screen.

Download a Surfshark WireGuard Server File

After setting up the key pair, select Choose a location or open the Locations section.
Choose an available Surfshark server and download its WireGuard configuration file to your device.

Do not download the WireGuard configuration before setting up the key pair. Surfshark warns that a file downloaded too early can be missing the required key information. For more detail, see Surfshark’s manual WireGuard router instructions.

Upload WireGuard to Privacy Hero

Open app.privacyhero.com and log in to your Privacy Hero account.
Open the VPN section, click Change, and choose Custom as the VPN provider.
Select WireGuard and upload the Surfshark WireGuard configuration file you downloaded.
Click Save and allow Privacy Hero to establish the connection. Confirm the VPN status shows Connected.

Privacy Hero Custom WireGuard configuration and file upload panel

Surfshark OpenVPN Setup

OpenVPN is an alternative to WireGuard. It requires a Surfshark Manual Setup username and password and a downloaded OpenVPN configuration (.ovpn) file.

Get Your Surfshark OpenVPN Credentials

Sign in to your Surfshark account.
Open VPN → Manual Setup, choose Router, and select OpenVPN.
Open the Credentials tab. If credentials are not yet available, select Generate credentials.
Copy the Manual Setup username and password, or keep the tab open to enter them into Privacy Hero later.

Important: These are not your regular Surfshark website email and password. Keep the service credentials private.

Download a Surfshark OpenVPN Server File

In Surfshark’s OpenVPN Manual Setup area, open the Locations tab.
Select a country or server and download its UDP .ovpn configuration file. UDP is the recommended starting option; a TCP configuration may be worth trying later if needed.

Download a new .ovpn file whenever you want to switch to a different Surfshark server location. See Surfshark’s manual server selection instructions.

Upload OpenVPN to Privacy Hero

Open app.privacyhero.com, sign in, and select the VPN section.
Click Change, select Custom, and choose OpenVPN.
Upload the Surfshark UDP .ovpn file you downloaded.
Enter the Surfshark Manual Setup username and password into the Custom OpenVPN fields.
Click Save, then confirm the VPN status shows Connected.

Privacy Hero Custom OpenVPN screen with configuration file upload and username and password fields

Verify Your Surfshark Connection

Privacy Hero showing Connected confirms the router connection status. Test a device on the Privacy Hero network to confirm it is using Surfshark.

Connect your device to the Privacy Hero WiFi or LAN.
Disconnect the Surfshark app or any other VPN app running directly on the testing device.
Open a fresh private/incognito browser window.
Visit Surfshark’s IP address checker.
Confirm the displayed public IP and approximate location correspond to your selected Surfshark server.

You can change Privacy Hero settings while using another WiFi network or cellular data, but the device performing this VPN IP test must be connected to Privacy Hero. Avoid running a separate VPN app on the same testing device, as that creates a double-VPN connection.

Streaming Relocation and Your VPN Location

When Streaming Relocation is enabled for a supported streaming service, that service may use its Streaming Relocation region instead of the Surfshark VPN server region. See Privacy Hero Streaming Relocation.

Surfshark Not Connecting?

If Privacy Hero displays Failed, remains on Connecting, or reports a timeout, try these steps:

Confirm your Surfshark subscription is active and that Custom is selected as the VPN provider in Privacy Hero.
If using WireGuard, confirm that the key pair was created or registered before downloading the server file. If necessary, generate a new key pair, download a fresh configuration, and upload it again.
If using OpenVPN, double-check your separate Surfshark Manual Setup username and password, not your regular website login.
Download a fresh server configuration for another available Surfshark location and try again.
If OpenVPN UDP continues to fail, try a Surfshark TCP .ovpn configuration file to check for a protocol-specific issue.
Temporarily disable the VPN Kill Switch while checking whether internet access works without the VPN, then restore your preferred Kill Switch setting.

No Internet After Surfshark Disconnects?

The VPN Kill Switch may intentionally block normal internet traffic when the VPN connection is unavailable. See Privacy Hero VPN Kill Switch: No Internet or WiFi Troubleshooting.

VPN Connected but One Device Shows the Wrong IP?

If other Privacy Hero devices display the expected Surfshark VPN IP, review the affected device for VPN apps, iCloud Private Relay, Private DNS, proxy settings, antivirus filtering, or other security software. See Device Settings That Can Interfere With Your Router VPN.

Related Privacy Hero Guides

How to Reset a Failed VPN Connection on Privacy Hero

Dave · Oct 24, 2026 ·

If your Privacy Hero VPN connection shows Failed, you can use the new Reset button to clear the saved third-party VPN settings and return the router to its available default connection. This is useful when a VPN setup is stuck or you want to start again without manually removing the existing third-party VPN configuration.

Important: A VPN reset removes all saved third-party VPN settings from Privacy Hero. You will need to configure that provider again if you want to use it later. The connection Privacy Hero uses after resetting depends on your subscription plan.

When Should You Use the VPN Reset Button?

Use Reset when the current VPN connection is in a Failed state and you want to remove the third-party VPN setup and restore a working default connection. It is a more complete action than simply retrying the same VPN server.

Use it if the third-party VPN settings are no longer working and you want to start over.
Use it if you no longer want the saved third-party VPN configuration.
Do not use it if you need to preserve the existing VPN configuration. First try reconnecting or choosing a different VPN server or protocol.

The Reset action addresses the VPN configuration. It does not repair a disconnected WAN cable, an ISP outage, or a router that cannot reach the Privacy Hero cloud.

How to Reset a Failed VPN Connection

Open app.privacyhero.com in a browser and sign in to your Privacy Hero account.
Select your Privacy Hero router, then open its VPN settings.
Confirm the existing VPN connection is showing Failed.
Find the new Reset button in the failed VPN connection area. Before clicking, be aware that this action will remove all third-party VPN settings saved on the router.
Click Reset. If a confirmation message appears, review it before confirming. Allow the dashboard to apply the reset and update the VPN connection status.
Check the resulting connection using the subscription comparison below, then verify internet access from a device connected to Privacy Hero.

Dashboard access during a Kill Switch block: Privacy Hero permits access to app.privacyhero.com over its WiFi or LAN even when the VPN Kill Switch blocks ordinary internet traffic, as long as the router maintains its upstream/cloud connection. You can also manage the router from cellular data or another working internet connection.

What Happens After Reset? Privacy Premium vs. Privacy Core

VPN Reset: Side-by-Side Plan Comparison
Privacy Premium Active subscription	Privacy Core
Third-party VPN settingsRemoved	Third-party VPN settingsRemoved
Connection after resetBuilt-in Privacy Hero VPN	Connection after resetNormal ISP internet
VPN protection afterwardYes, when the built-in VPN is connected	VPN protection afterwardNo router VPN is active

Privacy Core users: After resetting, your normal internet access is not VPN-protected by Privacy Hero. If you want a third-party VPN again, you must configure it again in Privacy Hero.

Privacy Premium users: Check that the built-in Privacy Hero VPN shows Connected before assuming your traffic is going through the VPN. A working upstream internet connection and active Premium subscription are still required.

What Information Does the Reset Remove?

The VPN Reset button clears the third-party VPN configuration stored in Privacy Hero. This means any saved third-party provider details will need to be entered or imported again before that provider can be used.

Depending on the provider and protocol you had configured, this may include the saved VPN provider selection, server details, credentials or tokens, and custom OpenVPN or WireGuard settings. Have your provider login or configuration materials available if you plan to set up that VPN again.

This is a VPN configuration reset, not a request to cancel your third-party VPN subscription. It should not be confused with a full router factory reset.

How to Verify Internet and VPN Status After Reset

Refresh the Privacy Hero dashboard and reopen VPN.
If you have Privacy Premium, verify that the built-in Privacy Hero VPN is selected and shows Connected.
If you have Privacy Core, verify that the third-party VPN configuration is gone and ordinary internet access is available through your ISP connection.
Connect a computer or phone to the Privacy Hero WiFi or LAN. To test the router by itself, turn off any VPN application running directly on that device.
Load a regular website, then check your public IP address using ipleak.net. Premium should show a VPN IP if its built-in VPN is connected; Core will normally show your ISP public IP.

If you have Streaming Relocation enabled, some streaming services may use their separately selected location; that is not necessarily the same location shown by a general public IP check.

Reset Complete but Still No Internet?

Check the VPN Kill Switch. If it is still enabled while there is no working VPN connection, it may block ordinary internet traffic. Review the Kill Switch setting before assuming the router has lost WiFi.
Check the connection status. A router listed as Offline may have a WAN, ISP, or cloud-communication problem. The VPN reset cannot fix an upstream internet outage.
Check the network wiring. Confirm your main router or ISP gateway has internet access and the cable is connected to the Privacy Hero WAN/Internet port.
Check a device on Privacy Hero WiFi or LAN. Make sure you are testing the Privacy Hero network rather than another WiFi or cellular connection.
Check your subscription. An active Privacy Premium subscription is required for the built-in Privacy Hero VPN fallback described above. Privacy Core returns to ordinary ISP internet access.

For Kill Switch behavior and restoring internet, see Privacy Hero VPN Kill Switch: No Internet or WiFi Troubleshooting. To learn when to enable the feature, see Privacy Hero VPN Kill Switch Setup.

ExpressVPN Merlin OpenVPN Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Jan 11, 2023 ·

Preparing for ExpressVPN Merlin 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.

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.

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.

Merlin Router Setup for ExpressVPN

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.

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

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

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 New York so I have entered in ExpressVPN New York.

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 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.

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.

Verify a successful ExpressVPN connection

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

How to change the ExpressVPN server

Copy the new ExpressVPN server address from the below server list.
Paste the server into the Server Address field.
Click Apply at the bottom of the page.

ExpressVPN Server Addresses

Americas

usa-atlanta-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-boston-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-chicago-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-dallas-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-dallas-2-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-denver-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-kansascity-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-losangeles-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-losangeles-1-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-losangeles-2-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-losangeles-3-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-los-angeles-4-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-miami-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-miami-2-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-minneapolis-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-newjersey-1-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-newjersey-3-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-newyork-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
us-new-york-2-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-phoenix-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-saltlakecity-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-sanfrancisco-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-sanjose-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-seattle-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-tampa-1-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-virginia-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-washingtondc-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
usa-washingtondc-2-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
canada-montreal-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
canada-toronto-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
canada-toronto-2-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
canada-vancouver-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
mexico-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
argentina-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
brazil-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
brazil-2-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
chile-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
colombia-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
costarica-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
ecuador-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
guatemala-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
panama-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
peru-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
uruguay-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
venezuela-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com

Europe

uk-berkshire-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
uk-berkshire-2-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
uk-docklands-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
uk-east-london-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
uk-kent-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
uk-london-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
france-paris-1-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
france-paris-2-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
france-strasbourg-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
germany-darmstadt-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
germany-frankfurt-1-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
germany-frankfurt-2-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
germany-nuremberg-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
italy-cosenza-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
italy-milan-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
netherlands-amsterdam-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
netherlands-rotterdam-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
netherlands-thehague-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
spain-barcelona-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
spain-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
sweden-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
sweden-2-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
switzerland-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
switzerland-2-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
albania-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
andorra-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
armenia-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
austria-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
azerbaijan-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
belarus-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
belgium-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
bosniaandherzegovina-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
bulgaria-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
croatia-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
cyprus-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
czechrepublic-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
denmark-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
estonia-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
finland-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
georgia-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
greece-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
hungary-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
iceland-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
ireland-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
isleofman-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
jersey-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
latvia-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
liechtenstein-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
lithuania-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
luxembourg-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
macedonia-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
malta-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
moldova-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
monaco-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
montenegro-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
norway-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
poland-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
portugal-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
romania-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
serbia-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
slovakia-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
slovenia-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
ukraine-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com

Asia Pacific

australia-brisbane-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
australia-melbourne-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
australia-perth-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
australia-sydney-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
australia-sydney-2-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
australia-sydney-3-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
hongkong-2-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
hongkong4-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
hongkong-1-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
japan-tokyo-1-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
japan-tokyo-2-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
india-chennai-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
india-mumbai-1-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
singapore-cbd-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
singapore-jurong-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
southkorea-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
southkorea2-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
bangladesh-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
bhutan-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
brunei-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
cambodia-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
indonesia-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
kazakhstan-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
kyrgyzstan-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
laos-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
macau-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
malaysia-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
mongolia-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
myanmar-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
nepal-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
newzealand-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
pakistan-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
ph-via-sing-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
srilanka-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
taiwan-3-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
thailand-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
vietnam-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com

Middle East and Africa

algeria-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
israel-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
kenya-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com
southafrica-ca-version-2.expressnetw.com

Merlin ExpressVPN change server location

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

How to Use ASUS VPN Fusion: Assign Devices and Multiple VPNs

Dave · Oct 26, 2026 ·

ASUS VPN Fusion lets supported AsusWRT routers run VPN client profiles and decide which connected devices use each VPN connection. You can send the entire network through one VPN, use separate VPN profiles for selected devices, or leave certain devices on the regular ISP connection.

This guide covers how to use ASUS VPN Fusion to assign devices to specific VPN connections, manage multiple VPN profiles simultaneously, and choose which devices use a VPN or connect directly through your ISP. These features work with supported VPN providers and protocols, including WireGuard and OpenVPN.

Open VPN Fusion

Connect your computer or phone to your ASUS FlashRouter’s WiFi or LAN.
Open http://www.asusrouter.com or the router’s LAN IP (often 192.168.50.1) and log in. See How to Access Your AsusWRT FlashRouter Settings.
Go to VPN > VPN Fusion. Add and configure at least one working VPN client profile before assigning devices.

VPN Fusion displays your saved VPN profiles and the Add Profile option.

Method 1: Apply One VPN to All Devices

Use this option when you want the selected VPN profile to be your router’s default connection.

In VPN Fusion, open the VPN profile that should provide the default internet route.
Enable Apply to all devices (or Default Connection in firmware that uses that label).
Click Apply all settings, then enable the VPN profile.
Connect a test device to the router and check its IP. If you use per-device overrides, verify those rules separately.

ASUS VPN Fusion Apply to all devices setting and device count — Enable Apply to all devices to use the selected VPN as the default connection.

Method 2: Send Only Selected Devices Through a VPN

In VPN Fusion, turn off Apply to all devices for a profile when you do not want that VPN used network-wide.
Open the profile’s Device area using the pencil/edit icon or the firmware’s device-assignment control.
Select the intended devices (for example, a TV and streaming box), confirm with OK, then click Apply all settings.
Enable the VPN profile and verify the selected devices’ public IPs.
For devices that should use the normal ISP internet, leave them on the Internet Connection route or explicitly set the Internet/bypass rule available in your firmware. Remove any conflicting VPN assignments.

Important: A device being connected to ASUS WiFi does not guarantee that it is assigned to the desired VPN. Check the assigned profile and the actual public IP.

How Multiple VPN Connections Work

On supported models, VPN Fusion can keep several VPN connections active and route different devices through different providers at the same time. For example:

TVNordVPN — WireGuard

LaptopProton VPN — OpenVPN

Streaming deviceSurfshark — OpenVPN

Work computerRegular ISP connection

You may be able to run one WireGuard profile and multiple OpenVPN profiles concurrently, but connection limits and supported combinations vary by ASUS router model and firmware. Adding many saved OpenVPN profiles is not the same as having all of them connected at once.

Create separate profiles with clear names, such as Nord-US-WG, Proton-US-OVPN, and Surfshark-UK-OVPN.
Enable only the profiles you need and confirm each shows connected.
Assign each client device to the appropriate active profile; avoid applying conflicting default routes.
Verify each device’s observed IP and server country. If one tunnel fails, test it individually with the other profiles temporarily disabled.

ASUS reference: How VPN Fusion handles multiple tunnels and devices.

Confirm a Device Is Actually Using the VPN

In VPN Fusion, confirm the target profile’s connection status is active.
Check the device’s assignment in the ASUS VPN Fusion interface.
On that same device, visit IPLeak.net or another public-IP checker.
Compare the reported public IP and location with the VPN server assigned to that device.
If the device still shows your ISP IP, test with its own VPN app and iCloud Private Relay / Private DNS / browser proxy disabled. Use Device Settings That Can Interfere With Your Router VPN.

Quick isolation test

Turn off VPN Fusion routing for a test device and confirm ISP internet works.
Turn on just one known-working VPN profile for that device.
Recheck public IP. If it now works, reintroduce other profiles/assignments individually.

Want a Separate WiFi Network With or Without VPN?

Rather than selecting devices one at a time, supported ASUS routers offer Guest Network Pro or Network > VPN Network features that can associate a WiFi SSID with VPN routing. See ASUS Guest WiFi With or Without VPN: Setup Guide.

On routers with only the traditional Guest Network feature, available VPN-by-SSID behavior may differ; do not assume the standard guest SSID bypasses a network-wide VPN default.

Upgrade your ASUS router

Explore the Latest WiFi 7 ASUS FlashRouters

Shop ASUS WiFi 7 Routers →

IPVanish Setup for Privacy Hero

TeamFlashRouters · Sep 23, 2025 ·

Privacy Hero supports IPVanish VPN through WireGuard (recommended) and OpenVPN. Both are configured in Privacy Hero using the Custom VPN provider option. You will need an active IPVanish VPN subscription and the configuration file for the protocol and server location you select.

Choose your method: WireGuard uses a generated .conf file and generally provides better performance. OpenVPN uses a downloaded .ovpn file plus your IPVanish VPN username and password.

Privacy Hero is cloud-managed. You can sign in and adjust VPN settings from a computer, phone, or tablet connected to any internet connection. You do not need to be on the Privacy Hero WiFi network to configure the router.

Download an IPVanish WireGuard Configuration (Recommended)

Use the WireGuard configuration generator in your IPVanish account to create a server file for your router. A generated WireGuard file contains the connection keys and server details, so keep it private.

Open the IPVanish account sign-in page and log in.
Open WireGuard in the account navigation to access the WireGuard Configuration Generator.
Select your preferred IPVanish server location and choose Generate to download the WireGuard configuration file. Save the downloaded .conf file to the device you are using for setup.

Important: Do not publicly share your WireGuard configuration file. To switch server locations later, generate and upload a new configuration.

Add IPVanish WireGuard to Privacy Hero

Sign in to the Privacy Hero dashboard at app.privacyhero.com.
Open the VPN section, select Change beside the provider, and choose Custom.
Choose WireGuard and upload the IPVanish .conf file you just generated.
Click Save to apply the settings. Wait for Privacy Hero to report Connected.

Privacy Hero Custom WireGuard configuration with WireGuard file upload

WireGuard authentication is contained in the generated configuration file; there is no separate OpenVPN username/password step in this method.

Download an IPVanish OpenVPN Configuration File

OpenVPN is a good alternative if WireGuard is unavailable or fails to connect on your network. It requires an IPVanish .ovpn configuration file and VPN login credentials.

Open the IPVanish OpenVPN server configuration list.
Download an .ovpn file for your preferred available server location. If IPVanish provides both UDP and TCP files, start with UDP and keep a TCP file as a fallback.
Have your IPVanish account username and password available for the OpenVPN setup. Use the credentials accepted by your IPVanish VPN account; these are not Privacy Hero login credentials.

If the linked server directory has changed, check the latest manual OpenVPN configuration downloads offered by IPVanish before selecting a file.

Add IPVanish OpenVPN to Privacy Hero

Sign in at app.privacyhero.com and open VPN.
Select Change, choose Custom, and select OpenVPN.
Upload the IPVanish .ovpn file you downloaded.
Enter your IPVanish username and password in the Custom OpenVPN fields. Do not enter the Privacy Hero account login.
Click Save and wait for the connection status to show Connected.

Privacy Hero Custom OpenVPN configuration showing server file upload and username and password fields

Tip: If OpenVPN UDP times out or cannot connect, try an available IPVanish OpenVPN TCP configuration or another server location.

Verify Your IPVanish VPN Connection

After Privacy Hero displays Connected, verify that a device on the router is actually using IPVanish.

Connect the device you want to test to the Privacy Hero WiFi or LAN network.
Temporarily disconnect any IPVanish app, other VPN app, or device-level VPN connection on that device so you test the router VPN alone.
Open a new private/incognito browser window and visit IPVanish What Is My IP Address.
Confirm that your public IP address and approximate location correspond to the VPN server you selected.

Note: Privacy Hero settings can be managed remotely, but the device used for this IP test must be on the Privacy Hero network.

Streaming Relocation and Your VPN Location

If Streaming Relocation is enabled for a supported streaming service, that service may use the configured Streaming Relocation location instead of the IPVanish server location. See Privacy Hero Streaming Relocation.

IPVanish Not Connecting?

If Privacy Hero remains on Connecting, displays Failed, or reports a timeout, check the following:

Make sure your IPVanish subscription is active and that Custom is selected as the VPN provider in Privacy Hero.
For WireGuard, generate a fresh configuration from your IPVanish account and upload that .conf file again.
For OpenVPN, confirm your IPVanish username/password and upload a fresh .ovpn file for a different server.
Try a different server location. With OpenVPN, also try switching between available UDP and TCP files.
Temporarily disable the Privacy Hero VPN connection and test normal internet access. If enabled, temporarily turn off the VPN Kill Switch for this test, then restore your preferred Kill Switch setting.
Check whether a device-level VPN app, private DNS, proxy, or security software is interfering with the router VPN connection.

VPN Disconnected and No Internet?

The VPN Kill Switch can intentionally block internet access when the VPN disconnects. Review Privacy Hero VPN Kill Switch Setup.

VPN Connected but One Device Shows the Wrong IP?

If only one device shows an unexpected IP address, look for another VPN app, iCloud Private Relay, Private DNS, browser proxy/DNS settings, or security software on that device. See Device Settings That Can Interfere With Your Router VPN.

Related Privacy Hero Guides

Wireless Repeater Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 16, 2019 ·

If you need to extend your wireless and wired connection capabilities, you can setup a FlashRouter as a Wireless Repeater. In Wireless Repeater mode the FlashRouter connects to your main router via WiFi and then creates a completely separate network segment for you. This new “repeater” network then transmits your internet signal via FlashRouter LAN ports for wired internet access while also creating a new Wireless Extender network that will expand your wireless network range throughout your home or office just like a mesh network.

Preparing for Wireless Repeater Setup

Verify your wireless information

To connect your FlashRouter wirelessly to your existing wireless network you will need the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Wireless Password of the existing wireless network that you will repeat. Verify and note this information.

We recommend using a 2.4GHz network to repeat as this network will have more range. Be sure to click Add under the 2.4GHz settings and not the 5GHz settings.

DD-WRT Router Setup for Wireless Repeater

Disable Firewall

Navigate to Security > Firewall

Wireless Repeater Setup on DD-WRT FlashRouter - Disable SPI Firewall

Set SPI Firewall to Disable.
Click Save.

Enter Wireless settings

Navigate to Wireless > Basic Settings

Select Add in the Virtual Interface area.

Wireless Repeater Setup on DD-WRT FlashRouter - Add Virtual Interface

In the Wireless Physical Interface settings for the 2.4GHz network set the Wireless Mode to Repeater.

FlashRouters with a Broadcom chipset will have Repeater as an option in the dropdown but FlashRouters with an Atheroes chipset will not. Select Client or Client (Routed) if Repeater is not listed for your FlashRouter.

Change the Wireless Network Name (SSID) to match exactly with the Wireless Network Name of the network that you will repeat.

Wireless Repeater Setup on DD-WRT FlashRouter - Set Wireless Mode to Repeater

In the Virtual Interfaces settings change the Wireless Network Name (SSID) to FlashRouter24 or any other unique SSID.

Wireless Repeater Setup on DD-WRT FlashRouter - Set SSID for Repeated Band

CLICK SAVE

Enter Wireless Security settings

Navigate to Wireless > Wireless Security

Wireless Repeater Setup on DD-WRT FlashRouter - Set Wireless Password

Duplicate the wireless security settings that are set for the other bands for the newly created virtual interface.
Change the WPA Shared Key to match exactly with the Wireless Password of the network that you will repeat.
Click Apply Settings.

Verify the Internet Connection

In the top right hand corner of the DD-WRT you should see the WAN IP change from 0.0.0.0 to an actual IP Address. Once this changes navigate to any website to test your Internet connection.

Wireless Repeater Setup on DD-WRT FlashRouter - Verify WAN Connection

Back up your settings

Navigate to the Administration > Backup page.

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit our Troubleshooting section to diagnose common problems here.

Troubleshoot Here

Access FlashRouter DD-WRT firmware settings

TeamFlashRouters · Mar 22, 2019 ·

You must be connected to the FlashRouter network via ethernet or WiFi connection on your device in order to be able to access the FlashRouter’s firmware settings.

Why do I need to access my FlashRouter's settings?

It is important to understand how to access your router if you want to:

Change WiFi or admin passwords
Switch VPN server locations
Attempt custom setups
Troubleshoot your network

Connect your device to the FlashRouter network

We recommend using a computer, tablet, or phone to access your FlashRouter firmware settings. You can connect your device to the FlashRouter via Ethernet Cable or Wireless connection.

Please note, you will NOT be able access the firmware settings unless you connect your device to the FlashRouter Network.

via Ethernet

Connect an Ethernet cable to your device’s Ethernet port.

Connect the other end of that Ethernet cable to a FlashRouter LAN/numbered port.

Access FlashRouters DD-WRT Admin Settings via Ethernet Connection 2

Be sure NOT to connect your device to the WAN/internet port of the FlashRouter. Please use the LAN/numbered ports to connect your devices.

via Wireless

Navigate to the available wireless networks in your device network settings and join any of the available FlashRouter networks – FlashRouter24, FlashRouter50, or FlashRouter80 (if you have a tri-band router).

Access the FlashRouter settings

We recommend using a Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox incognito/private browsing window to access the FlashRouter firmware settings. You can access the main DD-WRT firmware GUI or you can go directly into the FlashRouters Privacy App settings to manage your basic router settings and VPN connection settings right away.

Please note, after accessing the FlashRouter Settings at the Local IP Address, you will be prompted to enter an admin username and password. You can find this information in the subsections below.

DD-WRT - Firmware GUI

Local IP Address: 192.168.11.1

Username: flashrouter

Password: ddwrt

Keep in mind that if you enable HTTPS and disable HTTP access you will need to add https:// in front of the Local IP Address to access your FlashRouter’s firmware settings.

If your router has been reset for any reason then you can access the router at a local IP address of 192.168.1.1.

Please note you will be required to set the administration username and password as well as your WiFi and VPN network settings after a reset.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit our Troubleshooting section to diagnose common problems here.

Troubleshoot Here

Privacy Hero Activation and Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Feb 8, 2023 ·

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.

Create your Privacy Hero account

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

2. Select 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

4. To activate your 1 Year NordVPN code:

Click on Claim NordVPN 1 Year Code Now

Go to the Account section of your router settings.

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

Go to the NordVPN activation page.

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

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

SmartDNSProxy SmartDNS Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Jun 13, 2019 ·

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.

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

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

How do I access my Roqos device settings?

TeamFlashRouters · Mar 8, 2022 ·

Your Roqos Core’s settings or UI (User Interface) is accessible via a secure cloud based connection rather than the typical local access of other routers. This means that you can manage your Roqos from anywhere in the world not just at home.

Visit the Roqos Login URL

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

Login with your Roqos account

Enter in the email and password that you set when your Roqos was initially setup. If you still need to create your Roqos account and activate your Roqos follow our Activate and Connect Roqos to Internet guide.

Proceed with making the changes to the settings you desire

Now that you are logged in to your Roqos UI you adjust any settings as you see fit for your network. For guides on how to make specific changes to your Roqos view our Roqos Setup Guide area.

ExpressVPN Asus AX1800S OpenVPN Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Feb 26, 2024 ·

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.

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.

Asus AX1800S Router Setup for ExpressVPN

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

3. Click Add Profile.

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

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

How to change the ExpressVPN server

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

VyprVPN Manual OpenVPN Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 19, 2019 ·

Preparing for Manual VyprVPN Setup

Verify your VyprVPN login information

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

Log in to your account on the VyprVPN website.

VyprVPN Server Addresses

United States

Los Angeles, CA	us1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Washington, DC	us2.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Austin, TX	us3.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Miami, FL	us4.vpn.goldenfrog.com
New York City, NY	us5.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Chicago, IL	us6.vpn.goldenfrog.com
San Francisco, CA	us7.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Seattle, WA	us8.vpn.goldenfrog.com

United Kingdom

London

uk1.vpn.goldenfrog.com

Canada

Toronto

ca1.vpn.goldenfrog.com

Australia

Sydney	au1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Melbourne	au2.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Perth	au3.vpn.goldenfrog.com

Germany

Frankfurt

de1.vpn.goldenfrog.com

Rest of the World

UAE – Dubai	ae1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Argentina – Buenos Aires	ar1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Austria – Vienna	at1.vpn.goldenfrog.com



Belgium – Brussels	be1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Bulgaria – Sofia	bg1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Bahrain – Manama	bh1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Brazil – São Paulo	br1.vpn.goldenfrog.com

Switzerland – Zurich	ch1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Colombia – Bogotá	co1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Costa Rica – San José	cr1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Czech Republic – Prague	cz1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Germany – Frankfurt	de1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Denmark – Copenhagen	dk1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Algeria – Algiers	dz1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Egypt – Cairo	eg1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Spain – Madrid	es1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Netherlands – Amsterdam	eu1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Finland – Helsinki	fi1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
France – Paris	fr1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Greece – Athens	gr1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Hong Kong – Hong Kong	hk1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Indonesia – Jakarta	id1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Ireland – Dublin	ie1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Israel – Tel Aviv	il1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
India – Mumbai	in1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Iceland – Reykjavík	is1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Italy – Rome	it1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Japan – Tokyo	jp1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
South Korea – Seoul	kr1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Liechtenstein – Schaan	li1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Lithuania – Vilnius	lt1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Luxembourg – Luxembourg City	lu1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Latvia – Riga	lv1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Marshall Islands – Majuro	mh1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Macao – Macao	mo1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Maldives – Malé	mv1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Mexico – Mexico City	mx1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur	my1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Norway – Oslo	no1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
New Zealand – Auckland	nz1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Panama – Panama City	pa1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Philippines – Manila	ph1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Pakistan – Karachi	pk1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Poland – Warsaw	pl1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Portugal – Lisbon	pt1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Qatar – Doha	qa1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Romania – Bucharest	ro1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Russia – Moscow	ru1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Saudi Arabia – Riyadh	sa1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Sweden – Stockholm	se1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Singapore – Singapore	sg1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Slovenia – Ljubljana	si1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Slovakia – Bratislava	sk1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
El Salvador – San Salvador	sv1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Thailand – Bangkok	th1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Turkey – Istanbul	tr1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Taiwan – Taipei	tw1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Ukraine – Kiev	ua1.vpn.goldenfrog.com









Uruguay – Montevideo	uy1.vpn.goldenfrog.com
Vietnam – Hanoi	vn1.vpn.goldenfrog.com

DD-WRT Router Setup for VyprVPN

Navigate to Services > VPN

VyprVPN offers two different Encryption levels:

Default Encryption (Blowfish-CBC) typically provides faster speeds.

Strong Encryption (AES-256) provides stronger encryption.

Follow the table below of the one that fits your needs.

Enter VyprVPN 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 VyprVPN connection locations, THIS IS THE ONLY FIELD YOU NEED TO CHANGE.

Port

1194

Tunnel Device

TUN

Tunnel Protocol

UDP

Encryption cipher

Blowfish-CBC

Hash Algorithm

SHA1

User Pass Authentication

Enable

Username

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

Password

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

Advanced Options

Enable

TLS Cipher

None

LZO Compression

Adaptive

NAT

Enable

Firewall Protection

Enable

Additional Config

resolv-retry infinite
keepalive 10 60
persist-key
persist-tun
persist-remote-ip
nobind

Policy Based Routing

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

CA Cert

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

Leave all settings not mentioned above as their default setting.

Enter VyprVPN 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 VyprVPN 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 VyprVPN account with.

Password

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

Advanced Options

Enable

TLS Cipher

None

LZO Compression

Adaptive

NAT

Enable

Firewall Protection

Enable

Additional Config

resolv-retry infinite
keepalive 10 60
persist-key
persist-tun
persist-remote-ip
nobind
tls-cipher TLS-DHE-RSA-WITH-AES-256-CBC-SHA

Policy Based Routing

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

CA Cert

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

Leave all settings not mentioned above as their default setting.

Verify a successful VyprVPN connection

Navigate to the Status > OpenVPN

You should now see a CONNECTED SUCCESS message.
Visit to WhatIsMyIPAddress to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

Back up your settings

Navigate to Administration > Backup

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

How to change the VyprVPN server

Copy the new VyprVPN server address from the above server list.
Paste the server into the Server IP/Name field and Click Apply Settings.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Privacy Hero Access Router Settings

TeamFlashRouters · Feb 8, 2023 ·

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

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

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

My VPN stopped working on my FlashRouter.

TeamFlashRouters · Jun 4, 2019 ·

The VPN connection on the FlashRouter will not drop in most instances however if the VPN stopped working follow the steps below.

In order to use the FlashRouters Privacy App you need DD-WRT build 02/15/22 r48362 or 2/10/20 r42335.

Follow these instructions to upgrade the firmware to 02/15/22 r48362: How do I upgrade the DD-WRT firmware of my FlashRouter?

If you would like the fully featured FR Privacy App version with Simple Setup you must use firmware builds from 2/10/20 r42335.

FlashRouters Privacy App

Navigate to Status > MyPage

If MyPage is not properly loading the FlashRouters Privacy App try reinstalling the FlashRouters Privacy App.
With the Auto Connect to VPN box checked simply power off the FlashRouter and power it back on to connect back to VPN.
Verify that you have the correct settings entered for your provider. A change in the user information used to authenticate the VPN connection will cause a disconnect.
Try a different VPN server location.
If applicable, switch from UDP to TCP or vice versa.
Make sure that you have any VPN/proxy apps and extensions turned off on all devices connected to the FlashRouter.

DD-WRT Manual VPN

Navigate to Services > VPN

Verify that you have the correct settings entered for your provider. A change in the user information used to authenticate the VPN connection will cause a disconnect.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Apply Settings.
Try a different VPN server location.
If applicable, switch from UDP to TCP or vice versa. Check your VPN provider’s website to see if the port needs to change with the protocol.
Make sure that you have any VPN/proxy apps and extensions turned off on all devices connected to the FlashRouter.

Privacy Hero Change Wi-Fi Name and Password

TeamFlashRouters · Feb 8, 2023 ·

Use these steps to change your Privacy Hero WiFi name and password.

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

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

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

3. Click the Wi-Fi symbol.

4. Click the edit box for the 5GHz network or the 2.4GHz network.

5. Enter the new Wi-Fi name and password you’d like to set. Click Save at the bottom of the page.

Privacy Hero enter new wifi name and password

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Privacy Hero Change Wireless Channel

TeamFlashRouters · Feb 8, 2023 ·

Use these steps to change your Privacy Hero wireless channel.

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

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

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

3. Click the Wi-Fi symbol.

4. Click the edit box for the 5GHz network or the 2.4GHz network.

5. Select the new Wireless Channel that you would like to use. Click Save at the bottom of the page.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Privacy Hero Disable Wi-Fi

TeamFlashRouters · Feb 8, 2023 ·

Use these steps to disable your Privacy Hero Wi-Fi so only ethernet connections are active. This is not a required step just a preference.

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

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

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

3. Click the Wi-Fi symbol.

4. Set the toggle switches to the off position for the Wi-Fi bands you want to disable.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Flint/Slate GL.iNet ExpressVPN OpenVPN Setup

TeamFlashRouters · May 29, 2023 ·

Preparing for ExpressVPN GL.iNet 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.

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.

4. Click the Server Location(s) 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 or multiple servers.

GL.iNet Router Setup for ExpressVPN

Login to GL.iNet firmware settings in a browser on any computer or smart device connected to the GL.iNet FlashRouter’s network. For more instructions on how to access the firmware settings view our guide here.

1. Navigate to the VPN tab and select OpenVPN Client.

2. Click New Group.

3. Enter ExpressVPN and click the check mark.

4. Select the .ovpn file(s) you downloaded earlier and upload them here.

5. Enter in the ExpressVPN username and password that you obtained earlier. Do NOT enter your ExpressVPN account email and password login. Click Apply.

6. Select VPN Dashboard.

7. Set the Enable toggle to On to begin the ExpressVPN connection.

Verify a successful ExpressVPN connection

You should now see information appear in the Server Address, Server Listen Port, Traffic Statistics, and Client Virtual IP areas.
Visit ExpressVPN’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

How to change the ExpressVPN server

Download a new .ovpn file location as detailed above.
In the ExpressVPN Group on the OpenVPN Client area click Upload Configuration File and select the new .ovpn file.
Click VPN Dashboard and then click the Configuration File area and select the new location that you added.
Click Apply.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here