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Which DD-WRT wireless extender setup should I be using?

· ·

FlashRouters supports four unique DD-WRT wireless extender setups – options similar to an open source Mesh network. Each different wireless extender configuration serves a different purpose. Read below to see which guide fits your configuration requirements!

Wireless Repeater

Why should I choose Wireless Repeater Setup?

  1. If you have a MiFi wireless only internet connection or other type of WiFi internet where there is no access to any ethernet port for a wired internet connection, then you can setup a wireless repeater network to both extend WiFi and add wired connection capabilities.
  2. If you have a large home or office area that requires additional WiFi coverage can use a wireless repeater setup to extend the existing network.
  3. If you want to create a separate VPN WiFi network in your home without placing the FlashRouter in the same room as your primary router you can use wireless repeater to establish a WiFi internet connection and then connect to VPN on your WiFi repeater network.
  4. If you want a wireless Dual Router setup option where you can have local ISP IP address through your main router WiFi network and your VPN IP address through your FlashRouter Wireless Repeater WiFi network, both available for you to connect at all times. Each network is on a unique subnet.

View the FlashRouter Wireless Repeater Setup Guide.

Wireless Repeater Bridge

Use Cases

Wireless Repeater Bridge Setup

  1. Anyone that needs all their devices connected to the same local network.
  2. Anyone with a MiFi internet connection that does not have an ethernet port and has no need for VPN.
  3. Anyone with a large wireless area that requires additional coverage.

Wireless Client Bridge

Use Cases

Wireless Client Bridge Setup

  1. Anyone with a MiFi internet connection that needs wired access.
  2. Anyone that needs additional wired ports instead of using a switch.
  3. Anyone with wired only devices in their home that are too far from your main router.

Wireless Access Point DHCP Forwarder

Use Cases

Wireless Access Point DHCP Forwarder Setup

  1. Anyone that needs their devices connected to the same local network and wants lossless LAN to LAN speeds via wireless and ethernet connection.
  2. Anyone that wants to use their main router to provide DHCP to their router instead of having an additional DHCP server.

VPN Router Setup Guides & FAQs | FlashRouters Help Center

Support Guides

Select your router type

Privacy hero Routers

Router Models

Privacy Hero, Privacy Hero 2

PRIVACY HERO SETUP GUIDE
Asus Merlin Router Support Guides

Router Models

ASUS

RT-AC68U, RT-AC88U, RT-AC3100, RT-AC5300, RT-AC86U, RT-AX56U, RT-AX58U, RT-AX68U, RT-AX86U. RT-AX86U-PRO, RT-AX88U, RT-AX88U-PRO, GT-AC2900, GT-AX6000, GT-AX11000, GT-AXE11000,GT-AXE11000-PRO,  GT-AXE16000, ZenWiFi Pro XT12

MERLIN SETUP GUIDE

Router Models

WR3000, M1800, M3000
CUDY SETUP GUIDE
Asus WRT Router Support Guides

Router Models

GT series: GT6, GT-AXE16000, GT-AX11000 Pro, GT-AXE11000, GT-AX6000, GT-AX11000, GS-AX5400, GS-AX3000
ZenWiFi: ZenWiFi Pro XT12, ZenWiFi Pro ET12, ZenWiFi XT9, ZenWiFi AX (XT8), ZenWiFi ET8, ZenWiFi XD6, ZenWiFi XD5
RT series: RT-AXE7800, RT-AX88U Pro, RT-AX88U, RT-AX86U Pro, RT-AX86U, RT-AX86S, RT-AX68U, RT-AX82U, RT-AX58U, RT-AX3000, RT-AX59U, RT-AX92U
TUF series: TUF-AX5400, TUF-AX3000_V2, TUF-AX3000, TUF Gaming AX6000, TUF Gaming AX4200
ASUS-WRT SETUP GUIDE
TP-Link Router Support Guides

Router Models

Archer AX10000, Archer AX1100, Archer AX21, Archer AX3000, Archer AX3000 Pro, Archer AX3200, Archer AX4400, Archer AX5400 Pro, Archer AX55, Archer AX55 Pro
Archer AX6000, Archer AX72 Pro, Archer AX73, Archer AX75, Archer AX80, Archer AX90
Archer AXE300, Archer AXE5400, Archer AXE75, Archer AXE95
Archer BE550, Archer BE800, Archer BE900, Archer BE9300, Archer GE80, Archer GX90
TP-LINK SETUP GUIDE
gl.iNet Router Setup Guides

Router Models

Flint 2 GL-MT6000, Flint GL-AX1800, Slate GL-AXT1800, Beryl GL-MT3000, Marble GL-B3000

GL.iNet SETUP GUIDE
Roqos Router Support Guides

Router Models

Roqos Core Router, Roqos SASE Appliance

ROQOS SETUP GUIDE
DD-wrt Router Support Guides

Router Models

NETGEAR

AC1450, R6220, R6230, R6250, R6260, R6300 V1, R6300 V2, R6400 V1, R6400 V2, R6700 V1, R6700 V2, R6700 V3, R7000, R7000P, R7800, R8000, R9000, XR500

ASUS

RT-AC56U/R, RT-AC68U V1, RT-AC68U V2, RT-AC1900P, RT-AC87U, RT-AC3100, RT-AC5300

LINKSYS

WRT1200AC, WRT1900AC V1, WRT1900AC V2, WRT1900ACS V1, WRT1900ACS V2, WRT32X, WRT3200ACM

DD-WRT SETUP GUIDE
ExpressVPN Routers

Router Models

ExpressVPN Aircove, Aircove Go

NETGEAR

R6300 V2, R6400 V2, R6700 V3, R7000, R7000P

ASUS

RT-AC56U, RT-AC56R, RT-AC56S, RT-AC68U V3, RT-AC87U

LINKSYS

EA6200, WRT1200AC, WRT1900AC V1, WRT1900AC V2, WRT1900ACS V1, WRT1900ACS V2, WRT32X, WRT3200ACM

EXPRESSVPN SETUP GUIDE

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Flint/Slate GL.iNet Disable Wi-Fi

· ·

Follow this guide to disable Wi-Fi network on your GL.iNet FlashRouter.

1. Connect your computer, phone, or tablet to the GL.iNet router via wireless (FlashRouter24 / FlashRouter50) or via ethernet cable to one of the LAN ports on the router.

The FlashRouter WiFi password is printed on the sheet that came with the router and is set to Wireless#[First 5 characters of your router MAC]. The router MAC can be found on the bottom of your router if you cannot locate the sheet. For e.g. if your MAC is 1459C07E70A8 then your WiFi password is Wireless#1459C

Be sure to capitalize the W.

2. Once connected via wireless or ethernet on your device open your browser and go to 192.168.8.1

GL.iNet router access

3. Enter openwrt as the admin password to access the GL.iNet firmware settings.

GL.iNet admin password enter

4. Click Wireless.

GL.iNet Click Wireless

5. Click Modify under the 5GHz or 2.4GHz band.

GL.iNet Modify Wifi

The 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands must be disabled at separate times. Keep in mind that if you are connected to wireless when disabling one band you may need to reconnect with the other band to disable it. Also make sure you have a device that has ethernet capabilities so you can still access the settings with wireless disabled.

6. Set the Enable Wi-Fi toggle to the OFF position and click Apply.

GL.iNet Disable Wifi

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Surfshark AsusWRT WireGuard Setup

· ·

Preparing for Surfshark AsusWRT Setup

Copy your Surfshark Private Key

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

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

Surfshark Account Login

2. Click VPN Manual Setup.

Surfshark VPN Manual Setup

3. Select Router as the Setup method.

Surfshark setup method Router

4. Select WireGuard as the Protocol.

Surfshark select WireGuard

5. Select I don’t have a key pair.

Surfshark No Key Pair

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

Surfshark Connection Name

7. Click Generate a new key pair.

Surfshark Generate new Key Pair

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

Surfshark Private Key

AsusWRT Router Setup for Surfshark

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

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Fusion tab.

Asus VPN Fusion

3. Click Add profile.

Asus Add profile

4. In the Connection Name field enter in Surfshark.

5. In the VPN Type dropdown select Surfshark.

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

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

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

Asus Surfshark profile

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

Asus VPN devices
Asus VPN select devices

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

Asus Surfshark Connected

Verify a successful Surfshark connection

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

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

How to change the Surfshark server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Why can’t I access router settings?

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Be sure to first try the preset details to access your FlashRouter’s settings.

First time setup

Are you connected to the FlashRouter's network?

In order to access the FlashRouter’s settings you need to be connected to the FlashRouter’s network via ethernet or WiFi.

It is possible that if you are connected to the FlashRouter’s network you device might have static IP settings from a previous connection preventing it from being read correctly. Check your device’s static IP settings before proceeding.

Is your FlashRouter wired correctly?

Your FlashRouter should be wired as detailed in our Connect FlashRouter to the Internet setup.

A common mistake is to connect from your modem or other router to a LAN/numbered port of the FlashRouter instead of the WAN/Internet port of the FlashRouter as it should be. Doing so results in no access to the FlashRouter’s settings.

Lost access

How to find you FlashRouter's Local IP Address?

It is possible that your Local IP Address was changed at some point. Your Local IP Address is the address that you can access the FlashRouter’s settings with. We recommend finding the Local IP Address of the FlashRouter.

Was your FlashRouter reset?

If your FlashRouter is showing a local IP Address of 192.168.1.1 and you are seeing ‘dd-wrt’ as an available network in your wireless networks, your FlashRouter was reset. Reconfigure your FlashRouter.

Keep in mind that seeing a Local IP Address of 192.168.1.1 can also mean your are wired incorrectly and the router has not been reset. Be sure to check your wireless networks for ‘dd-wrt’. If the FlashRouter’s wireless network name appears as it was set then your FlashRouter was not reset and you should see the above section.

Tried updating firmware

Why can't I access my FlashRouter after a firmware upgrade?

When performing a firmware upgrade there is a dropdown that has Don’t Reset or Reset to Default settings as options.

If you accidentally selected Reset to Default settings you will need to reconfigure your FlashRouter.

If you had Don’t Reset selected and are still unable to connect to the FlashRouter’s network after a firmware upgrade, first make sure you are connected to the FlashRouter’s network as WiFi can disconnect during an upgrade, and then Reboot the FlashRouter.

DD-WRT Router Setup Guide

DD-WRT Router Setup Guide

Quick Start Guide for DD-WRT FlashRouters

Find setup guides, FAQs and troubleshooting tips for DD-WRT configured FlashRouters.

VIEW SUPPORTED ROUTER MODELS

AC1450, R6220, R6230, R6250, R6260, R6300 V1, R6300 V2, R6400 V1, R6400 V2, R6700 V1, R6700 V2, R6700 V3, R7000, R7000P, R7800, R8000, R9000, XR500

Asus Logo

RT-AC56U/R, RT-AC68U V1, RT-AC68U V2, RT-AC1900P, RT-AC87U, RT-AC3100, RT-AC5300

WRT1200AC, WRT1900AC V1, WRT1900AC V2, WRT1900ACS V1, WRT1900ACS V2, WRT32X, WRT3200ACM

Internet Setup

WiFi Setup

VPN Setup

DD-WRT Features

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How do I connect a Wireless Extender to my FlashRouter network?

· ·

The settings of your FlashRouter do not need to change to connect an extender to the FlashRouter’s network. Simply access the settings of the extender device and enter the FlashRouter’s wireless network name and the correct wireless password.

The extender will then connect via wireless to the FlashRouter and add wireless range to your network.

To use a DD-WRT router as an extender follow our Advanced Wireless Setup Guides.

It is also easy to setup a Mesh system like Orbi or Velop and send your entire Mesh network through the FlashRouter VPN Network, for a VPN connected Mesh Network.

Simply connect from an open LAN port on your FlashRouter to the WAN port on your Mesh base station and then use your Mesh smart apps to complete the setup from there.

Roqos Core Internet Setup and Activation

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

Create your Roqos account

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

Roqos Login URL

2. Select Create Account.

Roqos Create Account

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

Roqos Enter Email

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

Roqos Enter Name and Number

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

Roqos Enter Address

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

Roqos email activation

Activate your Roqos Internet

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

Roqos Account Created

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

Roqos Model

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

Roqos Wiring

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

Roqos Power On

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

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

Roqos Activation Code

Setup your Roqos Network

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

Roqos Device Name

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

Roqos Time Zone

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

Roqos Set WiFi Name and Password

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

Begin connecting your devices to the Roqos network

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

Roqos Setup Done

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

My WiFi password is not working

· ·

Keep in mind that passwords are case sensitive.

The preset DD-WRT FlashRouter WiFi password is Wireless#[First 5 characters of your router MAC]. The router MAC can be found on the bottom of your router. For e.g. if your MAC is 1459C07E70A8 then your WiFi password is Wireless#1459C

Verify wireless password

Connect an ethernet cable from a numbered port on the FlashRouter to a computer and access the FlashRouter’s settings.

Navigate to Wireless > Wireless Security

Check the Unmask box and note the wireless password that is entered.

Verify the wireless settings

Make sure that you have WPA2 Personal / AES set as the security settings for all bands. For some router models make sure the CCMP-128 (AES) box is checked for all bands.

Forget network on your device

Wireless devices usually offer a “forget” network feature to remove a wireless network from the saved information of the wireless adapter. If you have updated your WiFi password and are trying to connect on a device that previously used the old WiFi password then removing the wireless network and then trying to connect fresh can help with this issue.

Privacy Hero WireGuard VPN Setup

· ·

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

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

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

App.PrivacyHero.com

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

Privacy Hero Access Settings

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

3. Click the VPN symbol.

Privacy Hero Setup VPN

4. Set the VPN toggle to On.

Privacy Hero Enable VPN

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

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

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Cudy Change Wi-Fi name and password

· ·

Follow this guide to change the Wi-Fi name and password on your Cudy FlashRouter.

1. Connect your computer, phone, or tablet to the Cudy router via wireless (FlashRouter24 / FlashRouter50) or via ethernet cable to one of the LAN ports on the router.

The FlashRouter WiFi password is printed on the sheet that came with the router and is set to Wireless#[First 5 characters of your router MAC]. The router MAC can be found on the bottom of your router if you cannot locate the sheet. For e.g. if your MAC is 1459C07E70A8 then your WiFi password is Wireless#1459C

Be sure to capitalize the W.

2. Once connected via wireless or ethernet on your device open your browser and go to 192.168.10.1

Cudy local IP access

3. Enter openwrt as the admin password to access the Cudy firmware settings.

Cudy router access

3. Click General Settings.

Cudy General Settings

4. Click Wireless.

Cudy Wireless tab

5. Change the SSID and Password fields for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.The SSIDs should be unique and NOT a duplicate of an existing network. Click Save & Apply.

Cudy Change Wifi Name and password

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

NordVPN AsusWRT OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for NordVPN AsusWRT Setup

Obtain your NordVPN manual Username and Password

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

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

NordVPN login

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

NordVPN setup manually

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

NordVPN verify code

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

NordVPN credentials

Download your NordVPN .ovpn file

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

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

NordVPN Recommended Server

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

NordVPN Download Specific Server

AsusWRT Router Setup for NordVPN

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

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Fusion tab.

Asus VPN Fusion

3. Click Add profile.

Asus Add profile

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

5. In the VPN Type dropdown select OpenVPN.

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

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

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

Asus NordVPN profile

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

Asus VPN devices
Asus VPN select devices

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

Asus NordVPN Connected

Verify a successful NordVPN connection

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

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

How to change the NordVPN server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

NordVPN Merlin OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for NordVPN Merlin Setup

Obtain your NordVPN manual Username and Password

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

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

NordVPN login

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

NordVPN setup manually

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

NordVPN verify code

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

NordVPN credentials

Download your NordVPN .ovpn file

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

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

NordVPN Recommended Server

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

NordVPN Download Specific Server

Merlin Router Setup for NordVPN

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

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

Merlin VPN Client Tab

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

Merlin Choose File Upload

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

Merlin Automatic Start at boot time

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

Merlin NordVPN Description

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

Merlin Accept DNS configuration Redirect Internet and Kill Switch

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

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

Merlin VPN Username and Password

8. Click Apply at the bottom of the page.

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

Merlin Service State All Providers

Verify a successful NordVPN connection

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

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

How to change the NordVPN server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Surfshark TP-Link OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for Surfshark TP-Link Setup

Download your Surfshark .ovpn file

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

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

Surfshark Account Login

2. Click VPN Manual Setup.

Surfshark VPN Manual Setup

3. Select Router as the Setup method.

Surfshark setup method Router

4. Select OpenVPN as the Protocol.

Surfshark OpenVPN Protocol

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

Surfshark OpenVPN credentials

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

Surfshark download .ovpn file

TP-Link Router Setup for Surfshark

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

1. Navigate to the Advanced tab.

TP-Link Advanced settings

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

TP-Link VPN Client

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

TP-Link VPN Client enable

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

TP-Link Add server button

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

Set the VPN Type to OpenVPN.

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

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

TP-Link Surfshark OpenVPN

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

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

TP-Link add devices to VPN tunnel

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

TP-Link select devices to add to VPN tunnel

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

TP-Link Surfshark OpenVPN connected

Verify a successful Surfshark connection

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

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

How to change the Surfshark server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

PPPoE Internet Setup

· ·

Most ISPs do not require PPPoE credentials. If you are certain this is an ISP requirement in your setup, we kindly ask that you get in touch with your ISP to verify that they do in fact require PPPoE authentication and to provide you with the correct credentials to enter into your FlashRouter.

Before you enter your PPPoE credentials, you should have already setup your FlashRouter in a Single Router Setup with correct wiring. Once you enter PPPoE credentials you should then be able to connect to the internet.

If you are using a Dual Router Setup there is no need to enter PPPoE credentials if they are already entered in the existing router. You can disregard this article.

Enter your PPPoE credentials

DD-WRT Firmware

Navigate to Setup > Basic Setup

Access FlashRouters DD-WRT Admin Settings - Enter PPPOE Username and Password
  1. Set the Connection Type dropdown to PPPoE.
  2. Enter your ISP assigned PPPoE username and password.
  3. Click Apply Settings.

Power cycle your network devices

  1. Power off your ISP modem and the FlashRouter.
  2. Power on the ISP modem and wait for it to fully boot up.
  3. Power on the FlashRouter.

Verify a successful Internet connection

Once the FlashRouter is booted up connect one of your devices to the FlashRouter via Ethernet or Wireless.

Visit any website and make sure the page fully loads. Once you have verified a successful Internet connection, begin connecting your network devices to the FlashRouter via wired or WiFi.

Please be aware that our support is not able to replicate PPPoE issues on our end, which makes them challenging to troubleshoot. In the event of an issue we recommend using a Dual Router Setup.

NordVPN Asus AX1800S OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for NordVPN Asus AX1800S Setup

Obtain your NordVPN manual Username and Password

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

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

NordVPN login

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

NordVPN setup manually

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

NordVPN verify code

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

NordVPN credentials

Download your NordVPN .ovpn file

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

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

NordVPN Recommended Server

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

NordVPN Download Specific Server

Asus AX1800S Router Setup for NordVPN

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

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

Asus AX1800S VPN Settings

3. Click Add Profile.

Asus AX1800S VPN Settings

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

Asus AX1800S OpenVPN upload

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

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

7. Click the Activate button.

Verify a successful NordVPN connection

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

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

How to change the NordVPN server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Flint/Slate GL.iNet NordVPN OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for NordVPN GL.iNet Setup

Obtain your NordVPN manual Username and Password

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

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

NordVPN login

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

NordVPN setup manually

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

NordVPN verify code

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

NordVPN credentials

GL.iNet Router Setup for NordVPN

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.

GL.iNet VPN OpenVPN Client

2. Select the NordVPN group.

GL.iNet NordVPN Group

3. Enter your correct NordVPN manual username and password obtained earlier. Then click Save Credentials & Get Servers.

GL.iNet NordVPN Login

4. Set Protocol to UDP. Select the number of servers you want of each location, typically we recommend 5. In the Location dropdown select the server locations you want to connect to. You can select multiple locations as seen in the screenshot.

GL.iNet NordVPN select servers

5. Select VPN Dashboard.

GL.iNet VPN Dashboard

6. In the Configuration file field select the NordVPN server location you want to connect to and click Apply. You can also use this area to change server locations if you like.

GL.iNet NordVPN select location

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

Verify a successful NordVPN connection

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

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

ProtonVPN Merlin WireGuard Setup

· ·

Preparing for ProtonVPN Merlin Setup

Download your ProtonVPN .conf file

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

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

ProtonVPN Account Sign in

2. Click Downloads.

ProtonVPN Downloads

3. Scroll down to WireGuard configuration and name the device FlashRouter.

ProtonVPN WireGuard Configuration Name

4. Select Router as the platform.

ProtonVPN WireGuard select Platform

5. Select the VPN options that best fit your needs. We typically use the settings as seen in the screenshot here if you are unsure.

ProtonVPN WireGuard VPN options

6. Next select the server that you would like to connect to and click Create. At the top of the page you’ll see ProtonVPN’s recommended server which we recommend using unless you need to connect to a specific location.

If you need a specific server location find it in the list and click Create.

ProtonVPN WireGuard recommended server
ProtonVPN WireGuard specific server

7. After clicking Create a new window will appear. Click Download to download the .conf file to your computer.

Merlin Router Setup for ProtonVPN

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

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

Merlin VPN Client Tab

3. Select WireGuard as the VPN Protocol.

Merlin VPN Client WireGuard

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

Merlin WireGuard Choose File Upload

5. In the Description field enter in the name you’d like to use for this WireGuard Client profile. We typically advise entering in the location here. Our example server was in US-NY#61 so I have entered in ProtonVPN NY-61.

Merlin WireGuard ProtonVPN Description

6. Set Enable WireGuard to Yes.

Merlin Enable WireGuard

7. Click Apply at the bottom of the page and you should then see a Connected message appear.

Merlin WireGuard Connected

8. By default no devices are assigned to the new active WireGuard connection profile. Click the VPN Director tab to assign specific devices to the new WireGuard profile. Your IP will not be changed on your devices yet.

WireGuard select VPN Director

9. On the VPN Director page click the + symbol next to Add new rule.

WireGuard VPN Director Add new rule

10. Select the new WireGuard profile in the Interface dropdown.

WireGuard VPN Director select Interface

11. In the Local IP field enter in 192.168.50.0/24 if you want ALL devices connected to the FlashRouter’s network to use the WireGuard VPN connection. Click OK.

If you only want certain devices to connect to the WireGuard Client profile you have setting up instead of all the devices connected to the FlashRouter’s network please complete the instructions on our VPN Director guide.

12. Then click Apply at the bottom of the page.

Verify a successful ProtonVPN connection

Visit ProtonVPN’s IP Check from a private/incognito browsing window 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.

How to change the ProtonVPN server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

PrivateInternetAccess (PIA) Manual OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for Manual PIA Setup

Verify your PIA login information

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

Log in to your account on the PIA website.

FlashRouters Privacy App - PIA Login

PIA Server Addresses

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

United States

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

United Kingdom

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

Canada

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

Australia

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

Germany

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

Rest of the World

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

DD-WRT Router Setup for PIA

Navigate to Services > VPN

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

Enter PIA settings (Default Encryption)

OpenVPN Client

Start OpenVPN Client

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

Server IP/Name

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

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

Port

1198

Tunnel Device

TUN

Tunnel Protocol

UDP

Encryption cipher

AES-128-CBC

Hash Algorithm

SHA1

First Data Cipher

Not set

Second Data Cipher

Not set

Third Data Cipher

Not set

Userpass Authentication

Enable

Username

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

Password

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

Advanced Options

Enable

TLS Cipher

None

LZO Compression

Disabled

NAT

Enable

Firewall Protection

Enable

Additional Config

persist-key
persist-tun

Policy Based Routing

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

CA Cert

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

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

Leave all settings not mentioned above as their default setting.

Enter PIA settings (Strong Encryption)

OpenVPN Client

Start OpenVPN Client

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

Server IP/Name

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

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

Port

1197

Tunnel Device

TUN

Tunnel Protocol

UDP

Encryption cipher

AES-256-CBC

Hash Algorithm

SHA256

First Data Cipher

Not set

Second Data Cipher

Not set

Third Data Cipher

Not set

Userpass Authentication

Enable

Username

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

Password

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

Advanced Options

Enable

TLS Cipher

None

LZO Compression

Adaptive

NAT

Enable

Firewall Protection

Enable

Additional Config

persist-key
persist-tun

Policy Based Routing

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

CA Cert

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

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

Leave all settings not mentioned above as their default setting.

Verify a successful PIA connection

Navigate to Status > OpenVPN

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

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

Back up your settings

Navigate to Administration > Backup

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

How to change the PIA server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

NordVPN TP-Link OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for NordVPN TP-Link Setup

Obtain your NordVPN manual Username and Password

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

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

NordVPN login

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

NordVPN setup manually

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

NordVPN verify code

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

NordVPN credentials

Download your NordVPN .ovpn file

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

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

NordVPN Recommended Server

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

NordVPN Download Specific Server

TP-Link Router Setup for NordVPN

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

1. Navigate to the Advanced tab.

TP-Link Advanced settings

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

TP-Link VPN Client

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

TP-Link VPN Client enable

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

TP-Link Add server button

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

Set the VPN Type to OpenVPN.

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

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

TP-Link NordVPN

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

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

TP-Link add devices to VPN tunnel

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

TP-Link select devices to add to VPN tunnel

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

TP-Link NordVPN connected

Verify a successful NordVPN connection

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

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

How to change the NordVPN server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

ProtonVPN TP-Link WireGuard Setup

· ·

Preparing for ProtonVPN TP-Link Setup

Download your ProtonVPN .conf file

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

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

ProtonVPN Account Sign in

2. Click Downloads.

ProtonVPN Downloads

3. Scroll down to WireGuard configuration and name the device FlashRouter.

ProtonVPN WireGuard Configuration Name

4. Select Router as the platform.

ProtonVPN WireGuard select Platform

5. Select the VPN options that best fit your needs. We typically use the settings as seen in the screenshot here if you are unsure.

ProtonVPN WireGuard VPN options

6. Next select the server that you would like to connect to and click Create. At the top of the page you’ll see ProtonVPN’s recommended server which we recommend using unless you need to connect to a specific location.

If you need a specific server location find it in the list and click Create.

ProtonVPN WireGuard recommended server
ProtonVPN WireGuard specific server

7. After clicking Create a new window will appear. Click Download to download the .conf file to your computer.

TP-Link Router Setup for ProtonVPN

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

1. Navigate to the Advanced tab.

TP-Link Advanced settings

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

TP-Link VPN Client

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

TP-Link VPN Client enable

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

TP-Link Add server button

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

Set the VPN Type to WireGuard.

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

TP-Link ProtonVPN WireGuard

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

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

TP-Link add devices to VPN tunnel

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

TP-Link select devices to add to VPN tunnel

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

TP-Link ProtonVPN WireGuard connected

Verify a successful ProtonVPN connection

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED message.
  2. 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.

How to change the ProtonVPN server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Hotspot Shield on FlashRouters Privacy App Setup

· ·

Important Update: DD-WRT Privacy App Discontinued

The FlashRouter Privacy App has been discontinued and is no longer compatible with new versions of DD-WRT firmware. If you are using DD-WRT, you can still set up OpenVPN or WireGuard manually with the latest DD-WRT builds. Our team is available to assist anyone with an active service plan during this transition.

For the easiest and most secure VPN setup experience, we highly recommend our Privacy Hero 2 solution. It’s designed to make home network security simple and comes with exclusive features, including pre-configured VPN and streaming capabilities.

If you need assistance or want to explore Privacy Hero 2, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Preparing for Hotspot Shield Setup

Obtain your Hotspot Shield OpenVPN information

If you are not already a Hotspot Shield user Sign Up Now.

1. Log in to your account on the Hotspot Shield website.

2. Click Hotspot Shield on the left side navigation.

Hotspot Shield - Website Admin

3. Under Choose your device click Router.

Hotspot Shield - Select Router

4. In the Set up your router section Select your desired virtual location and then click Download file.

Open the file that was downloaded with NotePad++ for Windows or TextEdit for Apple. You only need the <cert> and <key> from the .ovpn file. All Hotspot Shield servers have different keys and certificates.

Hotspot Shield - Download Configuration File

5. Copy the VPN Username, and Password that appear under Step 2 to a notepad, you will need this information later in the setup process.

Hotspot Shield - OpenVPN username and password

Connecting to Hotspot Shield in the FlashRouters Privacy App

Access the FlashRouters Privacy App

Navigate to Status > MyPage in your DD-WRT settings to access the FlashRouters Privacy App.

Enter your Hotspot Shield information

In the Username and Password field enter the Hotspot Shield OpenVPN Username and Password that you obtained.

Hotspot Shield on FlashRouters Privacy App Setup - Entering OpenVPN Specific Username and Password

In the User Certificate field copy and paste all contents of the client.crt file starting and ending with:
—–BEGIN CERTIFICATE—–
…
—–END CERTIFICATE—–

CyberGhost on FlashRouters Privacy App Setup - Entering OpenVPN Specific User Certificate

In the User Key field copy and paste all contents of the client.key file starting and ending with:
—–BEGIN PRIVATE KEY—–
…
—–END PRIVATE KEY—–

CyberGhost on FlashRouters Privacy App Setup - Entering OpenVPN Specific User Private Key

Select the Hotspot Shield server

Click the Server location dropdown and type in or scroll to the server you selected when generating the OpenVPN information.

Select Hotspot Shield Server Dropdown in DD-WRT FlashRouters Privacy App

Connect to Hotspot Shield

Click the Connect button to start your Hotspot Shield connection. Please be patient as the router connects your entire network through VPN.

Verify a successful Hotspot Shield connection

Visit What Is My IP Address? to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

Connect to a different Hotspot Shield server

  1. Follow the instructions for obtaining the OpenVPN information from above, you will need to update your client.crt and client.key.
  2. Select the new server in the Server dropdown.
  3. Enter the new client.crt, and client.key
  4. Click Reconnect.
FlashRouters Privacy App Setup - Reconnect Button

Disconnect from Hotspot Shield

To disconnect from Hotspot Shield click the Disconnect button.

FlashRouters Privacy App Setup - Disconnect Button

TROUBLESHOOTING

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

Troubleshoot Here

Wireless Access Point Setup

· ·

A Wireless Access Point is a setup that has the FlashRouter using an existing network’s DHCP instead of assigning its own. The FlashRouter’s WAN/Internet port should be not be connected to your modem or other router while performing this setup.

Preparing for Wireless Access Point Setup

Locate the Local IP Address of the existing wireless network

Locate the Local IP Address of the existing router that the FlashRouter will be bridged to.

DD-WRT Router Setup for Wireless Access Point

Disable Firewall

Navigate to Security > Firewall

Wireless Client Bridge Setup on FlashRouter DD-WRT - Disable Firewall
  1. Set SPI Firewall to Disable.
  2. Click Save.

Disable DNSmasq

Navigate to Services > Services

Wireless Repeater Bridge Setup on FlashRouter DD-WRT - Disable DNSMasqButton
  1. Set DNSmasq to Disable.
  2. Click Save.

Change the FlashRouter's Local IP Address

Navigate to Setup > Basic Setup

Wireless Client Bridge Setup on FlashRouter DD-WRT - Set Local IP
  1. Set the Local IP Address to a different address on the same subnet as the existing network that you noted early. (example: if the existing network is 192.168.1.1 then set the Local IP Address to 192.168.1.2)
  2. Set the Gateway to the Local IP Address of the existing network. (example: 192.168.1.1)
  3. Set the Local DNS to the Local IP Address of the existing network. (example: 192.168.1.1)
  4. Click Save.

Change the FlashRouter's DHCP settings

DHCP Forwarder Setup for DD-WRT
  1. Set the DHCP Type to DHCP Forwarder.
  2. Click Save.

Change the FlashRouter's Operating Mode

Navigate to Setup > Advanced Routing

DHCP Forwarder Setup for DD-WRT
  1. Set the Operating Mode to Router.
  2. Click Apply Settings.

Reboot your FlashRouter

  • Power off the FlashRouter for 30 seconds and connect from the other router’s LAN port to one of the FlashRouter’s LAN port then power it back on.  When it boots back up you will be able to access the FlashRouter’s settings at the new Local IP Address that you set.

Back up your settings

Navigate to the Administration > Backup page.

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

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

Troubleshoot Here

CyberGhost AsusWRT OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for CyberGhost Setup

Obtain your CyberGhost OpenVPN information

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

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

CyberGhost Website Login

2. Select VPN.

CyberGhost VPN

3. Click Configure New Device.

CyberGhost Configure Device

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

CyberGhost protocol and location

5. Press View configuration.

CyberGhost view configuration

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

CyberGhost Website OpenVPN Configuration Files Generator 1

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

AsusWRT Router Setup for CyberGhost

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

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Fusion tab.

Asus VPN Fusion

3. Click Add profile.

Asus Add profile

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

5. In the VPN Type dropdown select OpenVPN.

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

7. In the Username and Password fields enter in the CyberGhost assigned username and password that you obtained earlier.

8. After uploading the openvpn.ovpn file you will get a message that says “Complete, Lack of Client Key!, Lack of Client Certificate, Lack of Certificate Authority”. For CyberGhost you need to enter in these details manually. Click Import the CA file or edit the .ovpn file manually and then click the edit icon next to Content modification of Keys and Certificate.

Asus CyberGhost import certs and keys

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then click OK.

Asus CyberGhost enter certs and keys

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

Asus CyberGhost profile

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

Asus VPN devices
Asus VPN select devices

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

Asus CyberGhost connected

Verify a successful CyberGhost connection

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

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 CyberGhost.

How to change the CyberGhost server

  1. Follow the steps at the top of the page to create a new CyberGhost location profile in your account.
  2. Then proceed with the settings same as initial setup.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Why can’t I connect to WiFi using the WPS button feature?

· ·

DD-WRT firmware automatically disables the WPS feature as it is a known security vulnerability. This makes your router more secure with DD-WRT than with factory firmware.

For any device that uses a WPS WiFi connection there should always be an alternate method to connect the device via WiFi.

ProtonVPN WireGuard Setup

· ·

Preparing for ProtonVPN WireGuard Setup

Verify your ProtonVPN login information

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

Log in to your account on the ProtonVPN website.

ProtonVPN Account login

1. On the left hand side select Downloads.

ProtonVPN Downloads

2. Then select WireGuard Configuration.

ProtonVPN WireGuard Configuration

3. Enter the Device Name to assign the FlashRouter to identify it among your ProtonVPN connections.

ProtonVPN WireGuard Desired Name

4. Set the Device platform as Router.

ProtonVPN WireGuard select Router

5. Select the VPN Options that you would like to connect with.

ProtonVPN WireGuard VPN Options

6. ProtonVPN will recommend the ideal server for you to connect to based on your location. Click Create or scroll down and select the server you wish to connect to and click Create next to the server number.

ProtonVPN WireGuard select server
ProtonVPN WireGuard select servers

7. Click Download to download the .conf file of the server you selected.

ProtonVPN WireGuard download configuration

DD-WRT Router Setup for ProtonVPN WireGuard

Navigate to Setup > Tunnels 

ProtonVPN WireGuard DD-WRT Tunnels

Enter ProtonVPN WireGuard settings

1. Click Import Config and then select Choose file. Select the .conf file that was downloaded earlier.

ProtonVPN WireGuard Import Config and Choose File

2. All settings will be loaded into the DD-WRT firmware the only field that needs to be adjusted is setting Persistent Keepalive to 25.

ProtonVPN WireGuard Persistent Keep Alive

3. Click Apply Settings at the bottom of the page.

4. After 30 seconds or so refresh the page until you see the WireGuard Status on the page is populated as seen below.

ProtonVPN WireGuard Status

Verify a successful ProtonVPN connection

Navigate to Setup > Tunnels

  1. You should Endpoint, Latest handshake, and Transfer in the WireGuard status area.
  2. Visit whatismyipaddress.com to verify your status as using ProtonVPN.

Back up your settings

Navigate to Administration > Backup

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

ExpressVPN AsusWRT OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for ExpressVPN AsusWRT Setup

Obtain your ExpressVPN OpenVPN Information

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

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

ExpressVPN login page

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

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

ExpressVPN Manual Configuration
ExpressVPN username and password

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

ExpressVPN Download .ovpn file

AsusWRT Router Setup for ExpressVPN

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

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Fusion tab.

Asus VPN Fusion

3. Click Add profile.

Asus Add profile

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

5. In the VPN Type dropdown select OpenVPN.

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

7. 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 and Enable at the bottom of the page.

Asus ExpressVPN profile

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

Asus VPN devices
Asus VPN select devices

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

Asus ExpressVPN Connected

Verify a successful ExpressVPN connection

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

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

How to change the ExpressVPN server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

PrivateInternetAccess (PIA) AsusWRT OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for PIA AsusWRT Setup

Download your PIA .ovpn file

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

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

PIA login

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

3. On the OpenVPN Configuration Generator select the following:

OpenVPN Version: OpenVPN 2.4 or newer

Select Platform: Linux

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

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

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

PIA Generate .ovpn file

AsusWRT Router Setup for PIA

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

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Fusion tab.

Asus VPN Fusion

3. Click Add profile.

Asus Add profile

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

5. In the VPN Type dropdown select OpenVPN.

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

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

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

Asus PIA profile

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

Asus VPN devices
Asus VPN select devices

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

Asus PIA Connected

Verify a successful PIA connection

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

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

How to change the PIA server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

ExpressVPN Merlin OpenVPN Setup

· ·

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.

ExpressVPN login page

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

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

ExpressVPN Manual Configuration
ExpressVPN username and password

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

ExpressVPN Download .ovpn file

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.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

Merlin VPN Client Tab

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

Merlin Choose File Upload

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

Merlin Automatic Start at boot time

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

Merlin ExpressVPN Description

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

Merlin Accept DNS configuration Redirect Internet and Kill Switch

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

7. Enter your 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.

Merlin VPN Username and Password

8. Click Apply at the bottom of the page.

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

Merlin Service State

Verify a successful ExpressVPN connection

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

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

How to change the ExpressVPN server

  1. Copy the new ExpressVPN server address from the below server list.
  2. Paste the server into the Server Address field.
  3. 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

PrivateInternetAccess (PIA) Merlin OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for PIA Merlin Setup

Download your PIA .ovpn file

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

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

PIA login

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

3. On the OpenVPN Configuration Generator select the following:

OpenVPN Version: OpenVPN 2.4 or newer

Select Platform: Linux

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

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

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

PIA Generate .ovpn file

Merlin Router Setup for PIA

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

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

Merlin VPN Tab

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

Merlin VPN Client Tab

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

Merlin Choose File Upload

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

Merlin Automatic Start at boot time

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

PIA Description

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

Merlin Accept DNS configuration Redirect Internet and Kill Switch

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

7. Enter your PIA account username and password.

Merlin VPN Username and Password

8. Click Apply at the bottom of the page.

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

Merlin Service State All Providers

Verify a successful PIA connection

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

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

How to change the PIA server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here