FlashRouters Support Portal

Prioritizing Privacy

Search Results for: download+router

ProtonVPN Setup for Privacy Hero

· ·

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

WireGuard is recommended for most users. It uses a downloadable .conf configuration file. OpenVPN uses a downloadable .ovpn file and a separate Proton VPN OpenVPN username and password (not your regular Proton Account login).

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

Proton VPN WireGuard Setup (Recommended)

WireGuard uses a configuration file generated by Proton VPN. You do not need an OpenVPN username and password for this method.

Generate Your Proton VPN WireGuard Configuration

  1. Open your Proton VPN account and sign in.
  2. Go to Downloads → WireGuard configuration.
  3. Enter a recognizable configuration name and select Router as the platform.
  4. Choose your preferred VPN options and an available server or country. For a straightforward setup, select a standard server configuration.
  5. Click Create, then Download to save the generated WireGuard .conf file to your device.

Important: A WireGuard configuration contains a private key. Keep the downloaded file private; do not paste its contents into public posts or unprotected support messages. For detailed Proton account instructions, see Proton VPN: Download WireGuard Configuration Files.

Upload WireGuard to Privacy Hero

  1. Open app.privacyhero.com and log in to your Privacy Hero account.
  2. Open the VPN section, click Change beside the VPN provider, and choose Custom.
  3. Select WireGuard and upload the Proton VPN .conf file you downloaded.
  4. Click Save to apply the configuration and connect. Confirm that Privacy Hero reports Connected.
Privacy Hero Custom WireGuard configuration screen showing the configuration file upload

Proton VPN OpenVPN Setup

OpenVPN is an alternative to WireGuard. You need a Proton VPN OpenVPN-specific username and password and a server .ovpn configuration file.

Get Your Proton VPN OpenVPN Credentials

  1. Sign in to your Proton VPN account.
  2. Open Account → OpenVPN username to find your separate OpenVPN username and password.
  3. Copy these credentials or keep the page open. Do not use your usual Proton Account email and password for the manual OpenVPN connection.

For help locating these credentials, see Proton VPN: How to Sign In / OpenVPN Credentials.

Download Your Proton VPN OpenVPN Server File

  1. In your Proton VPN account, go to Downloads → OpenVPN configuration files.
  2. Select Router as the platform and UDP as the protocol (recommended starting point). If UDP does not work on your network, you can try a TCP configuration later.
  3. Select an available country or individual server from the standard configuration list, then click Download to save its .ovpn file.

For additional details about the file download options, see Proton VPN: Download OpenVPN Configuration Files.

Upload OpenVPN to Privacy Hero

  1. Open app.privacyhero.com and sign in to your Privacy Hero account.
  2. Open the VPN section, click Change, and select Custom as the VPN provider.
  3. Choose OpenVPN and upload the Proton VPN .ovpn file you downloaded.
  4. Enter your separate Proton VPN OpenVPN username and password into the Custom VPN fields.
  5. Click Save, then confirm Privacy Hero displays Connected.
Privacy Hero Custom OpenVPN setup with configuration file upload and separate VPN username and password fields

Verify Your Proton VPN Connection

After Privacy Hero reports Connected, confirm that a device on the router network is using your Proton VPN connection.

  1. Connect your testing device to the Privacy Hero WiFi or LAN network.
  2. Disable any Proton VPN app or other VPN application running directly on that device, so it does not create a second VPN connection.
  3. Open a private/incognito browser window.
  4. Visit Proton VPN’s IP Address Checker.
  5. Verify that the public IP address and approximate location correspond to the Proton VPN server configured in Privacy Hero.

Important: You can manage Privacy Hero from another WiFi network or cellular data. However, the device performing the VPN IP test must be connected to the Privacy Hero network.

Streaming Relocation and VPN Location

If Privacy Hero Streaming Relocation is enabled for a supported streaming service, that service may use its Streaming Relocation location rather than the country selected in your Proton VPN configuration. See Privacy Hero Streaming Relocation.

Proton VPN Not Connecting?

If Privacy Hero displays Failed, remains on Connecting, or reports a timeout, work through these checks:

  1. Confirm that you selected Custom as the VPN provider in Privacy Hero and chose the protocol that matches your configuration file.
  2. For WireGuard, create and download a fresh Proton VPN .conf file for an available server, then upload it again. Do not use an OpenVPN .ovpn file in the WireGuard section.
  3. For OpenVPN, verify that you entered Proton VPN’s separate OpenVPN username and password, not your regular Proton Account login.
  4. Download a fresh configuration for a different Proton VPN server and reconnect. Proton VPN occasionally changes server configurations.
  5. If using OpenVPN UDP and the connection still fails, download and try a TCP .ovpn configuration file to test for a protocol-related issue.
  6. Temporarily disable the VPN Kill Switch while checking whether internet works without the VPN. Re-enable your preferred Kill Switch setting once testing is complete.

VPN Disconnects and Devices Have No Internet?

The VPN Kill Switch may be intentionally blocking 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?

Check the affected device for a second VPN app, iCloud Private Relay, Private DNS, browser proxy settings, or filtering software. See Device Settings That Can Interfere With Your Router VPN.

Related Privacy Hero Guides

Surfshark Setup for Privacy Hero

· ·

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

  1. Sign in to your Surfshark account.
  2. Open VPN → Manual Setup, choose the Router setup option, and select WireGuard.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

  1. After setting up the key pair, select Choose a location or open the Locations section.
  2. 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

  1. Open app.privacyhero.com and log in to your Privacy Hero account.
  2. Open the VPN section, click Change, and choose Custom as the VPN provider.
  3. Select WireGuard and upload the Surfshark WireGuard configuration file you downloaded.
  4. 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

  1. Sign in to your Surfshark account.
  2. Open VPN → Manual Setup, choose Router, and select OpenVPN.
  3. Open the Credentials tab. If credentials are not yet available, select Generate credentials.
  4. 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

  1. In Surfshark’s OpenVPN Manual Setup area, open the Locations tab.
  2. 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

  1. Open app.privacyhero.com, sign in, and select the VPN section.
  2. Click Change, select Custom, and choose OpenVPN.
  3. Upload the Surfshark UDP .ovpn file you downloaded.
  4. Enter the Surfshark Manual Setup username and password into the Custom OpenVPN fields.
  5. 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.

  1. Connect your device to the Privacy Hero WiFi or LAN.
  2. Disconnect the Surfshark app or any other VPN app running directly on the testing device.
  3. Open a fresh private/incognito browser window.
  4. Visit Surfshark’s IP address checker.
  5. 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:

  1. Confirm your Surfshark subscription is active and that Custom is selected as the VPN provider in Privacy Hero.
  2. 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.
  3. If using OpenVPN, double-check your separate Surfshark Manual Setup username and password, not your regular website login.
  4. Download a fresh server configuration for another available Surfshark location and try again.
  5. If OpenVPN UDP continues to fail, try a Surfshark TCP .ovpn configuration file to check for a protocol-specific issue.
  6. 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

IPVanish Setup for Privacy Hero

· ·

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.

  1. Open the IPVanish account sign-in page and log in.
  2. Open WireGuard in the account navigation to access the WireGuard Configuration Generator.
  3. 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

  1. Sign in to the Privacy Hero dashboard at app.privacyhero.com.
  2. Open the VPN section, select Change beside the provider, and choose Custom.
  3. Choose WireGuard and upload the IPVanish .conf file you just generated.
  4. 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.

  1. Open the IPVanish OpenVPN server configuration list.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. Sign in at app.privacyhero.com and open VPN.
  2. Select Change, choose Custom, and select OpenVPN.
  3. Upload the IPVanish .ovpn file you downloaded.
  4. Enter your IPVanish username and password in the Custom OpenVPN fields. Do not enter the Privacy Hero account login.
  5. 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.

  1. Connect the device you want to test to the Privacy Hero WiFi or LAN network.
  2. Temporarily disconnect any IPVanish app, other VPN app, or device-level VPN connection on that device so you test the router VPN alone.
  3. Open a new private/incognito browser window and visit IPVanish What Is My IP Address.
  4. 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:

  1. Make sure your IPVanish subscription is active and that Custom is selected as the VPN provider in Privacy Hero.
  2. For WireGuard, generate a fresh configuration from your IPVanish account and upload that .conf file again.
  3. For OpenVPN, confirm your IPVanish username/password and upload a fresh .ovpn file for a different server.
  4. Try a different server location. With OpenVPN, also try switching between available UDP and TCP files.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

ExpressVPN Setup for Privacy Hero

· ·

Privacy Hero supports ExpressVPN using OpenVPN. To connect, you need your ExpressVPN Manual Configuration username and password and an OpenVPN (.ovpn) configuration file for your preferred server location.

Important: In Privacy Hero, choose Custom as the VPN provider. Upload the ExpressVPN .ovpn file and enter your separate Manual Configuration credentials, not your regular ExpressVPN website login.

Privacy Hero is cloud-managed, so you can complete setup from any computer, smartphone, or tablet with an internet connection. You do not need to be connected to Privacy Hero WiFi while changing the settings.

Get Your ExpressVPN Manual Configuration Credentials

ExpressVPN provides separate credentials for manual OpenVPN connections. These are different from your normal ExpressVPN website email and password.

  1. Open ExpressVPN Set Up Devices and sign in to your ExpressVPN account.
  2. In the left navigation, select Set Up Devices.
  3. Under Applications, expand Advanced setup and choose Manual Configuration.
  4. Find your unique Username and Password under Manual Configuration. Keep this tab open so you can copy them into Privacy Hero.

Important: Do not use your regular ExpressVPN account password, and do not share your manual configuration credentials publicly.

Download Your ExpressVPN OpenVPN Server File

Each available ExpressVPN location has its own OpenVPN configuration file. The file determines the server location used by Privacy Hero.

  1. On the same Manual Configuration page, locate the server regions, such as Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, or Middle East & Africa.
  2. Expand your preferred region and download the UDP .ovpn file for an available location. Save it to the device you are using to configure Privacy Hero.

Only locations offered on your ExpressVPN Manual Configuration page can be used for this setup. To change locations later, download the corresponding .ovpn file and upload it to Privacy Hero.

Add ExpressVPN to Privacy Hero as a Custom VPN

ExpressVPN uses Privacy Hero’s Custom VPN configuration rather than a dedicated ExpressVPN provider option.

Upload the OpenVPN File and Enter Credentials

  1. Open app.privacyhero.com and sign in to your Privacy Hero account.
  2. Open the VPN section.
  3. Click Change beside the VPN provider and choose Custom.
  4. Choose OpenVPN if prompted, then upload the UDP .ovpn file downloaded from ExpressVPN.
  5. Copy the separate ExpressVPN Manual Configuration Username and Password into the corresponding Privacy Hero fields.
Privacy Hero Custom OpenVPN configuration showing file upload and manual username and password fields

Check the UDP Configuration and Connect

  1. If Privacy Hero displays the OpenVPN configuration in an editor, confirm that the downloaded UDP configuration specifies proto udp. If the directive is missing, add proto udp at the beginning of the configuration. Do not add a conflicting second protocol directive.
  2. Click Save to apply the configuration and establish the VPN connection.
  3. Confirm Privacy Hero displays Connected for the Custom OpenVPN connection.
Privacy Hero Custom OpenVPN configuration editor with proto udp directive

Verify Your ExpressVPN Connection

After Privacy Hero reports Connected, check that devices on the Privacy Hero network are actually using the VPN.

  1. Connect the testing device to the Privacy Hero WiFi or LAN network.
  2. Disconnect the ExpressVPN app or any other VPN application running directly on that device.
  3. Open a fresh private/incognito browser window.
  4. Visit ExpressVPN What Is My IP.
  5. Confirm the public IP address and approximate location correspond to the ExpressVPN server selected in your .ovpn file.

Important: You can manage Privacy Hero’s VPN settings from another network or cellular data. However, to verify the router’s VPN IP, the testing device must be connected to the Privacy Hero network. Running another VPN app on the device can produce double-VPN results.

Streaming Relocation and VPN Location

If Streaming Relocation is enabled for a supported streaming service, that service may use its Streaming Relocation region instead of the location defined in the ExpressVPN configuration file. See Privacy Hero Streaming Relocation.

ExpressVPN Not Connecting?

If Privacy Hero shows Failed, stays on Connecting, or displays a timeout error, try these checks:

  1. Confirm your ExpressVPN subscription is active and you entered the separate Manual Configuration username and password.
  2. Check that you selected Custom in Privacy Hero, rather than another VPN provider.
  3. Download a fresh UDP .ovpn file for an available ExpressVPN server location and upload it again.
  4. Check that the OpenVPN configuration uses proto udp without conflicting protocol directives.
  5. Temporarily disable the VPN Kill Switch while testing whether normal internet access works without the VPN, then restore your preferred Kill Switch setting.
  6. Try another ExpressVPN server location or reconnect the VPN.

No Internet After the VPN Disconnects?

The Privacy Hero 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 devices show the correct VPN IP, check the affected device’s VPN apps, iCloud Private Relay, Private DNS, antivirus filtering, browser proxy/DNS settings, or other security software. See Device Settings That Can Interfere With Your Router VPN.

Related Privacy Hero Guides

ProtonVPN Setup Guide for GL.iNet Routers

· ·

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.

:point_right: 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

ProtonVPN Downloads

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.

GL.iNet VPN 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.

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

🚫📱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.

NordVPN Setup for AsusWRT Firmware Routers

· ·

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

Quick Options

  • NordLynx: Choose your preferred 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.

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

NordVPN NordLynx Setup for AsusWRT

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

NordVPN Services Section

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

NordVPN Access Token

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

NordVPN Generate new token
NordVPN Copy Token

4. Log in to the Asus settings page by connecting to the Asus router’s WiFi (or wired LAN) on your computer. Then, enter 192.168.50.1 or asusrouter.com in the browser.

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

5. Navigate to the VPN tab and then select the VPN Fusion tab, then click Add profile.

Click the VPN Button
VPN Fusion Add Profile

6. Fill in your NordVPN information, then click Apply and Enable.

  • Connection Name: Choose a name for your NordLynx connection.
  • VPN Type: Select NordVPN
  • Region: Choose your VPN server location
  • Token: Copy and paste your NordVPN token.
Apply NordLynx Settings

6. You should now see the Profile say Connected, indicating that the NordVPN server is successfully connected to your router!

VPN Fusion NordLynx Connected

7. The VPN connection is automatically set to Apply to all devices.

If you only want certain devices to connect to the VPN, then turn off the VPN connection and switch off Apply to all devices.

Now click the pencil next to the Device section and select the devices (computer, phone, etc.) that you want to connect to VPN. Click OK and then click Apply all settings.

Apply VPN by Device

NordVPN OpenVPN Setup for AsusWRT

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

NordVPN Services Section

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.

NordVPN Manual OpenVPN
NordVPN Service Credentials

3. Click on OpenVPN config files. Search and download the server file for your preferred NordVPN location, UDP is recommended.

NordVPN OpenVPN Config Files

4. Log in to the Asus settings page by connecting to the Asus router’s WiFi (or wired LAN) on your computer. Then, enter 192.168.50.1 or asusrouter.com in the browser.

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

5. Navigate to the VPN tab and then click on the VPN Fusion tab, then click Add Profile.

Click the VPN Button
VPN Fusion Add Profile

6. Fill in your NordVPN information then click Apply and Enable.

  • Connection Name: Choose a name for your NordVPN OpenVPN connection.
  • VPN Type: Select OpenVPN
  • Import .ovpn File: Upload the OpenVPN file that you downloaded.
  • Username and Password: Copy and paste your NordVPN manual service credentials.
AsusWRT OpenVPN Connection File Load

6. You should now see the Profile say Connected, indicating that the NordVPN server is successfully connected to your router!

Asus NordVPN Connected

7. The VPN connection is automatically set to Apply to all devices.

If you only want certain devices to connect to the VPN, then turn off the VPN connection and switch off Apply to all devices.

Now click the pencil next to the Device section and select the devices (computer, phone, etc.) that you want to connect to VPN. Click OK and then click Apply all settings.

Apply VPN by Device

NordVPN Dedicated IP Setup for AsusWRT

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

NordVPN Services Section

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.

NordVPN Manual OpenVPN
NordVPN Service Credentials

3. Now download your Dedicated IP configuration file from the NordVPN website.

4. Log in to the Asus settings page by connecting to the Asus router’s WiFi (or wired LAN) on your computer. Then, enter 192.168.50.1 or asusrouter.com in the browser.

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

5. Navigate to the VPN tab then click on the VPN Fusion tab, then click Add Profile.

Click the VPN Button
VPN Fusion Add Profile

6. Fill in your NordVPN information then click Apply and Enable.

  • Connection Name: Choose a name for your NordVPN Dedicated IP connection.
  • VPN Type: Select OpenVPN
  • Import .ovpn File: Upload the Dedicated IP OpenVPN file that you downloaded.
  • Username and Password: Copy and paste your NordVPN manual service credentials.
AsusWRT OpenVPN Connection File Load

6. You should now see the Profile say Connected, indicating that the NordVPN server is successfully connected to your router!

Asus NordVPN Connected

7. The VPN connection is automatically set to Apply to all devices.

If you only want certain devices to connect to the VPN, then turn off the VPN connection and switch off Apply to all devices.

Now click the pencil next to the Device section and select the devices (computer, phone, etc.) that you want to connect to VPN. Click OK and then click Apply all settings.

Apply VPN by Device
  1. Connect your devices to the Asus router network and visit the NordVPN website, at the top it should display Your Status: Protected.
  2. 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.

VPN FAQs

· ·

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.

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

How do I upgrade the Asus Merlin firmware of my FlashRouter?

· ·

Download the latest AsusWRT Merlin firmware build for your specific FlashRouter model at the Asus Merlin download website. Contact support@flashrouters.com if you are uncertain about your router model or your router model is not available. Click your router model and then select the Release folder.

Make sure you are following the directions below to load the firmware file into the router settings and not trying to open the firmware file on its own.

Access the FlashRouter via wired connection. It is possible to upgrade firmware via WiFi, but this is not recommended unless you are unable to wire directly to the router.

Navigate to Administration > Firmware Upgrade

AsusWRT Merlin Firmware Upgrade

Private Internet Access (PIA) Setup for Privacy Hero

· ·

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.

  1. Open app.privacyhero.com and sign in to your Privacy Hero account.
  2. Open the VPN section. Select Change beside your current VPN provider.
  3. Choose Private Internet Access from the provider list. Do not select Custom for this WireGuard setup.
  4. Enter your PIA VPN account username and password (not your Privacy Hero dashboard credentials). You can check your account at PIA Client Control Panel.
  5. 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.
  1. To use a specific location, open the existing Private Internet Access connection and select Advanced Options.
  2. Enter a complete PIA server hostname from the list below, for example us-newyorkcity.privacy.network or uk-london.privacy.network.
  3. 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

  1. Sign in to the PIA Client Control Panel using your PIA VPN account.
  2. Open Downloads and scroll to OpenVPN Configuration Generator or OpenVPN Configurations.
  3. If using the generator, choose OpenVPN 2.4 or newer and Linux when these options are offered, then choose an available server location.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

  1. Open Privacy Hero, go to VPN, click Change, and select Custom.
  2. Choose OpenVPN and upload the PIA .ovpn file downloaded in the previous section.
  3. Enter your PIA VPN username and password in the Custom OpenVPN authentication fields.
  4. 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

  1. Connect a device to the Privacy Hero WiFi or LAN network.
  2. Disconnect any PIA app or other VPN running directly on the device so the router VPN can be tested independently.
  3. Open a private/incognito browser window and visit PIA What Is My IP.
  4. 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:

  1. Confirm your PIA subscription is active and enter your PIA VPN login, not your Privacy Hero email/password.
  2. For built-in PIA WireGuard, verify the provider is Private Internet Access—not Custom. No downloaded WireGuard file is required.
  3. Remove any specific server hostname to test automatic server selection. If that connects, the previous hostname may be unavailable.
  4. For Custom OpenVPN, upload a fresh PIA .ovpn file, re-enter the PIA credentials, and try a different server or a TCP configuration.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

ExpressVPN Setup for AsusWRT Firmware Routers

· ·

You can connect to ExpressVPN on your AsusWRT router using OpenVPN.

Quick Options

  • OpenVPN: Download your preferred server .ovpn configuration file from the ExpressVPN website.

:point_right: If you are not already a ExpressVPN user Sign Up Now.

EXPRESSVPN SETUP GUIDE FOR ASUSWRT

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

2. In the “Set up your devices” section, click More and select Manual Configuration from the menu options.

3. Copy the Username and Password that are displayed on the right

ExpressVPN Manual Service Credentials

4. Download a server file from any of the available regions shown in the ExpressVPN Manual Configuration section (Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, etc)

ExpressVPN Download .ovpn file

5. Log in to the Asus settings page by connecting to the Asus router’s WiFi (or wired LAN) on your computer. Then, enter 192.168.50.1 or asusrouter.com in the browser.

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

6. Navigate to the VPN tab and then click on the VPN Fusion tab, then click Add Profile

Click the VPN Button
VPN Fusion Add Profile

7.  Fill in your NordVPN information then click Apply and Enable.

  • Connection Name: Choose a name for your ExpressVPN OpenVPN connection.
  • VPN Type: Select OpenVPN
  • Import .ovpn File: Upload the OpenVPN file that you downloaded.
  • Username and Password: Copy and paste your ExpressVPN manual service credentials from step 3.

8. You should now see the Profile say Connected, indicating that the NordVPN server is successfully connected to your router.

Asus ExpressVPN Connected

9. The VPN connection is automatically set to Apply to all devices.

If you only want certain devices to connect to the VPN, then turn off the VPN connection and switch off Apply to all devices.

Now click the pencil next to the Device section and select the devices (computer, phone, etc.) that you want to connect to VPN. Click OK and then click Apply all settings.

Apply VPN by Device
  1. Connect your devices to the Asus router network and visit the ExpressVPN website, at the top it should display Your Status: Protected.
  2. Visit ExpressVPN’s IP Check to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

How do I upgrade the DD-WRT firmware of my FlashRouter?

· ·

The following DD-WRT builds are from 11/24/2024 r58699. Keep in mind that these builds are for upgrading routers that already have DD-WRT firmware flashed. To flash a stock firmware router with DD-WRT firmware see our Flash My Router plan!

Download an updated DD-WRT firmware build for your specific FlashRouter model below. Contact support@flashrouters.com if you are uncertain about your router model or your router model is not available below.

Please be aware that FlashRouters is not responsible for any DIY firmware flashing updates. If you have questions or concerns contact FlashRouters Support or check out the DD-WRT Community for additional helpful resources.

Make sure you are following the directions below to load the firmware file into the router settings and not trying to open the firmware file on its own.

Access the FlashRouter via wired connection. It is possible to upgrade firmware via WiFi, but this is not recommended unless you are unable to wire directly to the router.

Navigate to Administration > Firmware Upgrade

Firmware Upgrade page in FlashRouter DD-WRT settings
  1. Do NOT select Reset to Default Settings in the dropdown menu as this will erase all of your FlashRouter settings.
    NOTE: If you are updating from an older DD-WRT build you may be required to reset the router after a firmware update for new features and UI to properly load. You will then be required to setup the administration username and password along with your WiFi and VPN network settings.
  2. Click Choose File and select the file you have downloaded.
  3. Click Upgrade.

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

NordVPN Cudy OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for NordVPN Cudy Setup

Obtain your NordVPN manual Username and Password

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

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

NordVPN login

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

NordVPN setup manually

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

NordVPN verify code

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

NordVPN credentials

Download your NordVPN .ovpn file

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

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

NordVPN Recommended Server

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

NordVPN Download Specific Server

Cudy Router Setup for NordVPN

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

1. Click General Settings.

Cudy General Settings

2. Click VPN.

Cudy VPN Tab

3. Toggle the Enable switch to On.

Cudy enable VPN

4. Select OpenVPN Client from the Protocol dropdown.

Cudy select OpenVPN Client

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

Cudy OpenVPN Browse button

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

Cudy NordVPN enter username and password

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

Verify a successful NordVPN connection

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

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

How to change the NordVPN server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

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

NordVPN Setup for Privacy Hero

· ·

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

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

Generate Your NordVPN Access Token

  1. In another browser tab, open NordVPN Access Tokens and sign in to your NordVPN account.
  2. Complete any account or email verification requested by NordVPN.
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. Wait for the VPN status to show Connected.
NordVPN Protocols Privacy Hero

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

  1. Open app.privacyhero.com and sign in.
  2. Open the VPN section.
  3. Click Change and select NordVPN.
  4. Select OpenVPN.
NordVPN Protocol Privacy Hero

Get Your Manual Service Credentials

  1. Open NordVPN Manual Service Credentials and sign in.
  2. 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

  1. Return to Privacy Hero and enter the manual service username and password in the OpenVPN credential fields. Click Save.
  2. 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

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

Use a Specific NordVPN Server

  1. Open your NordVPN connection in Privacy Hero.
  2. Open Advanced Options.
  3. Enter the NordVPN server hostname, for example us12286.nordvpn.com.
  4. 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.

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

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

  1. Sign in to the NordVPN account associated with the Dedicated IP.
  2. Locate your assigned Dedicated IP server using NordVPN’s manual setup instructions.
  3. Download its OpenVPN UDP configuration file.
  4. 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

  1. Open app.privacyhero.com and select VPN → Change.
  2. Select Custom from the VPN provider dropdown, not NordVPN.
  3. Upload your Dedicated IP UDP .ovpn file.
  4. Enter your NordVPN Manual Service Username and Password.
  5. Save the configuration, enable the VPN, and wait for Connected.
  6. 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

  1. Connect your testing device to the Privacy Hero WiFi.
  2. Disconnect any NordVPN or other VPN app running directly on that device.
  3. Open a fresh private/incognito browser window.
  4. Visit NordVPN What Is My IP.
  5. 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

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

ProtonVPN Manual OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for Manual ProtonVPN Setup

Verify your ProtonVPN login information

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

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

2. Navigate to the Account tab and note your OpenVPN specific Username and Password.

FlashRouters DD-WRT Privacy APP ProtonVPN OpenVPN Specific Username and Password

ProtonVPN Server Addresses

Click on the following link to Download the .ovpn file containing the Server IP Address you wish to connect to.

Open the .ovpn file that is downloaded to your computer with NotePad++ for Windows or TextEdit for Apple.

DD-WRT Router Setup for ProtonVPN

Navigate to Services > VPN

Enter ProtonVPN settings

OpenVPN Client

Start OpenVPN Client

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

Server IP/Name

At the top of the .ovpn file you downloaded above, there is a line e.g.:
remote 206.226.72.27 1194
206.226.72.27 is your ProtonVPN server IP address. Enter that IP Address in this field.

Port

1194

Tunnel Device

TUN

Tunnel Protocol

UDP

Encryption cipher

AES-256-CBC

Hash Algorithm

SHA512

Userpass Authentication

Enable

Username

Enter your OpenVPN specific Username.

Password

Enter your OpenVPN specific Password.

Advanced Options

Enable

TLS Cipher

None

LZO Compression

Adaptive

NAT

Enable

Firewall Protection

Enable

TLS Auth Key

-----BEGIN OpenVPN Static key V1-----
6acef03f62675b4b1bbd03e53b187727
423cea742242106cb2916a8a4c829756
3d22c7e5cef430b1103c6f66eb1fc5b3
75a672f158e2e2e936c3faa48b035a6d
e17beaac23b5f03b10b868d53d03521d
8ba115059da777a60cbfd7b2c9c57472
78a15b8f6e68a3ef7fd583ec9f398c8b
d4735dab40cbd1e3c62a822e97489186
c30a0b48c7c38ea32ceb056d3fa5a710
e10ccc7a0ddb363b08c3d2777a3395e1
0c0b6080f56309192ab5aacd4b45f55d
a61fc77af39bd81a19218a79762c3386
2df55785075f37d8c71dc8a42097ee43
344739a0dd48d03025b0450cf1fb5e8c
aeb893d9a96d1f15519bb3c4dcb40ee3
16672ea16c012664f8a9f11255518deb
-----END OpenVPN Static key V1-----

Additional Config

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

Policy Based Routing

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

CA Cert

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

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

Leave all settings not mentioned above as their default setting.

Verify a successful ProtonVPN connection

Navigate to Status > OpenVPN

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

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

How to change the ProtonVPN server

  1. Download and open a new .ovpn file from ProtonVPN.
  2. Copy and paste the server IP Address into the Server IP/Name field.
  3. Click Apply Settings.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

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

Surfshark Merlin WireGuard Setup

· ·

Preparing for Surfshark Merlin Setup

Download your Surfshark .conf 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 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. Click Choose a location.

Surfshark Choose a Location

9. 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 .conf file for this Surfshark server location.

Surfshark download conf file

Merlin Router Setup for Surfshark

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 New York so I have entered in Surfshark New York.

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 Surfshark connection

Visit Surfshark’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 Surfshark.

How to change the Surfshark 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

Teamviewer FAQ and Setup

· ·

We do NOT offer phone support here at FlashRouters. You will not receive a phone call to begin your session. Please read the information below for how to get connected during your session time.

What is a Teamviewer session?

A Teamviewer session is the most hands on method of receiving support from FlashRouters.

A support agent will connect directly to your computer and proceed to configure or troubleshoot your FlashRouter with you present.

We use Teamviewer sessions to troubleshoot any issue an eligible customer may have with a FlashRouter that was purchased from us or to configure a compatible router that your purchased independently along with a FlashRouters Support Plan.

In the session a chat window will appear so we can communicate directly with you in real time.

If you follow the information below prior to your session and all goes smoothly a Teamviewer session typically takes anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes.

Do I qualify for a Teamviewer session?

When purchasing a FlashRouter you are able to select a Quarterly or Yearly Bronze, Silver or Gold subscription plan.

Silver Yearly plan comes with one Teamviewer remote support session a year.

Gold Quarterly and Yearly plans come with one session per quarter.

If you support plan has expired or you are signed up for Bronze and you’d like to receive Teamviewer remote support assistance please email support@flashrouters.com

How do I schedule a Teamviewer session?

We are available for scheduled Teamviewer sessions from 10AM – 6:00PM ET Monday through Saturday.

To schedule a session with us open a support ticket or contact us via our live chat. We do not perform sessions that are not scheduled.

If we are available off hours we do our best to accommodate off hours session times with at least 24 hours notification.

Recommended computer and network setup

What computer should I use for Teamviewer?

Teamviewer sessions can not be performed on phones or tablets at this time. We require a Windows or Mac computer to successfully connect and configure your FlashRouter.

Below are the different scenarios from most ideal to least ideal.

I have a Dual Router Setup and a computer with WiFi and Ethernet

If you have an available wireless network NOT coming from the FlashRouter and have a computer that has wireless AND Ethernet capabilities you should be setup as follows:

  1. Connect via wireless to the other router.
  2. Once we have joined the session we will instruct you to wire from the FlashRouter to your computer.

I have a Dual Router Setup and a computer with WiFi only

If you have an available wireless network NOT coming from the FlashRouter and have a computer that has wireless only you should be setup as follows:

  1. Obtaining a USB to Ethernet adapter is ideal.
  2. If that is not possible connect to the FlashRouter’s network via wireless.

Session disconnects may occur with no backup Internet connection.

I have a Single Router Setup and a computer with WiFi and Ethernet

If the FlashRouter is your only wireless network and your computer has wireless and Ethernet capabilities you should be setup as follows:

  1. Connect an Ethernet cable from a numbered port on your FlashRouter directly to your computer.
  2. We may ask you during the session if your smartphone can broadcast an wireless hotspot we can connect to for backup Internet.

I have a Single Router Setup and a computer with WiFi only

If the FlashRouter if your only wireless network and your computer is wireless only you should be setup as follows:

  1. Obtaining a USB to Ethernet adapter is ideal.
  2. If that is not possible connect to the FlashRouter’s network via wireless.

Session disconnects may occur with no backup Internet connection.

How do I download Teamviewer?

Windows

  1. Download Teamviewer for Windows.
  2. Open the Teamviewer application.
  3. Email the User ID and Password (example displayed below) to your existing email thread or our live chat.
Access Teamviewer User ID and Password for FlashRouters Remote Support Session on Windows

Mac

  1. Download Teamviewer for Mac.
  2. Open the Teamviewer application.
  3. Email the User ID and Password (example displayed below) to your existing email thread or our live chat.
Access Teamviewer User ID and Password for FlashRouters Remote Support Session on Mac

When should I provide FlashRouters with my Teamviewer User ID and Password?

About 15 minutes before your scheduled session time update your support ticket e-mail the User ID and Password to your existing email thread, or send via our live chat.

NordVPN Manual OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for Manual NordVPN Setup

Verify your NordVPN login information

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

Log in to your account on the NordVPN website.

NordVPN Server Addresses

For a NordVPN server recommendation visit their Recommend Server page.

Once you have selected the server you want to connect to, download the UDP .ovpn file containing the Server IP Address, TLS Auth Key, and CA Cert referenced below.

Open the .ovpn file that is downloaded to your computer with NotePad++ for Windows or TextEdit for Apple. You will only need the Server IP Address, TLS Auth Key, and CA Cert from this file. All NordVPN servers and .ovpn files have different IP Addresses, keys, and certificates.

DD-WRT Router Setup for NordVPN

Navigate to Services > VPN

Enter NordVPN settings

OpenVPN Client

Start OpenVPN Client

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

Server IP/Name

At the top of the .ovpn file you downloaded above, there is a line e.g.:
remote 206.226.72.27 1194
206.226.72.27 is your NordVPN server IP address. Enter the IP Address in this field.

Port

1194

Tunnel Device

TUN

Tunnel Protocol

UDP

Encryption cipher

AES-256-CBC

Hash Algorithm

SHA512

Userpass Authentication

Enable

Username

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

Password

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

Advanced Options

Enable

TLS Cipher

None

LZO Compression

Adaptive

NAT

Enable

Firewall Protection

Enable

TLS Auth Key

In the .ovpn file copy and paste all contents in between the <tls-auth> and </tls-auth> lines from your .ovpn file starting and ending with:
—–BEGIN OpenVPN Static key V1—–
…
—–END OpenVPN Static key V1—–

Additional Config

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

Policy Based Routing

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

CA Cert

In the .ovpn file Copy and Paste all contents in between the <ca> and </ca> lines from your .ovpn file starting and ending with:
—–BEGIN CERTIFICATE—–
…
—–END CERTIFICATE—–

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

Leave all settings not mentioned above as their default setting.

Verify a successful NordVPN connection

Navigate to Status > OpenVPN

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

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

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 NordVPN server

  1. Download and open a new .ovpn file from NordVPN.
  2. Copy and paste the server IP Address into the Server IP/Name field.
  3. Copy and paste the TLS Auth Key into the TLS Auth Key field.
  4. Copy and paste the CA Cert into the CA Cert field.
  5. Click Apply Settings.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Surfshark TP-Link WireGuard Setup

· ·

Preparing for Surfshark TP-Link Setup

Download your Surfshark .conf 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 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. Click Choose a location.

Surfshark Choose a Location

9. 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 .conf file for this Surfshark server location.

Surfshark download conf 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 WireGuard 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 WireGuard.

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

TP-Link Surfshark 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 Surfshark WireGuard 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 .conf 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

NordVPN Setup for GL.iNet Routers

· ·

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.

:point_right: 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.

NordVPN Services Section

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

NordVPN Access Token

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

NordVPN Generate new token
NordVPN Copy 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

GLiNet NordVPN Wireguard

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

GLiNet Select NordLynx Servers

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

GLiNet NordLynx Start

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

GLiNet NordLynx Connected

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.

NordVPN Service

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.

NordVPN Manual OpenVPN
NordVPN Service 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.

GL.iNet VPN OpenVPN Client

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

GL.iNet NordVPN Group
GL.iNet NordVPN Login

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

GL.iNet NordVPN select servers

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

NordVPN GLiNet OpenVPN Start

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

GLiNet 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.

NordVPN Service

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.

NordVPN Manual OpenVPN
NordVPN Service 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.

GLiNet VPN Dashboard

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.

GLiNet Dedicated IP Address Load

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

GLiNet Dedicated IP

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

GLiNet Dedicated IP Dashboard
  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.

🚫📱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.

Connecting to OpenVPN on Asus Merlin Firmware

· ·

To setup VPN on your Asuswrt Merlin router, you will need to first download an OpenVPN (.ovpn) file from your VPN service provider and load it onto your router.

Review your specific VPN service instructions below. Follow these instructions to locate and upload your OpenVPN file. Depending on the VPN service, there may be additional steps and configurations required to complete the setup.

NordVPN

ExpressVPN

IPVanish

Astrill

Hide.Me

Hotspot Shield

IVPN

Mullvad

SaferVPN

StrongVPN

SurfShark

TorGuard

VPNUnlimited

VyprVPN

Windscribe

Using Asuswrt Merlin’s VPN Director, your router can store up to five different VPN connections and switch between them at will.

Flint/Slate GL.iNet ExpressVPN OpenVPN Setup

· ·

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.

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(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.

ExpressVPN Download .ovpn file

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.

GL.iNet VPN OpenVPN Client

2. Click New Group.

GL.iNet New OpenVPN Client Group

3. Enter ExpressVPN and click the check mark.

GL.iNet ExpressVPN

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

GL.iNet VPN select file

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

GL.iNet VPN username and password

6. Select VPN Dashboard.

GL.iNet VPN Dashboard

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

GL.iNet ExpressVPN enable switch

Verify a successful ExpressVPN connection

  1. You should now see information appear in the Server Address, Server Listen Port, Traffic Statistics, and Client Virtual IP areas.
  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. Download a new .ovpn file location as detailed above.
  2. In the ExpressVPN Group on the OpenVPN Client area click Upload Configuration File and select the new .ovpn file.
  3. Click VPN Dashboard and then click the Configuration File area and select the new location that you added.
  4. Click Apply.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

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

Hotspot Shield Manual OpenVPN Setup

· ·

Preparing for Manual 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

DD-WRT Router Setup for Hotspot Shield

Navigate to Services > VPN

Enter Hotspot Shield settings

OpenVPN Client

Start OpenVPN Client

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

Server IP/Name

At the top of the .ovpn file you downloaded above, there is a line e.g.:
remote universitycalendar.us 8041
universitycalendar.us is your Hotspot Shield server name. Enter the server name in this field.

Port

8041

Tunnel Device

TUN

Tunnel Protocol

UDP

Encryption cipher

AES-128-CBC

Hash Algorithm

SHA256

User Pass Authentication

Enable

Username

Enter the Username you obtained in your Hotspot Shield account.

Password

Enter the Password you obtained in your Hotspot Shield account.

Advanced Options

Enable

TLS Cipher

None

LZO Compression

No

NAT

Enable

Firewall Protection

Enable

Additional Config

resolv-retry infinite
remote-random
nobind
tun-mtu 1500
tun-mtu-extra 32
mssfix 1450
persist-key
persist-tun
ping 15
ping-restart 0
reneg-sec 0
remote-cert-tls server

Policy Based Routing

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

CA Cert

—–BEGIN CERTIFICATE—–
MIIFazCCA1OgAwIBAgIRAIIQz7DSQONZRGPgu2OCiwAwDQYJKoZIhvcNAQELBQAw
TzELMAkGA1UEBhMCVVMxKTAnBgNVBAoTIEludGVybmV0IFNlY3VyaXR5IFJlc2Vh
cmNoIEdyb3VwMRUwEwYDVQQDEwxJU1JHIFJvb3QgWDEwHhcNMTUwNjA0MTEwNDM4
WhcNMzUwNjA0MTEwNDM4WjBPMQswCQYDVQQGEwJVUzEpMCcGA1UEChMgSW50ZXJu
ZXQgU2VjdXJpdHkgUmVzZWFyY2ggR3JvdXAxFTATBgNVBAMTDElTUkcgUm9vdCBY
MTCCAiIwDQYJKoZIhvcNAQEBBQADggIPADCCAgoCggIBAK3oJHP0FDfzm54rVygc
h77ct984kIxuPOZXoHj3dcKi/vVqbvYATyjb3miGbESTtrFj/RQSa78f0uoxmyF+
0TM8ukj13Xnfs7j/EvEhmkvBioZxaUpmZmyPfjxwv60pIgbz5MDmgK7iS4+3mX6U
A5/TR5d8mUgjU+g4rk8Kb4Mu0UlXjIB0ttov0DiNewNwIRt18jA8+o+u3dpjq+sW
T8KOEUt+zwvo/7V3LvSye0rgTBIlDHCNAymg4VMk7BPZ7hm/ELNKjD+Jo2FR3qyH
B5T0Y3HsLuJvW5iB4YlcNHlsdu87kGJ55tukmi8mxdAQ4Q7e2RCOFvu396j3x+UC
B5iPNgiV5+I3lg02dZ77DnKxHZu8A/lJBdiB3QW0KtZB6awBdpUKD9jf1b0SHzUv
KBds0pjBqAlkd25HN7rOrFleaJ1/ctaJxQZBKT5ZPt0m9STJEadao0xAH0ahmbWn
OlFuhjuefXKnEgV4We0+UXgVCwOPjdAvBbI+e0ocS3MFEvzG6uBQE3xDk3SzynTn
jh8BCNAw1FtxNrQHusEwMFxIt4I7mKZ9YIqioymCzLq9gwQbooMDQaHWBfEbwrbw
qHyGO0aoSCqI3Haadr8faqU9GY/rOPNk3sgrDQoo//fb4hVC1CLQJ13hef4Y53CI
rU7m2Ys6xt0nUW7/vGT1M0NPAgMBAAGjQjBAMA4GA1UdDwEB/wQEAwIBBjAPBgNV
HRMBAf8EBTADAQH/MB0GA1UdDgQWBBR5tFnme7bl5AFzgAiIyBpY9umbbjANBgkq
hkiG9w0BAQsFAAOCAgEAVR9YqbyyqFDQDLHYGmkgJykIrGF1XIpu+ILlaS/V9lZL
ubhzEFnTIZd+50xx+7LSYK05qAvqFyFWhfFQDlnrzuBZ6brJFe+GnY+EgPbk6ZGQ
3BebYhtF8GaV0nxvwuo77x/Py9auJ/GpsMiu/X1+mvoiBOv/2X/qkSsisRcOj/KK
NFtY2PwByVS5uCbMiogziUwthDyC3+6WVwW6LLv3xLfHTjuCvjHIInNzktHCgKQ5
ORAzI4JMPJ+GslWYHb4phowim57iaztXOoJwTdwJx4nLCgdNbOhdjsnvzqvHu7Ur
TkXWStAmzOVyyghqpZXjFaH3pO3JLF+l+/+sKAIuvtd7u+Nxe5AW0wdeRlN8NwdC
jNPElpzVmbUq4JUagEiuTDkHzsxHpFKVK7q4+63SM1N95R1NbdWhscdCb+ZAJzVc
oyi3B43njTOQ5yOf+1CceWxG1bQVs5ZufpsMljq4Ui0/1lvh+wjChP4kqKOJ2qxq
4RgqsahDYVvTH9w7jXbyLeiNdd8XM2w9U/t7y0Ff/9yi0GE44Za4rF2LN9d11TPA
mRGunUHBcnWEvgJBQl9nJEiU0Zsnvgc/ubhPgXRR4Xq37Z0j4r7g1SgEEzwxA57d
emyPxgcYxn/eR44/KJ4EBs+lVDR3veyJm+kXQ99b21/+jh5Xos1AnX5iItreGCc=
—–END CERTIFICATE—–
—–BEGIN CERTIFICATE—–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—–END CERTIFICATE—–

Public Client Cert

In the .ovpn file Copy and Paste all contents in between the <cert> and </cert> lines from your .ovpn file starting and ending with:
—–BEGIN CERTIFICATE—–
…
—–END CERTIFICATE—–

Private Client Key

In the .ovpn file Copy and Paste all contents in between the <key> and </key> lines from your .ovpn file starting and ending with:
—–BEGIN PRIVATE KEY—–
…
—–END PRIVATE KEY—–

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

Leave all settings not mentioned above as their default setting.

Verify a successful Hotspot Shield connection

Navigate to Status > OpenVPN

  1. You should now see a CONNECTED SUCCESS message.
  2. Visit Hotspot Shield’s website 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 Hotspot Shield.

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 Hotspot Shield server

  1. Follow the instructions for obtaining the OpenVPN information from above.
  2. Enter the new Server Address in the Server IP/Name field.
  3. Enter the new Username and Password.
  4. Enter the new Public Client Cert and Private Client Key.
  5. Click Apply Settings.

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