Search Results for: steps for elect

What are some extra steps I can take to secure my network?

TeamFlashRouters · May 30, 2019 ·

DD-WRT open source firmware removes many firmware vulnerabilities and backdoor access issues that may cause problems in stock firmware. DD-WRT is also updated more frequently than stock firmware, so be sure to always check with the FlashRouter support team to see which DD-WRT build we recommend for the highest level of security for your router at any time.

Aside from avoiding common issues and flaws with stock firmware, DD-WRT give you more control over the firmware settings and allows you to take some extra steps to really lock down your network security. In this article we highlight additional options for WiFi network security and also preventative measures for remote execution attacks.

Wireless MAC Filtering

Navigate to Wireless > MAC Filter

Access FlashRouters DD-WRT Admin Enable MAC Filtering

Set Use Filter to Enable.
Select either Prevent or Permit
- Choose Prevent to add MAC addresses that you don’t want to join your network.
- Choose Permit to add MAC addresses that you do want to join your network, automatically blocking all others.
Select Edit MAC Filter List.
Add the MAC Address of the wireless devices you want to prevent or permit. Be sure to use the xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx format. Hint: You can see a list of connected devices MAC Address by clicking Wireless Client MAC List.
Click Save.
Replicate the steps above for each wireless band.
Click Apply Settings.

Disable Remote Access

Navigate to Services > Services

Set SNMP to Disable – this setting disables Simple Network Management Protocol, which prevents software from polling your network for information about connected devices.
Set SSHd to Disable – disabling the Secure Shell is a simple way to prevent root access and brute force attacks on your network.
Set Telnet to Disable – Telnet is a less secure version of SSH to manage your local router network via command line.
Click Apply Settings.

Navigate to Administration > Management

Access FlashRouters DD-WRT Admin Settings and Disable Remote Access 2

Set Web GUI Management to Disable.
Set SSH Management to Disable.
Set Telnet Management to Disable.
Set Allow Any Remote IP to Enable – Even though this setting is set to Enable there is no remote access because Web GUI Management is already set to Disable.
Click Apply Settings.

Privacy Hero Bypass certain devices from VPN

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 3, 2023 ·

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

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

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

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

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

3. Click the Devices symbol.

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

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Privacy Hero Activation and Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Feb 8, 2023 ·

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

Create your Privacy Hero account

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

2. Select Create Account.

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

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

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

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

Activate your Privacy Hero Internet and setup Wi-Fi

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

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

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

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

4. To activate your 1 Year NordVPN code:

Click on Claim NordVPN 1 Year Code Now

Go to the Account section of your router settings.

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

Go to the NordVPN activation page.

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

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Privacy Hero Change Wi-Fi Name and Password

TeamFlashRouters · Feb 8, 2023 ·

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

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

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

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

3. Click the Wi-Fi symbol.

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

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

Privacy Hero enter new wifi name and password

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Privacy Hero Change Wireless Channel

TeamFlashRouters · Feb 8, 2023 ·

Use these steps to change your Privacy Hero wireless channel.

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

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

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

3. Click the Wi-Fi symbol.

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

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Privacy Hero Disable Wi-Fi

TeamFlashRouters · Feb 8, 2023 ·

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

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

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

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

3. Click the Wi-Fi symbol.

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

ExpressVPN TP-Link OpenVPN Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 8, 2024 ·

Preparing for ExpressVPN TP-Link Setup

Obtain your ExpressVPN OpenVPN Information

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

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

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

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

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

TP-Link Router Setup for ExpressVPN

1. Navigate to the Advanced tab.

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

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

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

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.

Set the VPN Type to OpenVPN.

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

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

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.

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.

Verify a successful ExpressVPN connection

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

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

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Privacy Hero Streaming Relocation

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 3, 2023 ·

Use these steps change your location for popular streaming services allowing you to access to regionally restricted content. Privacy Hero uses DNS routing to change your location which is a great way around VPN streaming blocks.

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

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

3. Click the Streaming symbol.

4. Set the Streaming Relocation toggle to On.

Privacy Hero enable Streaming Relocation

5. Click the flag of the country you would like the listed streaming service to use.

This streaming relocation feature will not change your IP address in the way that a VPN does. This is why it is not able to be blocked in the same way that a VPN connection can be.

The listed services on the streaming relocation page will not be connected to VPN even if the Privacy Hero has an active VPN connection. These services are set to bypass the router’s VPN tunnel to avoid streaming blocks.

Toggling the streaming relocation feature On will also relocate many other streaming services automatically. They will be automatically optimized for the best connection with no manual selection needed for:
ABC
Adult Swim
All 4
Apple TV Channels
BBC
Britbox
CBC Gem
CBS Sports
Crackle
DirecTV Stream
DSTV Now
Filmrise
Freeform
Freevee
Frndly TV
F1 TV
FX Now
ITV
MGM+
Molotov.TV
My 5
NBC
NBC Sports
Now E
Now TV
Pandora
Paramount+
PBS
Peacock
Philo
Pluto TV
Showmax
Sling
SonyLIV
S Sports Plus
Starz
Stirr
TBS
Tennis Channel
The CW
Tubi
TVPlayer
Vudu
Xumo
Zattoo

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Privacy Hero VPN Setup Guide for Privacy Hero

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 3, 2023 ·

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

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

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

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

3. Click the VPN symbol.

4. Set the VPN toggle to On.

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

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

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

NordVPN TP-Link OpenVPN Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 16, 2024 ·

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

TP-Link Router Setup for NordVPN

1. Navigate to the Advanced tab.

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Verify a successful NordVPN connection

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

How to change the NordVPN server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

PrivateInternetAccess (PIA) TP-Link OpenVPN Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 29, 2024 ·

Preparing for PIA TP-Link Setup

Download your PIA .ovpn file

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

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

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

3. On the OpenVPN Configuration Generator select the following:

OpenVPN Version: OpenVPN 2.4 or newer

Select Platform: Linux

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

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

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

TP-Link Router Setup for PIA

1. Navigate to the Advanced tab.

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

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

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

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

Set the VPN Type to OpenVPN.

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

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

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

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.

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

Verify a successful PIA connection

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

How to change the PIA server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Privacy Hero Adblocking Malware and Phishing Prevention Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 3, 2023 ·

Use these steps to enable Privacy Hero’s adblocking, malware, and phishing prevention settings to add extra security to your network.

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

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

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

3. Click the VPN symbol.

4. Toggle the Adblocking and Malware & Phishing switches to On.

Privacy Hero Adblocking Malware and Phishing

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

IPVanish TP-Link OpenVPN Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 29, 2024 ·

Preparing for IPVanish TP-Link Setup

Download your IPVanish .ovpn file

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

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

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

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

TP-Link Router Setup for IPVanish

1. Navigate to the Advanced tab.

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

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

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

Set the VPN Type to OpenVPN.

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

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

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

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.

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

Verify a successful IPVanish connection

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

How to change the IPVanish server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Privacy Hero VPN Kill Switch Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 3, 2023 ·

Use these steps to enable Privacy Hero’s VPN Kill Switch to make sure that no traffic goes through your router unless it is connected to VPN.

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

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

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

3. Click the VPN symbol.

4. Toggle the VPN Kill Switch setting to On.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

ExpressVPN Setup Guide for Privacy Hero

TeamFlashRouters · Aug 14, 2025 ·

Use these steps to connect to ExpressVPN OpenVPN servers. First you will need to gather your unique OpenVPN login credentials and download the correct .ovpn file from the ExpressVPN website.

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

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

3. Click the VPN symbol.

4. Click the Change button and select Custom from the dropdown.

5. In a new tab login to your ExpressVPN account.

6. Select Manual Configuration from the menu options.

7. Copy and paste the username and password from the blue boxes into the Custom box on your Privacy Hero settings page.

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

9. Drag and drop or click to Upload the server file into the Custom box on your Privacy Hero settings page and then you will need to add one line to the top of the configuration.

10. At the top of your OpenVPN configuration add in the following line as shown in the picture above
proto udp
Now click the Save button.

11. Your Privacy Hero settings should now show a Connected message, indicating you have successfully signed in to your ExpressVPN server.

12. Connect to the Privacy Hero via WiFi or ethernet connection on your device and visit an IP checker from a private/incognito browser to verify your new IP address and virtual location.

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Surfshark TP-Link WireGuard Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 29, 2024 ·

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.

2. Click VPN Manual Setup.

3. Select Router as the Setup method.

4. Select WireGuard as the Protocol.

5. Select I don’t have a key pair.

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

7. Click Generate a new key pair.

8. Click 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.

TP-Link Router Setup for Surfshark

1. Navigate to the Advanced tab.

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Verify a successful Surfshark connection

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

How to change the Surfshark server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Privacy Hero Change VPN Providers

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 3, 2023 ·

Each Privacy Hero router comes with a year free of Privacy Hero WireGuard VPN and can be setup for NordVPN and Surfshark users as well. Use these steps to change between the VPN providers to find the best connection for your needs.

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

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

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

3. Click the VPN symbol.

4. Click the Change button and select the VPN provider that you want to use.

Follow our guides for connecting to NordVPN or Surfshark. If you are switching to Privacy Hero VPN just select it from dropdown and toggle the VPN switch to On.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Privacy Hero Creating User Profiles and Adding Devices to Profiles

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 3, 2023 ·

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Click the Profiles symbol.

4. Click Create New Profile.

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

6. Click the name of the User Profile.

7. Select Devices.

8. Select Manage Devices.

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

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

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

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

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Surfshark TP-Link OpenVPN Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 29, 2024 ·

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.

2. Click VPN Manual Setup.

3. Select Router as the Setup method.

4. Select OpenVPN as the 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.

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.

TP-Link Router Setup for Surfshark

1. Navigate to the Advanced tab.

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Verify a successful Surfshark connection

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

How to change the Surfshark server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

ProtonVPN TP-Link WireGuard Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 29, 2024 ·

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.

2. Click Downloads.

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

4. Select Router as the 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.

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.

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

1. Navigate to the Advanced tab.

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

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

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

Set the VPN Type to WireGuard.

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

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

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.

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

Verify a successful ProtonVPN connection

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

How to change the ProtonVPN server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

My VPN stopped working on my FlashRouter.

TeamFlashRouters · Jun 4, 2019 ·

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

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

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

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

FlashRouters Privacy App

Navigate to Status > MyPage

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

DD-WRT Manual VPN

Navigate to Services > VPN

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

Why is my router not connecting to internet?

Dave · May 2, 2019 ·

Router not connecting to the internet? Follow these simple steps!

Make sure that you are not setting a WAN IP of 0.0.0.0 in the top right corner of your FlashRouter DD-WRT settings. If you do, then make sure your FlashRouter is wired correctly for Internet.
Try power cycling your ISP modem, FlashRouter and any other router that may be in the setup. Power the modem back on first, wait for it to boot up fully, and then power the FlashRouter back on.
Make sure you do not have Global Kill Switch enabled in the FlashRouters Privacy App and if you do make sure your VPN status is Connected.

Surfshark VPN Setup Guide for Privacy Hero

TeamFlashRouters · Sep 23, 2025 ·

Your Privacy Hero NordVPN Router uses cloud-based management, which means you can securely access and adjust your router settings from anywhere, on any device with an internet connection. Whether you’re connected through your phone, another Wi-Fi network, or directly to the Privacy Hero network, setup and management are always within reach.

Follow the steps below to connect your Privacy Hero to Surfshark WireGuard® or OpenVPN servers.

Don’t have a Privacy Hero yet? Get your Privacy Hero Router for Surfshark here

Surfshark Wireguard Setup for Privacy Hero (recommended)

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

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

3. Click the VPN symbol.

4. Click the Change button and select Custom from the dropdown and choose the Wireguard option.

5. In a new tab login to your Surfshark account.

6. Navigate to the VPN > Manual Setup tab.

7. Now choose Wireguard and go to the Router section.

8. Now go to Locations, and click on the server location you wish to use. Then, download the server file.

9. Drag and drop or click to Upload the server file into the Custom box on your Privacy Hero settings page. Then press Save.

10. Your Privacy Hero settings should now show a Connected message, indicating you have successfully signed in to your Surfshark VPN server!

Surfshark OpenVPN Setup for Privacy Hero

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

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

3. Click the VPN symbol.

4. Click the Change button and select Custom from the dropdown and choose the OpenVPN option.

5. In a new tab login to your Surfshark account.

6. Navigate to the VPN > Manual Setup tab.

7. Now choose OpenVPN and go to the Router section.

8. Now go to Credentials and find your OpenVPN specific Username and Password.

9. Copy and paste the username and password from previous step into the Custom box on your Privacy Hero settings page.

10. Now go back to the Surfshark account page, and press Locations.

11. Click on the country name that you want to choose, and Download any of the available server files from the list. (We recommend download the UDP version of the server file).

12. Drag and drop or click to Upload the server file into the Custom box on your Privacy Hero settings page. Then press Save.

13. Your Privacy Hero settings should now show a Connected message, indicating you have successfully signed in to your Surfshark VPN server!

Privacy Hero’s cloud based router settings access makes it so you can change settings while not connected to the Privacy Hero network. Visit the Surfshark IP Check to verify your VPN IP address. If it has not changed be sure to double check that you are indeed connected to the Privacy Hero network.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

IPVanish AsusWRT OpenVPN Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 29, 2024 ·

Preparing for IPVanish AsusWRT Setup

Download your IPVanish .ovpn file

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

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

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

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

AsusWRT Router Setup for IPVanish

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

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

2. Navigate to the VPN Fusion tab.

3. Click Add profile.

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

5. In the VPN Type dropdown select OpenVPN.

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

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

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

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

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

Verify a successful IPVanish connection

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

How to change the IPVanish server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

CyberGhost AsusWRT OpenVPN Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 29, 2024 ·

Preparing for CyberGhost Setup

Obtain your CyberGhost OpenVPN information

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

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

2. Select VPN.

3. Click Configure New Device.

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

5. Press View configuration.

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

CyberGhost Website OpenVPN Configuration Files Generator 1

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

AsusWRT Router Setup for CyberGhost

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

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

2. Navigate to the VPN Fusion tab.

3. Click Add profile.

5. In the VPN Type dropdown select OpenVPN.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then click OK.

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

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

Verify a successful CyberGhost connection

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

How to change the CyberGhost server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

Connect FlashRouter to Internet

TeamFlashRouters · Mar 21, 2019 ·

All FlashRouters are compatible with all ISP service types such as fiber, cable, DSL, and satellite. As long as you have a modem, modem/router, or router capable of an ethernet connection your FlashRouter will have no problems connecting to the internet.

Internet Service Providers (ISP) include a modem or modem/router combo to connect your network devices to the internet. In some instances your ISP will provide a separate router as well as the modem. You can replace this router with a FlashRouter or use both in a dual router setup.

Single router setup

If you would like to replace your outdated router or avoid paying to rent a router from your ISP then you should use a FlashRouter as the only WiFi device in your network.

In a single router setup the FlashRouter will be wired directly to your modem via ethernet cable and will be the only router in the setup.

Connect to your ISP modem

Wire an ethernet cable from an open ethernet port on your modem to the WAN/internet port of the FlashRouter.

On Asus FlashRouters the WAN/internet port will be blue.

Asus Wifi Setup - back panel

On Linksys FlashRouters the WAN/internet port will be yellow.

Linksys Wifi Setup - back panel

On Netgear FlashRouters the WAN/internet port will be yellow.

Netgear Wifi Setup - back panel

Power cycle modem and router

Once you have properly connected an ethernet cable from your modem into the FlashRouter internet port you must power cycle your network devices to establish an internet connection.

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

Dual router setup

If you would like to keep your existing WiFi network in place, and simply want to add in a VPN WiFi network with a FlashRouter then you can do so using a dual router setup. No settings in your existing network router need to change to add a FlashRouter in a dual router setup. Since we preset all FlashRouters to a unique Local IP Address, there won’t be a conflict with your existing router.

In a dual router setup the FlashRouter is wired to your existing router via ethernet cable and you will have two completely segmented WiFi networks available.

Connect to your existing router

Remember if your existing router is connecting to the internet without issue already, make sure to keep the ethernet cable between your modem and existing router internet port in place.

Now connect another ethernet cable from a LAN/numbered port on your existing router to the WAN/internet port of the FlashRouter.

Reference the images above to see your WAN/internet port color.

Power cycle all network devices

Once you have properly connected an ethernet cable from your existing router into the FlashRouter internet port you must power cycle your network devices to establish an internet connection.

Power off your ISP modem, existing router, and the FlashRouter.
Power on the ISP modem and wait for it to fully boot up.
Power on the existing router and wait for it to fully boot up.
Power on the FlashRouter.

Verify a successful internet connection

Once the power cycling steps are complete and the FlashRouter is powered up, start connecting your internet capable devices via ethernet or WiFi. Visit any website and make sure the page fully loads.

If you want to check your internet IP address that is visible to websites and services that you visit over the internet check out WhatIsMyIPAddress.com.

TROUBLESHOOTING

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

Troubleshoot Here

IPVanish VPN Setup Guide for Privacy Hero

TeamFlashRouters · Sep 23, 2025 ·

IPVanish Wireguard Setup for Privacy Hero (recommended)

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

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

3. Click the VPN symbol.

4. Click the Change button and select Custom from the dropdown and choose the Wireguard option.

5. In a new tab login to your IPVanish account.

6. Click WireGuard on the left menu to access the WireGuard Configuration Generator.

Then select the server location and click Generate to download the WireGuard configuration file.

7. Drag and drop or click to Upload the server file into the Custom box on your Privacy Hero settings page. Then press Save.

8. Your Privacy Hero settings should now show a Connected message, indicating you have successfully signed in to your IPVanish VPN server!

IPVanish OpenVPN Setup for Privacy Hero

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

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

3. Click the VPN symbol.

4. Click the Change button and select Custom from the dropdown and choose the OpenVPN option.

5. Download an .ovpn file from the IPVanish server list.

6. Drag and drop or click to Upload the server file into the Custom box on your Privacy Hero settings page.

7. Enter your IPVanish account login as the Username and Password. Then press Save.

8. Your Privacy Hero settings should now show a Connected message, indicating you have successfully signed in to your IPVanish VPN server!

Privacy Hero’s cloud based router settings access makes it so you can change settings while not connected to the Privacy Hero network. Visit the IPVanish IP Check to verify your VPN IP address. If it has not changed be sure to double check that you are indeed connected to the Privacy Hero network.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

VPN Unlimited Manual OpenVPN Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Apr 19, 2019 ·

Preparing for Manual VPN Unlimited Setup

Verify your VPN Unlimited login information

If you are not already a VPN Unlimited user Sign Up Now.

Log in to your account on the VPN Unlimited website.

Generate your VPN Unlimited OVPN Configuration Files

1. Navigate to the VPN Unlimited section in the dropdown on the top left.

2. Set Device to “Manually create new device…”

3. Name your device.

4. Select Server.

5. Set Protocol to OpenVPN.

FlashRouters DD-WRT Privacy App - Create Open VPN Configuration files

6. Open the ‘.OVPN’ file in a word processing program.

NOTE: We highly recommend using Notepad++ for Windows or TextEdit for Apple to open these files in order to preserve text format.

DD-WRT Router Setup for VPN Unlimited

Navigate to the Services > VPN

Enter VPN Unlimited 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 bottom of the .ovpn file you downloaded above, you can find your server address, it should look something like us-la.vpnunlimitedapp.com

Port

1194 for Tunnel Protocol UDP
80 for Tunnel Protocol TCP

Tunnel Device

TUN

Tunnel Protocol

UDP or TCP

Encryption cipher

Blowfish-CBC

Hash Algorithm

SHA1

User Pass Authentication

Disabled

Advanced Options

Enable

TLS Cipher

None

LZO Compression

Adaptive

NAT

Enable

Firewall Protection

Enable

nsCertType verification

Checked

Additional Config

persist-key
persist-tun

Policy Based Routing

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

CA Cert

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

Public Client Cert

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

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

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

Leave all settings not mentioned above as their default setting.

Verify a successful VPN Unlimited connection

Navigate to the Status > OpenVPN

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

Back up your settings

Navigate to the Administration > Backup

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

How to change the VPN Unlimited server

Follow Steps 1-6 to Generate an .OVPN file for the server you wish to connect to and open it a word processing program.
Copy and paste the server IP Address into the Server IP/Name field.
Copy and paste the <cert> into the Public Client Cert field.
Copy and paste the <key> into the Private Client Key field.
Click Apply Settings.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

NordVPN Merlin OpenVPN Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Jan 11, 2023 ·

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.

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

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

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.

Download your NordVPN .ovpn file

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.

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.

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

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

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

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

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.

8. Click Apply at the bottom of the page.

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

Verify a successful NordVPN connection

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

How to change the NordVPN server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here

PrivateInternetAccess (PIA) Merlin OpenVPN Setup

TeamFlashRouters · Jan 11, 2023 ·

Preparing for PIA Merlin Setup

Download your PIA .ovpn file

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

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

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

3. On the OpenVPN Configuration Generator select the following:

OpenVPN Version: OpenVPN 2.4 or newer

Select Platform: Linux

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

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

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

Merlin Router Setup for PIA

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

1. Navigate to the VPN tab.

2. Navigate to the VPN Client tab.

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

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

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

7. Enter your PIA account 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.

Verify a successful PIA connection

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

How to change the PIA server

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

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit the VPN Troubleshooting section.

Troubleshoot Here