How to set up OpenVPN Connect on your iPhone

When you sign up with a VPN provider you often have to download an app to make it work. For those of us less trusting there are other options, including OpenVPN’s OpenVPN Connect app.

The app allows you to use the OpenVPN protocol without the need to download and use the software provided by your VPN service. This way, if there are any backdoors or security issues with their software you won’t be affected. 

We’re not saying that VPN apps are not to be trusted in general but there have been cyber-security incidents related to VPN apps. Back in May 2022, SuperVPN reportedly had 133 GB of data leaked, including secret keys and unique app user ID numbers.

So, if you’re concerned about the security of your VPN provider’s app, you can use this option for additional peace of mind.

The advantages of OpenVPN

Security comes only with a reliable VPN provider. That's why TechRadar regularly reviews the very best VPN services available to make sure they're protecting your security, providing a good service, and offering good value for money.

Most VPN providers have software you can download so that you can easily connect to their service from your device. Most often this is proprietary, closed source software so you have to take their word for it that there aren't any hidden backdoors or undetected security bugs.

Initial testing of both these protocols has returned impressive results and there's no reason to think they're unsafe. Still, in security circles most experts agree that longevity is best. The longer a product or service has been around, the more time programmers have had to spot and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

Open up to OpenVPN

OpenVPN is a VPN protocol, which has been around for over 20 years. Besides its age, one of the main reasons why it's trusted so often is that it's open source. The code is regularly reviewed by the community and if vulnerabilities are found, they are fixed. 

While OpenVPN can be slower than more modern protocols, it supports many different communication and encryption protocols on a wide range of devices. For example, WireGuard can be faster than OpenVPN, but OpenVPN is supported on more routers.

Another perk of using OpenVPN is that you can also use FOSS (Free & Open Source) client apps on your device. Our favourite is OpenVPN Connect as it's not only free, but also easy to set up. This means you don't have to rely on your VPN provider's own client software. 

If you're intrigued, you'll first need to make sure your VPN provider actually has servers you can access via OpenVPN. Some of the best we've reviewed, including ExpressVPN,  support OpenVPN and make it easy to download the configuration.  

Getting started

Open the App Store & search for "openvpn connect". Once it appears, tap "Get" and, if necessary use your fingerprint with Touch ID to confirm the download. The app can now be opened but don't launch it just yet. 

Next, you'll need to open Safari to download the necessary .ovpn server configuration files. This is so OpenVPN connect knows the exact address of the server, open ports, security protocols, and other details.

We can't tell you exactly where you can download these files, as it's different for each VPN provider but you may be able to find them by using the "Help" section of the website. Some providers may offer you a choice between UDP or TCP. If you're not sure which to choose, read through our protocol guide on how to decide the right one for you.

Once you have found the file you want, tap the link to download it, then tap "Download" again in the prompt that appears. These files are very small, so should download in seconds. Once the download is complete, tap the small blue arrow next to the "AA" in the address bar then "Downloads" again. You should now be able to see the file. Tap it, then touch the share button at the bottom left. Tap "OpenVPN connect" in the bottom row of icons to open the configuration file within the app. 

Once OpenVPN Connect launches, you'll see the "Import Profile" screen. Click "Add". You'll now be asked to enter your username and password if your VPN provider requires one. Again, we can't tell you what these are but you may be able to find them by logging into your account on the provider's website. 

Remember that your username and password for OpenVPN probably aren't the same ones you use for your VPN account. Most providers require separate passwords for security reasons. 

Enter the username and password. Finally click "Connect" to start your VPN connection. If all goes well, the OpenVPN Connect app will show you as connected. You might also see the "VPN" icon at the top left of your iPhone screen.

If you need to disconnect from the VPN for any reason, launch the OpenVPN app and tap the green switch to the left of "OpenVPN Profile" then click "Confirm". 

Connection conundrums

Although OpenVPN Connect is easy to set up, remember you'll have to download configuration files for every server you want to access. Your provider's VPN client software probably makes this easier, as you can just select one from a list.

You find that using OpenVPN isn't as fast as your provider's default protocols and that you cannot take advantage of any extra features they offer such as some servers or password managers which are sometimes only available via the official app.

One useful feature OpenVPN does support is a Kill Switch. This blocks all internet connections from your iPhone until a secure connection to the VPN's been established. To activate it, open the OpenVPN Connect App, go to "Settings" then check the "Seamless Tunnel" option. 

 If you're not very comfortable setting it up and/or have trouble connecting, your VPN provider may offer support. In addition, OpenVPN Connect's developers maintain a web page of common issues so if your connection fails, you can also go there for help.