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Manual OpenVPN setup on Android

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The OpenVPN Connect application can be used as an alternative way to connect to NordVPN servers on your Android device. Since this manual connection method is more complicated to set up, it is recommended for advanced Android users.

  1. First, download the configuration files for a server recommended to you by our server recommendation tool. Click “Show available protocols” under the recommended server hostname to see the configuration files.

    For manual OpenVPN setup on Android, you will need the NordVPN configuration files
  2. Download the configuration file for the connection protocol you want to use.

    TCP offers a stable connection and is suitable for regular web browsing.
    UDP offers higher speeds, which makes it good for streaming, but the connection is less stable than that of TCP.

    You can use either the TCP and the UDP protocol when manually setting up OpenVPN on Android
     
  3. To install OpenVPN on your phone or tablet, first go to the Google Play Store.

    Tap the Google Play Store icon on your Android screen to get an app for OpenVPN
  4. In the search bar at the top of the screen, type “OpenVPN Connect” (without the quotation marks). Once you find the app, click “Install” to download it.

    This method for manually setting up OpenVPN for Android uses the OpenVPN Connect app
  5. To begin using OpenVPN on Android, launch OpenVPN Connect from your home screen or app menu. In the following window, select “File.”

    When the OpenVPN Connect first launches, choose “File” to continue the OpenVPN setup process
  6. A window will pop up, asking you if you allow the app to access certain data on your device. Click "Allow." 

    OpenVPN Connect needs access to some data in order to function properly with NordVPN
     
  7. Navigate to the folder where you have downloaded the OpenVPN configuration file. It should be in the “Downloads” folder by default. 

    Choose the files you want to import and press "Import" at the bottom.

    Import the NordVPN configuration files for your OpenVPN connection to continue manual setup
  8. In the following window, type any title for the connection and enter your NordVPN service credentials. In the upper-right corner, press "Add."

    You will need your active NordVPN subscription credentials to establish an OpenVPN connection

    You can find your NordVPN service credentials (username and password) through the Nord Account dashboard:
    1. Go to the menu bar:


       
    2. Click NordVPN.


       
    3. Scroll down and click Set up NordVPN manually​​​​​​.


       
    4. You will receive a verification code in your email that you use for NordVPN services. Type the code in: 


       
    5. Copy the credentials using the Copy button below.


       
  9. Once you have successfully configured the connection, you can initiate it by tapping the toggle switch next to the OpenVPN profile.

    Tap the toggle next to the desired OpenVPN profile to launch the configured OpenVPN connection
     
  10. The application will ask you for the permissions necessary for the VPN connection. Click "Ok."

    Allow OpenVPN Connect to set up a VPN connection to proceed
     
  11. In the following prompt, tap "Continue." 

    Instead of selecting a certificate for your created profile, simply tap “Continue”
  12. If the connection is successful, you will see a window similar to the one below displaying your connection stats, such as your current data throughput and connection duration.

    The green toggle next to the OpenVPN profile signifies that the manual OpenVPN setup was successful

That’s it — enjoy privacy and security online.

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