MacOS - Installing OpenVPN (Tunnelblick)

This guide explains how to install Tunnelblick and configure Private Internet Access (PIA) using OpenVPN configuration files on macOS.

Steps

  1. Choose your PIA OpenVPN configuration files set. Available configuration file sets and descriptions can be found here.
  2. Download Tunnelblick from:
    https://tunnelblick.net/downloads.html
  3. Open the Tunnelblick installer from your Downloads folder.
  4. Click the Tunnelblick icon to start the installation process.

  5. When prompted, choose whether to:

    • Check for updates
    • Check for IP address changes when connecting

    Enable the options you want, then click Continue. (Enter your Apple Admin password if prompted)

  6. When installation completes, select I have Configuration files.
  7. Locate your OpenVPN configuration files in your Downloads folder.
  8. Extract the file:
    openvpn-nextgen.zip
  9. Rename the extracted folder to:
    openvpn.tblk
  10. Drag and drop the .tblk file into the Tunnelblick icon in the menu bar.
  11. Choose whether to install the configuration for:
  • All Users, or
  • Only Me

            Select your preference, then enable Apply to all. (Enter your Apple Admin password if prompted.)

  1. Open Tunnelblick settings by selecting VPN Details… from the menu bar icon.
  2. Select all PIA configurations:
  • Click the first configuration
  • Scroll to the last one
  • Hold Shift and click the last configuration

          Set:

  • All checkboxes enabled
  • Set DNS/WINS to Set nameserver
  1. Connect using the Tunnelblick menu bar icon and select a server.
  2. Enter your PIA username (for example, p1234567) and password when prompted. If a warning about the comp-lzo option appears, select OK.
  3. Verify your connection by checking the Tunnelblick menu bar icon for your public IP address and active server.
  4. View logs by selecting VPN Details… from the Tunnelblick menu.

If you experience any issues, please reach out to the PIA Support Team via support ticket here.

Important Note

You may receive system prompts during installation. Always confirm actions only when you recognize the installer and configuration files.

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