Android - OpenVPN Setup

This guide will show you how to connect to Private Internet Access (PIA) with the OpenVPN Connect app on Android. You may want to try this alternative connection method if you experience issues with the PIA mobile app or it is not available for you. 

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Download the OpenVPN Configuration Files

To connect to PIA with OpenVPN Connect, you will need to import an OpenVPN configuration file into the OpenVPN app. To download the PIA OpenVPN configuration file:

  1. Go to PIA’s OpenVPN Configuration Generator. If prompted, log in with your username and password if prompted. 
Private Internet Access account login window on Chrome on an Android phone.
  1. Under OpenVPN Version, tap OpenVPN 2.4 or newer. 
Private Internet Access OpenVPN Configuration Generator page on Android, showing OpenVPN version options. The "OpenVPN 2.4 or newer" option is highlighted.
  1. Next, tap Android as the desired platform. 
Private Internet Access OpenVPN Configuration Generator page on Android, showing platform options. The "Android" option is highlighted.
  1. Select your desired region and server location.
Private Internet Access OpenVPN Configuration Generator page on Android, showing available regions and countries.
  1. Choose your desired port, communication protocol, and encryption cipher. Some things to consider:
  • Communication protocols: UDP normally delivers faster speeds, while TCP is more stable. 
  • Encryption ciphers: Both 128 and 256-bit AES provide strong security. However, 128-bit AES may provide better speeds. 
Private Internet Access OpenVPN Configuration Generator page on Android, showing port, communication protocol, and encryption cipher options.


 

Note: Check Use IP if you want to see a specific IP address instead of a server name inside the OpenVPN Connect app.

  1. Tap Generate to create the OpenVPN configuration file. 
Private Internet Access OpenVPN Configuration Generator page on Android. The "Generate" button is highlighted.

Install and Use OpenVPN Connect

  1. Open the Google Play app, find the OpenVPN Connect app, and tap Install. 
OpenVPN Connect Google Play Store page on Android.
  1. After the app downloads and installs, tap Open to launch it.
OpenVPN Connect Google Play Store page on Android, showing a highlighted "Open" button.
  1. OpenVPN Connect will ask for permission to send you notifications. Tap Allow or Don’t allow depending on your preference. 
OpenVPN Connect app interface on Android, showing a notification prompt.
  1. To use OpenVPN Connect, you will have to agree to its data collection, use, and retention policy. Read the policy and tap AGREE if you find it acceptable.
OpenVPN Connect app interface on Android, showing the data collection, use, and retention policy.
  1. The app will automatically redirect you to the Get connected page. Tap the Upload File tab. 
OpenVPN Connect app interface on Android, showing the "URL" tab.
  1. Tap BROWSE. 
OpenVPN Connect app interface on Android, showing the "Upload File" tab. The "BROWSE" button is highlighted.
  1. Locate the PIA OpenVPN configuration file in your file manager and tap it. 
File manager app on an Android phone, showing recent downloads. An OpenVPN configuration file is highlighted.
  1. Tap OK to import the configuration file into OpenVPN Connect. 
OpenVPN Connect app interface on Android, showing a prompt for importing an OpenVPN file. The "OK" button is highlighted.
  1. Enter your PIA username in the Username field. You receive the username via email when you sign up, and it follows this format: p1234567.
OpenVPN Connect app interface on Android, showing the profile import menu. The "Username" field is highlighted.
  1. Next, tap Save password and enter your PIA account password in the Password field. The password is included alongside your username in the PIA welcome email. 
OpenVPN Connect app interface on Android, showing the profile import menu. The "Save password" option and "Password" field are highlighted.
  1. Tap CONNECT to proceed. 
OpenVPN Connect app interface on Android, showing the profile import menu. The "CONNECT" button is highlighted.
  1. OpenVPN Connect will ask for permission to set up and manage VPN connections. Tap OK to grant the necessary permission.
OpenVPN Connect app interface on Android, showing a permission request for managing VPN connections. The "OK" button is highlighted.

Note: If you tap Cancel, you will be returned to the Profiles tab. To proceed, select the profile you imported, enter your password if prompted, and tap OK to grant the necessary permissions. 

  1. If the setup is successful, OpenVPN will automatically connect to the PIA server. 
OpenVPN Connect app interface on Android, showing an active VPN connection.

Verify if the VPN Connection Works

While connected to the PIA server in OpenVPN Connect, go to PIA’s What’s My IP Address? Page. You will know the VPN connection is working well if you see a message saying Protected and if the Location field matches your chosen country. 

Private Internet Access's IP address checker page on Android. The "Protected" message and "Location" field are highlighted.

Disconnect from the Server

  1. On the Profiles tab, tap the toggle next to the connected OpenVPN profile to disconnect. 
OpenVPN Connect app interface on Android, showing an active VPN connection. The on and off toggle for the VPN profile is highlighted.
  1. Tap CONFIRM when prompted. To avoid this message in the future, check the Don’t show again option. 
OpenVPN Connect app interface on Android, showing a confirmation window for terminating a VPN connection. The "CONFIRM" button is highlighted.

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