This guide is intended for use as a last resort, as a potential workaround on networks that seek to intentionally block VPN connections.
Step 1: Configuration Files
Download the following config files, that specify the use of TCP port 443 and a static masking IP: https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/openvpn/openvpn-ip-tcp.zip
Step 2: Download Tunnelblick
Go to https://tunnelblick.net/downloads.html and Download the Tunnelblick installer
Step 3: Open Installer
Open Tunnelblick’s installer from your Downloads folder
Step 4: Install App
Click the Tunnelblick icon to begin the installation process
Step 5: Update Notification
You will then be prompted to decide whether to Check for Updates to Tunnelblick and whether to Check for IP Address Changes when you connect to the VPN.
If you wish to have these enable ensure that the checkboxes are checked and then click Continue
Step 6: Confirm Configuration Files
When Tunnelblick has completed installing your will then be asked if you have configuration files. If you installed PIA’s Configuration files select ‘I have Configuration files’ to continue setting up the application.
Step 7: Locate Config files
Locate your OpenVPN configuration files in your Downloads folder
Step 8: Extract Config Files
Extract the OpenVPN config files by clicking on openvpn.zip
Step 9: Rename Folder
Rename the extracted folder openvpn.tblk
Step 10: Add files
Accept the prompt to add the ‘.tblk’ file extension to the end of the name
Step 11: Install config’s
You will then be prompted whether to install these config profiles for All Users, or Only Me. Click the option you prefer
Ensure that you Check “Apply to all” to apply the same settings to all configurations.
Step 12: Connect
From here you can select Tunnelblicks icon within your Taskbar, which will provide you with a list of servers you wish to connect to.
You can also Select VPN Details to view the list of servers you can connect to within the configuration page.
Step 13: Login
You will be prompted to enter your PIA “p” username (i.e., p1234567) and password to connect.
You will likely receive a warning about the use of the comp-lzo option in your OpenVPN configuration files. Select OK
Step 14: Verify Connection
To verify that you are connected to the VPN Hover over or click the Tunnelblick icon to view your public IP and the server you are connected to.
Step 15: View Logs
To access your logs, click on the Tunnelblick icon in the Menu bar and select VPN Details.
Unfortunately, if you find that you are still unable to connect, the internet access point you are using is actively blocking all VPN connections.