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.

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.