Mac Restricted Region Guide

Some users may be unable to connect to our client due to our VPN service being aggressively blocked in certain regions.

This guide is intended for use as a last resort, as a potential workaround on networks and in regions that seek to intentionally block VPN connections. 

Step 1: Configuration Files

In censored regions, we recommend using PIA through OpenVPN with a configuration file. Private Internet Access provides an OpenVPN Configuration Generator, a tool you can use to create your OpenVPN configuration files. 

To generate your configuration file:

  1. Go to the OpenVPN Configuration Generator.
    • If prompted, enter your PIA account username and password.
  2. Under OpenVPN Version, select OpenVPN 2.4 or newer.
  3. Under Select Platform, select Mac OS.
  4. Under Select Region, select the country and server you want to connect to.
  5. Under Select Port, select your port of choice (we recommend using TCP/501 RSA-4096 AES-256-CBC SHA256).
  6. Select the checkbox next to Use IP.
  7. Select Generate. Once your configuration file is generated, it will automatically download onto your Mac.

Step 2: Download and Install Tunnelblick

To download Tunnelblick:

  1. Go to https://tunnelblick.net/downloads.html.
  2. Select with the latest Stable or Beta build. Beta versions are suitable for many users.
  3. A pop-up will appear. Double click the Tunnelblick icon.
  4. Select Open.
  5. Select Continue.
  6. Enter your Mac’s password, then select OK.
  7. A pop-up window will appear saying, “There are no VPN configurations installed.” Since you downloaded your configuration file earlier, select I have configuration files.

You have successfully installed Tunnelblick.

Step 3: Add Configuration File to Tunnelblick

To add your configuration file to Tunnelblick:

  1. Find the configuration file you downloaded earlier.
  2. Drag and drop the file into the Configurations section of Tunnelblick.
  3. You will be asked whether you want to install the configuration file for All User or Only Me. Select your preference.
  4. Enter your Mac’s password, then select OK.

Your configuration file has now been added to Tunnelblick.

Step 4: Connect

Now that you have downloaded your configuration file into Tunnelblick, you can use that file to connect to the VPN. To connect:

  1. In Tunnelblick, select your configuration file.
  2. Select Connect.
  3. You will be prompted to enter a username and password. These are your PIA “p” username (i.e., p1234567) and your PIA account password. Enter both, then select OK.

If successful, you will see the message “CONNECTED,SUCCESS” in the Log menu of the Tunnelblick app.

To disconnect, select Disconnect.

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