Some users may be unable to connect to the PIA app due to VPN traffic being blocked in regions such as China, Turkey, Egypt, the UAE, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Sri Lanka.
These countries may restrict VPN connections, which can make access more difficult. PIA provides a few options that may help manage these regional blocks. However, PIA cannot guarantee connectivity in these locations.
OpenVPN
In censored regions, we recommend using PIA through OpenVPN with a Configuration File. OpenVPN is a free, open-source application developed by the OpenVPN project. The OpenVPN Project is the same team that develops the OpenVPN protocol, the encryption protocol used at the core of most modern commercial VPN services.
Below you can find instructions for installing OpenVPN Connect and generating your own configuration file(s):
Step #1: Install OpenVPN Connect
Install the OpenVPN Connect app/software by following the instructions suitable for your device type found on this page.
Step #2: Access the Configuration Page
Once the application has been installed, open your browser and navigate to your Client Control Panel (CCP) located on the My Account page.
Once logged in, tap the three horizontal bars at the top left and select Downloads. Scroll to the bottom to locate the generator.
Step #3: Generate a Configuration
After you have logged into your CCP, scroll down until you find OpenVPN Configuration Generator. Select Go to OpenVPN Generator.
Here you can configure your own configuration file for any platform, region, and port, with the option to connect via an IP address instead of using the server’s name.
Note: If you are unable to access our website or log in to your CCP, please contact our support team for assistance in creating a configuration file for you, or navigate to the following page and import our standard OpenVPN configuration files.
Within the Configuration Generator page, do the following:
- Select what version of OpenVPN Connect you are using.
Note: OpenVPN 2.4 or newer is automatically selected. - Select iOS from the Platform options.
- Select the region and server location that you would like to connect to.
- Select whichever port you would like.
- Select the checkbox next to Use IP.
- Select Generate.
- Once you select Generate, a pop-up message appears asking if you wish to download this file. Select Download.
Step #4: Import File
Once the file has been downloaded, follow the steps for importing the configuration file:
Launch OpenVPN Connect.
Tap or click to open the Menu.
Tap or click My Profiles.
Tap or click the add icon. The Import Profile screen appears.
Tap or click the Upload File button.
Navigate to the
.ovpnfile and upload. The Import Profile confirmation dialog appears.Tap or click OK. The new profile appears in your app and becomes the main profile.