This guide explains how to connect to Private Internet Access (PIA) on your Mac using the OpenVPN Connect app.
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Download and Extract the Configuration Files
Other OpenVPN Clients for macOS
Install OpenVPN Connect
- Go to the OpenVPN Connect for macOS download page, then select Download .dmg.
- Open the folder where the file was downloaded, then double-click the downloaded DMG file.
- Choose the installer for your Mac. Select the Intel version for a Mac with an Intel processor, or the Apple Silicon version for a Mac with an Apple chip.
If you are not sure what type of processor your Mac uses, select the Apple menu > About This Mac:
- If you see Chip followed by an Apple chip name (for example, “Apple M4”), your Mac uses Apple Silicon.
- If you see Processor followed by an Intel processor name (for example, “Intel Core i5”), your Mac uses Intel.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted, confirm with your Mac username and password or Touch ID to complete the installation, then select Close.
Download and Extract the Configuration Files
- Download the PIA OpenVPN configuration files. The download starts automatically and saves as a ZIP file.
- In the folder where the file was downloaded, double-click the ZIP file to extract the openvpn folder.
Connect to PIA
- Open the OpenVPN Connect app, then select Upload File under Have a configuration file instead (.ovpn)?
- Select a server file from the openvpn folder, then select Import to confirm.
- Select Connect.
- In the Enter credentials window, enter your PIA username and password, then select Enter.
- When the Missing external certificate prompt appears, select Add Certificate to edit it.
- Turn off Require External Certificate, then select Save Changes.
- Select Connect again, then re-enter your PIA username and password if prompted.
- When the connection is established, the app shows Securely Connected.
Other OpenVPN Clients for macOS
If you prefer a different OpenVPN client, we also have guides for the following: