AsusWRT-Merlin 384.16 (OpenVPN Setup from Config File)

This guide explains how to configure an ASUS router running Asuswrt-Merlin firmware version 384.16 using Private Internet Access (PIA) OpenVPN configuration files.

Before you begin, download and extract the OpenVPN configuration file you want to use. This guide uses the California file from the Default set.

Available configuration sets:

Also, decide what DNS servers fit your needs. There are four options:

  • 10.0.0.241 — this can provide access to all three of the following
  • 10.0.0.242 — DNS only
  • 10.0.0.243 — forwards streaming domains to the parent proxy for potential access to some streaming services.
  • 10.0.0.244 — MACE

Step 1. Edit the OpenVPN configuration file to include PIA DNS servers.

  1. Open the file for the location you would like to connect to and add the following lines separately within the configuration:
  • dhcp-option DNS 10.0.0.241
  • dhcp-option DNS 10.0.0.243
  1. Save the edited configuration file and close it.

Step 2. Upload the OpenVPN configuration file for the router to utilize.

  1. Log in to the router and navigate to VPN > VPN Client: to upload a configuration file.
  2. Click the Add Profile button
  3. Click the OpenVPN tab
  4. Input a Description for the connection
  5. Input your PIA Username
  6. Input your PIA Password
  7. Click the Browse button

  1. Navigate to the OpenVPN configuration file you edited in Step 1.
  2. Click Open

  1. Click Upload
  2. Click OK

Step 3. Start the connection.

Now that you have created the VPN configuration, it will be shown in the VPN Server List; click on Activate to start the VPN connection. It may take a few moments to connect, and you will see a small animated icon in the Connection Status column. Once the connection is established, the Connection Status column will show a check mark.

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