Deploying a secure virtual private network is essential for protecting remote server communications. Whether you are wondering can I use VPN in cloud VPS server environments, or simply establishing an encrypted tunnel for browsing, setting up the client side is straightforward. This guide covers how to deploy and configure the connection on Apple ecosystems.
Key Points
- Tunnelblick is the recommended open-source utility to install openvpn client macos setups.
- Administrative system privileges are required to import the .ovpn profiles on macOS.
- The official OpenVPN Connect app handles connections natively across iOS mobile devices.
- Configuration profiles (.ovpn) must be imported directly into the apps to establish routing.
How to Complete Installing OpenVPN on macOS X?
Tunnelblick is free, being an open-source OpenVPN software created for Mac OS X. You can get the setup package via an official openvpn mac download from the Tunnelblick website in the downloads section. Execute the downloaded .dmg file and follow the instructions to install it.
At the end of the installation process, Tunnelblick will ask if you have any configuration files. If you haven’t used it before, select No and let Tunnelblick finish the initial process. Open a search window and execute your client.ovpn profile file, and Tunnelblick will automatically install the client profile. Administrative rights are required to finalize this network interface creation.
How to Connect to an OpenVPN Server on macOS X?
Launch Tunnelblick by opening Tunnelblick in the Applications folder. Once Tunnelblick is launched, an icon will appear in the menu bar in the upper right to control the connections. Click on the icon and then on the Connect menu to start the VPN connection. Select the correct openvpn client mac connection profile affiliated with the certificate imported earlier.
If you are looking to secure alternate platforms across your infrastructure layout, you may also review our tutorial on how to install the OpenVPN client on Windows 10 for cross-platform compatibility.
How to Handle Installing OpenVPN on iOS?
From the iTunes App Store, look for and install Open VPN Connect, the official iOS Open VPN client application. To transfer the iOS client configuration (or certificate) to the device, connect it directly to a computer.
The finalization of the transfer can be completed via local file sharing. Open your device sync options on your computer and navigate to the apps section. Scroll to the bottom of the File Sharing section and click on the OpenVPN application. On the opened empty page on the right, navigate to the OpenVPN documents, which is for file sharing. Drag the .ovpn file into the OpenVPN Documents window.
Now launch the openvpn client ios application on your iPhone. There will be a prompt notification indicating that a new profile is ready to import. Touch the green plus sign to import it into your working application workspace.
How to Connect to an OpenVPN Server on iOS?
OpenVPN is now ready for use with the new profile. Start the connection by sliding the Connect button to the On position. Disconnect at any time by sliding the knob back to the Off position.
Note: The native VPN switch found under system Settings cannot be used to manage this type of network daemon directly. If you try to toggle it, you will receive a notification to connect only using the OpenVPN application interface.
For mobile setups running on non-Apple hardware, check out our companion guide outlining how to install the OpenVPN client on Android to keep all your endpoints synchronized securely.
