Troubleshooting VPN Client on Wi-Fi Router Is Not Working
This Article Applies to:
All the Wi-Fi Routers that support VPN Client, such as Archer AX20, Archer AX21, Archer AX90, etc.
Issue Description/Phenomenon:
The Wi-Fi Routers that are being discussed here are the models that support VPN Client, which allows users to connect to a VPN server without the need to install VPN software on each device. If you are unable to connect to a VPN server when trying to configure the VPN client on the TP-Link router, this article provides some suggestions that may help you out.
However, if VPN server on TP-Link router is not working, please follow this thread for troubleshooting: VPN Server Doesn't Work Properly on TP-Link Wi-Fi Routers
Troubleshooting Suggestions & Solution:
Step 1
For OpenVPN, please follow this FAQ How to get configuration files from OpenVPN service providers to get correct configuration file and your VPN service credentials, which is the key to accessing the VPN service.
Step 2
Ensure you can successfully connect to the VPN server using a third-party VPN client software like OpenVPN Connect or OpenVPN or WireGuard App for WireGuard VPN on the local PC/Smartphone. This can ensure the .opvn or .conf file is configured and exported correctly.
For example, If you are trying to connect to NordVPN, please don't use NordVPN App since it doesn't require the .opvn at all.
Note: NordVPN service credentials are different from your NordVPN account credentials, namely your email address and your password. You'll need NordVPN service credentials to connect to the VPN using the manual OpenVPN configuration method in the router.
Step 3
If step 2 is confirmed good, but it still fails to connect to the VPN server when uploading the .opvn file into the TP-Link router, be sure the router's firmware is up-to-date. You can check for the updates on the Tether app or on the router web GUI, or you can download it from the local official website and then install it manually.
Step 4
If it still fails, please check the size of the VPN configuration profile you are trying to upload to the router, and how large that file is. You may download and install the Notepad+ application to delete the useless comment in the profile if that is too large, then try uploading it into the router again.
Step 5
It's also suggested to try TCP protocol on the VPN server if it's currently using UDP, then save the file and upload it into the TP-Link router again to check if that works.
If the VPN connection still fails, please comment below on this topic and be sure to provide the following information:
1. Model number, hardware, and firmware version of your TP-Link Router.
2. What kind of VPN server you are connecting to?
3. What kind of VPN type are you choosing on the TP-Link router, OpenVPN, or PPTP VPN?
4. What kind of VPN Client software you were using on the local PC or phone when it was connecting fine? Please test and make sure you can connect to the server with third-party software, such as OpenVPN Connect for OpenVPN and WireGuard App for WireGuard VPN.
5. Which step did you stuck in, any error message or screenshot?
6. Troubleshooting you've done before, and be sure the .opvn file for OpenVPN or .conf file for WireGuard is included when emailing to support.
Related Articles:
If you are not familiar with the VPN, visit Introduction and Configuration Guide of VPN Function on TP-Link Wireless Routers
If you want to check which model supports the VPN Client, visit Routers supporting the VPN Client.
If you are unable to connect CyberGhost OpenVPN Server, please try Manually create the unified format for OpenVPN profile(CyberGhost OpenVPN Server)
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Thanks for the update, glad to hear that the issue has been resolved.
Do you mean the beta firmware in this thread: Public Beta for Archer AX55 V1 Supports EasyMesh Ethernet Backhaul, DoH&DoT, ECO Mode and More?
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@Sunshine yes, that's the one
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@Kevin_Z I just bought a AX20 as I want to add my NordVPN details into a router instead of individual devices. Unfortunately I have been unable to connect. It constantly says 'connecting' in the firmware under VPN Client.
I have tried different configuration files (TCP and UDP) of NordVPN. I also tried to use the same configuration file and login details in the OpenVPN software and with that VPN does connect. So it seems to be a router specific problem.
The router says I have the latest version of the firmware. Below are my details:
AX20 US v2.0, firmware: 2.1.7 Build 20230829 rel.73104(5553).
NordVPN
OpenVPN
Please note the TPLink router is connected via an UTP cable to a router/modem from vodafone.
It would be great if you can give me suggestion of what else I can try. Was so hoping after I bought this router that I would be able to connect all devices in the house with VPN, but unfortunately not yet, hope there is a solution soon.
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I get a status of connected with a ? Next to it, when I click on it it shows a server up: hr171.wiskergalaxy. Com, DNS: 10.255.255.2
When I check my IP address I am still on my providers server.
\
software 1.3.2 Build 20230906 rel.52143(5553)
hardware Archer AX6000 v1.0
firmware just updated
using open vpn tried both TCP and UDP
VPN provider is Windscribe
my iPad is set up as a client.
Do not see a way to attach the OVPN file to this message.
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Same Problem here.
I use GhostVPN and when i try it with open vpn app on android i can connect without problmes to VPN.
I entered all data to the server list, uploaded configuration file without problems and now it is enabled. When i check ip of the device which i activated in device list it still has the same ip.
What can I do ?
regards
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Vfer wrote
I get a status of connected with a ? Next to it, when I click on it it shows a server up: hr171.wiskergalaxy. Com, DNS: 10.255.255.2
When I check my IP address I am still on my providers server.
\
software 1.3.2 Build 20230906 rel.52143(5553)
hardware Archer AX6000 v1.0
firmware just updated
using open vpn tried both TCP and UDP
VPN provider is Windscribe
my iPad is set up as a client.
Do not see a way to attach the OVPN file to this message.
Hi, may I have a screenshot of your OpenVPN Client settings page on the router?
Please note that the router WAN IP address will not change after connecting to the VPN Server, you could check public IP address on the VPN client device such as the iPad via What Is My IP Address website.
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Hi, To assist you efficiently, I've forwarded your case to the TP-Link support engineers who will contact you with your registered email address later.
Please pay attention to your email box for follow-up.
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Hi, may I know how did you check the IP address? You could check public IP address on the VPN client device via What Is My IP Address website, then compare it with the public IP of other regular client device which isn't in the VPN device list.
In addition, what is the model no., hardware and firmware version of your TP-Link Router?
Please share with us the VPN Client settings page on the router as well.
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