Home

Forums

Stories

Knowledge Base

Home Network Community > Wi-Fi Routers > VPN Client on Wi-Fi Router Is Not Working

< Wi-Fi Routers

Troubleshooting VPN Client on Wi-Fi Router Is Not Working

TroubleshootingVPN Client on Wi-Fi Router Is Not Working

Kevin_Z

2021-07-14 06:41:11 - last edited 2024-12-20 02:03:48

Posts: 22029

Helpful: 5343

Solutions: 2617

Stories: 21

Registered: 2018-12-24

VPN Client on Wi-Fi Router Is Not Working

2021-07-14 06:41:11 - last edited 2024-12-20 02:03:48

Tags: #VPN #Highlighted Thread #Official #WireGuard

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.

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)

-------------------------------------------------

Have other off-topic issues to report?
Welcome to > Start a New Thread < and elaborate on the issue for assistance.

Nice to Meet You in Our TP-Link Community. Check Out the Latest Posts: Connect TP-Link Archer BE550 to Germany's DS-Lite (Dual Stack Lite) Internet via WAN Archer GE550 - BE9300 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router Archer BE800 New Firmware Added Support for EasyMesh in AP Mode, DoH&DoT, and 3-Band MLO Connection Archer AX90 New Firmware Added Support for EasyMesh and Ethernet Backhaul If you found a post or response helpful, please click Helpful (arrow pointing upward icon). If you are the author of a topic, remember to mark a helpful reply as the "Recommended Solution" (star icon) so that others can benefit from it.

255 Reply

honzik

LV1

2025-01-03 10:25:13

Posts: 10

Helpful: 0

Solutions: 0

Stories: 0

Registered: 2025-01-02

Re:VPN Client on Wi-Fi Router Is Not Working

2025-01-03 10:25:13

@pawker it still dont work..

I have the VX1800v connected directly to the cable from my VDSL provider. Devices are connected to it immediately after. My OpenVPN settings are 100% functional – tested on clients across multiple devices, and the same configuration works perfectly on the AX3000 without any issues.

Please help! Thank you.

Firmware Version:0.13.0 2.0.0 v6092.0 Build 240925 Rel.11089n Hardware Version:Archer VX1800v v1.0 00000000

#263

SantiMarina

LV1

2025-02-01 16:36:18

Posts: 7

Helpful: 1

Solutions: 0

Stories: 0

Registered: 2025-01-26

Re:VPN Client on Wi-Fi Router Is Not Working

2025-02-01 16:36:18

@Kevin_Z

I have an ARCHER BE550 and my devices are unable to connect to the internet using the NordVPN client.
PINGs do work, but not browsing.
I have tried with Android phones and iPhones, laptops and several other devices, and browsing is impossible when adding these devices to the VPN.
I have updated the Firmware to the latest version of the Forum, but the problem persists.
My router data is as follows:
Firmware Version
1.1.1 Build 20241230 rel.20267(4555)
Hardware Version
Archer BE550 v1.0

I await instructions.

#264

Yogi9821

LV1

2025-02-08 09:19:49

Posts: 4

Helpful: 0

Solutions: 0

Stories: 0

Registered: 2025-02-06

Re:VPN Client on Wi-Fi Router Is Not Working

2025-02-08 09:19:49

@Kevin_Z

Tried connecting to open vpn but dint succeed.

Is there any changes is connection setting for .ovpn file.

below are the setting at config side.

Im connecting to open vpn server on my Archer series router.

client
dev tun
proto udp
float
nobind
cipher AES-128-CBC
comp-lzo adaptive
resolv-retry infinite
remote-cert-tls server
persist-key
remote X.X.X.X 1194

#265

StuH

LV1

2025-02-09 04:36:08 - last edited 2025-02-09 04:39:38

Posts: 1

Helpful: 0

Solutions: 0

Stories: 0

Registered: 2025-02-09

Re:VPN Client on Wi-Fi Router Is Not Working

2025-02-09 04:36:08 - last edited 2025-02-09 04:39:38

@Kevin_Z

I have just purchased an Archer VX1800v and can't get it to connect to a NordVPN OpenVPN config.

I've tried connecting to a UDP and TCP server that connects fine through the Nord app (Windows).
I've looked in the OpenVPN config file and I don't have any <key></key> sections as mentioned in the accepted response above.
When I try to connect using the OpenVPN Connect client, I get the following error message:

Which I can get around by commenting out the offending ping-timer-rem command from the ovpn file as below, but I'm unable to get this to work on the tp-link device:

The system log doesn't show me (not a network engineer) anything erroneous about the VPN connections.

BBA Platform version:3.1.8-rc17
2016-01-01 00:00:51 [5] DHCPD: Recv REQUEST from 9E:23:81:A1:5E:4D
2016-01-01 00:00:52 [5] DHCPD: Recv REQUEST from 9E:23:81:A1:5E:4D
2016-01-01 00:00:53 [5] DHCPD: Recv DISCOVER from 28:8E:EC:AC:B7:A4
2016-01-01 00:00:53 [5] DHCPD: Send OFFER with ip 192.168.1.100
2016-01-01 00:00:54 [5] DHCPD: Recv REQUEST from 9E:23:81:A1:5E:4D
2016-01-01 00:00:54 [5] DHCPD: Send ACK to 192.168.1.104
2016-01-01 00:01:00 [4] IGMP: V2 igmp router occured! Not matching ours V3.
2016-01-01 00:01:00 [5] System: Enable IPv4 SPI Firewall
2016-01-01 00:01:00 [5] System: Enable IPv6 SPI Firewall
2016-01-01 00:01:01 [5] DHCPD: Recv DISCOVER from 00:13:43:4C:CE:21
2016-01-01 00:01:01 [5] DHCPD: Send OFFER with ip 192.168.1.101
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [PADT Host-Uniq(0x00000d7a) Session-Id(0x00005657)]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [Termination Host-Uniq(0x00000d7a) Session-Id(0x00005657)]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [PADI Host-Uniq(0x00000d7a)]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [PADO PeerMac(a0-b4-39-4b-c5-d4)]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [PADR Host-Uniq(0x00000d7a)]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [PADS SessionID(0x6ce9)]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [LCP ConfReq id=0x1 <mru 1480> <magic 0xa14d43c5>]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [LCP ConfReq id=0x1 <mru 1492> <auth pap> <magic 0xd98c07ec>]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [LCP ConfAck id=0x1 <mru 1492> <auth pap> <magic 0xd98c07ec>]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [LCP ConfNak id=0x1 <mru 1492>]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [LCP ConfReq id=0x2 <mru 1492> <magic 0xa14d43c5>]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [LCP ConfAck id=0x2 <mru 1492> <magic 0xa14d43c5>]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [LCP EchoReq id=0x0 magic=0xa14d43c5]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [PAP AuthReq id=0x1 user="holdingabird" password=<hidden>]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [LCP EchoRep id=0x0 magic=0xd98c07ec]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [PAP AuthAck id=0x1 ""]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [IPCP ConfReq id=0x1 <addr 0.0.0.0> <ms-dns1 0.0.0.0> <ms-dns2 0.0.0.0>]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [LCP TermReq id=0x2]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [3] PPP: ppp0 LCP down
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [4] PPP: ppp0 LCP down
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [LCP TermAck id=0x2]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [IPCP ConfReq id=0x1 <addr 10.20.22.63>]
2016-01-01 00:01:09 [3] PPP: ppp0
2016-01-01 00:01:11 [5] DHCPD: Recv REQUEST from E4:C7:67:CF:15:B1
2016-01-01 00:01:11 [5] Mesh: Success Add Client : MAC : 9E:23:81:A1:5E:4D

2016-01-01 00:01:11 [5] Mesh: Success Add Client : MAC : 50:57:9C:29:72:2D

2016-01-01 00:01:11 [5] Mesh: Success Add Client : MAC : 28:8E:EC:AC:B7:A4

2016-01-01 00:01:11 [5] Mesh: Success Add Client : MAC : 00:13:43:4C:CE:21

2016-01-01 00:01:11 [5] Mesh: Success Add Client : MAC : 94:9F:3E:0E:50:36

2016-01-01 00:01:11 [5] Mesh: Success Add Client : MAC : E4:C7:67:CF:15:B1

2016-01-01 00:01:12 [5] DHCPD: Recv REQUEST from E4:C7:67:CF:15:B1
2016-01-01 00:01:12 [5] DHCPD: Send ACK to 192.168.1.111
2016-01-01 00:01:18 [5] Mesh: Del Client : MAC : 28:8E:EC:AC:B7:A4

2016-01-01 00:01:18 [5] Mesh: Success Add Client : MAC : 28:8E:EC:AC:B7:A4

2016-01-01 00:01:27 [5] Mesh: Del Client : MAC : E4:C7:67:CF:15:B1

2016-01-01 00:01:28 [5] Mesh: Success Add Client : MAC : E4:C7:67:CF:15:B1

2016-01-01 00:01:29 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [PADT Host-Uniq(0x00000e1a) Session-Id(0x00005657)]
2016-01-01 00:01:29 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [Termination Host-Uniq(0x00000e1a) Session-Id(0x00005657)]
2016-01-01 00:01:29 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [PADI Host-Uniq(0x00000e1a)]
2016-01-01 00:01:29 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [PADO PeerMac(4c-e1-75-e6-d3-d4)]
2016-01-01 00:01:29 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [PADR Host-Uniq(0x00000e1a)]
2016-01-01 00:01:29 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [PADS SessionID(0x574f)]
2016-01-01 00:01:29 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [LCP ConfReq id=0x1 <mru 1480> <magic 0x4e2e4821>]
2016-01-01 00:01:29 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [LCP ConfReq id=0x1 <mru 1492> <auth pap> <magic 0x1b1dad2>]
2016-01-01 00:01:29 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [LCP ConfAck id=0x1 <mru 1492> <auth pap> <magic 0x1b1dad2>]
2016-01-01 00:01:29 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [LCP ConfNak id=0x1 <mru 1492>]
2016-01-01 00:01:29 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [LCP ConfReq id=0x2 <mru 1492> <magic 0x4e2e4821>]
2016-01-01 00:01:29 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [LCP ConfAck id=0x2 <mru 1492> <magic 0x4e2e4821>]
2016-01-01 00:01:29 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [LCP EchoReq id=0x0 magic=0x4e2e4821]
2016-01-01 00:01:29 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [PAP AuthReq id=0x1 user="holdingabird" password=<hidden>]
2016-01-01 00:01:29 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [LCP EchoRep id=0x0 magic=0x1b1dad2]
2016-01-01 00:01:30 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [PAP AuthAck id=0x1 ""]
2016-01-01 00:01:30 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [IPCP ConfReq id=0x1 <addr 0.0.0.0> <ms-dns1 0.0.0.0> <ms-dns2 0.0.0.0>]
2016-01-01 00:01:30 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [IPCP ConfReq id=0x1 <addr 10.20.21.17>]
2016-01-01 00:01:30 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [IPCP ConfAck id=0x1 <addr 10.20.21.17>]
2016-01-01 00:01:30 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [IPCP ConfNak id=0x1 <addr 194.223.22.14> <ms-dns1 203.12.160.35> <ms-dns2 203.12.160.36>]
2016-01-01 00:01:30 [6] PPP: ppp0 sent [IPCP ConfReq id=0x2 <addr 194.223.22.14> <ms-dns1 203.12.160.35> <ms-dns2 203.12.160.36>]
2016-01-01 00:01:30 [6] PPP: ppp0 rcvd [IPCP ConfAck id=0x2 <addr 194.223.22.14> <ms-dns1 203.12.160.35> <ms-dns2 203.12.160.36>]
2016-01-01 00:01:31 [5] VoIP: enable SIP stack due to intf(194.223.22.14) is up.
2016-01-01 00:01:31 [5] VoIP: enable SIP stack due to intf(194.223.22.14) is up.
2016-01-01 00:01:34 [5] DHCPD: Recv REQUEST from C8:34:8E:77:F1:63
2016-01-01 00:01:34 [5] Mesh: Success Add Client : MAC : C8:34:8E:77:F1:63

2016-01-01 00:01:35 [5] DHCPD: Recv REQUEST from C8:34:8E:77:F1:63
2016-01-01 00:01:35 [5] DHCPD: Send ACK to 192.168.1.109
2025-02-09 14:01:15 [5] Mesh: Del Client : MAC : E4:C7:67:CF:15:B1

2025-02-09 14:01:20 [5] Mesh: Success Add Client : MAC : E4:C7:67:CF:15:B1

2025-02-09 14:01:34 [5] Mesh: Success Add Client : MAC : EA:F8:03:1D:0A:66

2025-02-09 14:01:34 [5] DHCPD: Recv REQUEST from EA:F8:03:1D:0A:66
2025-02-09 14:01:34 [5] DHCPD: REQUEST ip c0a80168 already reserved by 9E:23:81:A1:5E:4D
2025-02-09 14:01:34 [5] DHCPD: Send NAK
2025-02-09 14:01:36 [5] DHCPD: Recv REQUEST from EA:F8:03:1D:0A:66
2025-02-09 14:01:36 [5] DHCPD: REQUEST ip c0a80168 already reserved by 9E:23:81:A1:5E:4D
2025-02-09 14:01:36 [5] DHCPD: Send NAK
2025-02-09 14:01:36 [5] DHCPD: Recv DISCOVER from EA:F8:03:1D:0A:66
2025-02-09 14:01:36 [5] DHCPD: Send OFFER with ip 192.168.1.102
2025-02-09 14:01:50 [5] Mesh: Success Add Client : MAC : 86:EF:08:6B:13:9C

2025-02-09 14:01:52 [5] DHCPD: Recv REQUEST from 86:EF:08:6B:13:9C
2025-02-09 14:01:54 [5] DHCPD: Recv REQUEST from 86:EF:08:6B:13:9C
2025-02-09 14:01:54 [5] DHCPD: Send ACK to 192.168.1.115
2025-02-09 14:02:10 [5] Mesh: Success Add Client : MAC : F0:EF:86:01:A8:78

2025-02-09 14:02:14 [5] Mesh: Del Client : MAC : F0:EF:86:01:A8:78

2025-02-09 14:09:04 [5] Mesh: Del Client : MAC : 00:13:43:4C:CE:21

2025-02-09 14:20:59 [5] Mesh: Success Add Client : MAC : B6:E4:8D:2B:79:C8

2025-02-09 14:21:01 [5] DHCPD: Recv DISCOVER from B6:E4:8D:2B:79:C8
2025-02-09 14:21:01 [5] DHCPD: Send OFFER with ip 192.168.1.103
2025-02-09 14:23:11 [5] Mesh: Success Add Client : MAC : 74:84:69:92:D5:99

2025-02-09 14:23:11 [5] DHCPD: Recv DISCOVER from 74:84:69:92:D5:99
2025-02-09 14:23:11 [5] DHCPD: Send OFFER with ip 192.168.1.105
2025-02-09 14:23:19 [5] Mesh: Del Client : MAC : 74:84:69:92:D5:99

System settings are as follows...

Firmware Version: 0.13.0 2.0.0 v6092.0 Build 240925 Rel.11089n

Hardware Version: Archer VX1800v v1.0 00000000

This is the contents of the OpenVPN file (redacted):

client
dev tun
proto udp
remote 144.48.38.163 1194
resolv-retry infinite
remote-random
nobind
tun-mtu 1500
tun-mtu-extra 32
mssfix 1450
persist-key
persist-tun
ping 15
ping-restart 0
#ping-timer-rem
reneg-sec 0
comp-lzo no
verify-x509-name CN=au761.nordvpn.com

remote-cert-tls server

auth-user-pass
verb 3
pull
fast-io
cipher AES-256-CBC
auth SHA512
<ca>
-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----
<<<<I don't know much, but I'm pretty certain I should't be posting this on the internet>>>>
-----END CERTIFICATE-----
</ca>
key-direction 1
<tls-auth>
#
# 2048 bit OpenVPN static key
#
-----BEGIN OpenVPN Static key V1-----
<<<<I don't know much, but I'm pretty certain I should't be posting this on the internet>>>>
-----END OpenVPN Static key V1-----
</tls-auth>

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

#266

Marvin_S

3 weeks ago

Posts: 2936

Helpful: 209

Solutions: 649

Stories: 0

Registered: 2022-05-09

Re:VPN Client on Wi-Fi Router Is Not Working

3 weeks ago

@StuH

Hi, we have reported the issue to the support engineers, they will likely reach out to you via email to continue to troubleshoot your issue. Please check your email box and confirm.

Thank you and best regards.

Check Out the Latest Posts: Archer GE550 - BE9300 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router EasyMesh Is Available When Wi-Fi Routers Work in AP Mode as A Controller. Archer BE550 New Software Enhances System Stability and Optimizes MLO Network Stability. TL-WA3001 Supports EasyMesh, Speed Limit, Guest Network in AP Mode and/or Multi-SSID Mode.

#267

Troubleshooting VPN Client on Wi-Fi Router Is Not Working

Troubleshooting VPN Client on Wi-Fi Router Is Not Working

This Article Applies to:

Issue Description/Phenomenon:

Troubleshooting Suggestions & Solution:

Related Articles:

-------------------------------------------------

Have other off-topic issues to report? Welcome to > Start a New Thread < and elaborate on the issue for assistance.

Information

Voters 2

Tags

Have other off-topic issues to report?
Welcome to > Start a New Thread < and elaborate on the issue for assistance.