Set up OpenVPN on Android - how it works

OpenVPN is a popular program for establishing virtual network connections. This practical tip shows you how to set up the Android version optimally.

Set up OpenVPN on Android - you need that

If you search for "OpenVPN" in the PlayStore, you will find that there are a number of VPN programs based on OpenVPN for Google's operating system.

For starters, you should choose the official OpenVPN Connect client and install it on your smartphone or tablet.
To be able to connect to a VPN server via OpenVPN, you also need one or more corresponding OpenVPN profile files. These files with the extension OVPN should be provided by your VPN provider.

Copy the OVPN file (s) to the SD card of your Android device.
Start OpenVPN Connect and tap the icon with the three dots in the top right to open the menu.
Select "Import" and then "Import Profile from SD Card".
Navigate to the directory on your SD card in which you have saved the OVPN files. Select the file you want.
You now have the option of entering your user name and password for the VPN connection and saving them if you wish.
Use the "Connect" button to establish a direct connection to the VPN.
Confirm the connection request from Android with "OK".
If the selected profile does not contain a client certificate, you can either continue without one or select one from the Android keychain.

As soon as a connection to the VPN server has been established, OpenVPN Connect shows you an overview with details such as the duration of the connection or the transmitted data packets.
A key symbol also appears in the Android menu bar.
You can also visit www.wieistmeineip.de to check whether the connection has been successfully established. If you get the IP address of the VPN server displayed there, everything worked. You can also determine the connection speed.

By the way, you can also set up a VPN connection in Android without additional software. We'll show you how in our next practical tip.