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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Dear Kevin,
I have Hardware version = Archer AX20 v1.0 on my TP-Link AX1800 router. I had latest firmware 1.3.1 Build 20210524 rel.40909, now I have downgraded to 1.3.0 Build 20210318 rel.47238(4555), but proposed scenario didn't work on both of these versions.
Without offered version update I can't install my OpenVPN profile (it is always running in "connecting" status after I upload it from my PC)
Problem step by step:
1. I open Google Chrome, choose "system" and "update firmware" (I also tried to upload via Internet Explorer, and from usb fat32, but it didn't help)
2. I browse my PC, directory C:\ (worked for another version file, so directory is not a problem)
3. I choose .... .bin (without changing its original name, but name shortening didn't help as well)
4. It starts to upload and end with "invalid file type." error.
As far as I understood, this may occur due to the following:
1) locale mismatch. I've bought this router in Russia, that's why I can assume that to be reason, but can't proove it. (https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/108703)
2) version mismatch. It is said, that "verify the hardware version of your device for the firmware version ... (Normally V1.x=V1)", but European site has different tabs for v1 and v1.2. However, the v1.2 is empty in "downloads".
Please, help me.
Thanks in advance,
Pobedim bezu vmeste
UPD: It's now working perfectly, thanks to the new link fo version 1.0! Thank you, Kevin.
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Glad to know the beta firmware helps. Kindly wait for the new official firmware with patience.
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I can not install the beta option to download it does not recognize the already unzipped bin format of the zip format that I am doing something wrong? please help.
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Can we confirm who is the OpenVPN provider in this network?
BTW, the firmware we provided in the OP is built for AX20 v1 and V1.20, so it cannot be uploaded into V2 version.
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@Kevin_Z ExpressVPN and NordVPN I use those two vpn service providers
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Thank you very much for your quick reply. We will check and confirm if there is a beta firmware for the V2 version soon.
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@Kevin_Z Thank you grateful for the improvements you can make soon, yesterday I bought the Archer AX20 V2 US Router with the intention of always using the OpenVPN VPN client.
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