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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glad to know the updated firmware 1.3.2 is available and works for you 👍.
it seems tp-link has not release it yet for AU @Kevin_Z
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version 1.3.2 Build 20210901 rel.69096(5553) is available for AX20. My hw version is 1.2.
Able to use the vpn client ovpn which prior version cannot.
tried it and it works.
btw, update is through the router web client. Clicked firmware update and will able to trigger new firmware.
1.3.2 Build 20210901 rel.69096(5553)
Regards
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Hi there.
I have a router from Vodafone (operates in a modem mode), which is getting Internet over coax. cable with dynamic IP. Then I have AX20 connected with 1gpbs UTP cable to that modem.
I was having a firmware - 1.3.1 Build 20210524 rel.40909
Actually, later same day I've tried to install beta as advised here and then I was able to get OpenVpn connection working, so it's partially solved the issue - means I've got around 20mbps instead of 5 on hidemy.name provider and up to 50mpbs with ExpressVPN.
Still, speed is less compared to what I can get by use of VPN client on the machine, so looking forward for TPlink to work on this in future firmware version(s), please.
Thanks a lot!
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5 Mbps is too slow. Can I have the detailed network layout? How is the AX20 connected to the network? Any special settings on it?
BTW, what is the current firmware version of the AX20?
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Hello,
I'm owning AX20 V1 (EU) and facing issues with VPN connection speed.
The VPN client itself works (both beta version and latest official firmware available), but the speed of Internet while connecting to VPN service on the router is quite low - 5 mbps is maximum but usually less. At the same time if I use VPN software on the client (win/mac laptop) I'm getting up to 100 mbps.
Incoming Internet connection speed to router is around 400 mbps (cabled connection), and without VPN speed is almost same.
1. What kind of VPN type you are using, OpenVPN or PPTP VPN?
- PPTP (neither L2TP nor OpenVPN does not work). Provider - hidemy.name
2. What kind of VPN Client software you were using on the local PC or phone?
- Hidemy.name
3. Which step did you stuck in, any error message or screenshot?
- works fine, but the speed is really bad.
Thank you very much in advance!
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If you experience the same as described here in the OP, please try to install the beta firmware we provided on your AX20 router, then check if you can connect to the VPN server.
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The fix in the beta firmware will be surely included in the new official firmware release, while I honestly cannot guarantee that would be the next official version. You can keep eye on the official website for the new release, it should be mentioned in the Release Note if it is included.
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- Navigate to Control Panel and open Uninstall a program.
- Uninstall the Cisco Systems VPN client.
- Run IObit Uninstaller (or any other 3rd-party cleaner).
- Navigate to the system partition and delete everything Cisco-related from the Programs folder.
- Download the Cisco VPN client, here.
- Install the client and try running it.
you can try these steps.
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Hi Kevin, i can confirm that i can connect to NordVPN using openvpn client feature after installing beta version firmware Archer AX20_V1.20_210624.
Do you know if this openvpn feature from beta firmware will be included into the next firmware release for AX20? as we all know the latest firmware AX20 V1.2_210521 vpn client is not working on nordvpn.
Cheers.
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