---
title: "Setting up manual OpenVPN connection on Android"
slug: "setting-up-openvpn-android"
description: "The OpenVPN Connect application can be used as an alternative way to connect to NordLayer private gateway on your Android device."
updated: 2025-07-14T13:40:51Z
published: 2025-07-14T13:40:51Z
canonical: "help.nordlayer.com/setting-up-openvpn-android"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.nordlayer.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Setting up manual OpenVPN connection on Android

The [OpenVPN](https://nordlayer.com/learn/vpn/openvpn/) Connect application can be used as an alternative way to connect to NordLayer private gateway on your [Android device](https://nordlayer.com/download/). Since this manual connection method is more complicated to set up, it is recommended for advanced Android users.

1. First, download the configuration files for your private gateway from the [Member's page section in the Control Panel](https://help.nordlayer.com/docs/setting-up-openvpn) and copy your credentials

![01.png](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/01%281%29.png)

1. Download the configuration file for the connection protocol you want to use.

***TCP offers a stable connection and is suitable for regular web browsing. UDP offers higher speeds which makes it good for streaming, but the connection is less stable than that of TCP.***

![02.png](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/02%282%29.png)

1. Go to the Google Play Store

![03.png](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/03%282%29.png)

1. In the search bar at the top of the screen, type OpenVPN Connect

***Once you find the app, click Install to download it.***

![04.png](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/04.png)

1. Launch the application from your home screen or app menu

***In the following window, select File.***

![05.png](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/05.png)

1. A window will pop up, asking you if you allow the app to access certain data on your device

***Click Allow.***

![06.png](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/06.png)

1. Navigate to the folder where you have downloaded the OpenVPN configuration file

***It should be in the Downloads folder by default. Choose the files you want to import and press IMPORT at the bottom.***

![07.png](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/07.png)

1. In the following window, type any title for the connection and enter your NordLayer service credentials that you have copied earlier

***In the upper-right corner, press Add.***

![08.png](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/08.png)

1. Once you have successfully configured the connection, you can initiate it by tapping on the toggle next to the OpenVPN profile

![09.png](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/09.png)

1. The application will ask you for permissions necessary for the VPN connection

***Click OK.***

![10.png](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/10%281%29.png)

1. In the following prompt, click Continue

![11.png](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/11%281%29.png)

1. If the connection is successful, you will see a window similar to the one below, where you will find a detailed connection status, including current data throughput and duration

![12.png](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/12%281%29.png)

1. To disconnect, turn off the toggle next to the OpenVPN profile

**Note**: In case you have any questions or are experiencing any issues, please feel free to contact our [24/7 customer support team](/docs/how-do-i-contact-nordlayer-customer-support).