--- 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." status: "update" updated: 2026-09-08T12:45:44Z published: 2026-09-08T12:45:44Z 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 ![Manual VPN configuration page with user and gateway dropdown selectors for team member assignment](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/01(1)(1).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.*** ![Manual VPN configuration page showing OpenVPN UDP and TCP download links highlighted](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/02(2)(1).png) 1. Go to the Google Play Store ![Google Play Store app icon with colorful triangle logo](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/03(2)(1).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.*** ![Google Play Store listing for OpenVPN Connect app showing install button and developer name](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/04(4).png) 1. Launch the application from your home screen or app menu ***In the following window, select File.*** ![OpenVPN Connect import profile dialog showing file browser with Android, DCIM, and Download folders](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/05(1).png) 1. A window will pop up, asking you if you allow the app to access certain data on your device ***Click Allow.*** ![Android permission dialog requesting OpenVPN Connect file access with Allow and Deny buttons](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/06(3).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.*** ![OpenVPN Connect import profile screen showing selected ovpn file with Import button highlighted](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/07(4).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.*** ![OpenVPN Connect imported profile form showing username and password fields with save and connect options](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/08(4).png) 1. Once you have successfully configured the connection, you can initiate it by tapping on the toggle next to the OpenVPN profile ![OpenVPN Connect profiles screen showing disconnected NordVPN profile with server IP address and edit option](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/09(4).png) 1. The application will ask you for permissions necessary for the VPN connection ***Click OK.*** ![Android VPN connection request dialog showing OpenVPN permission with OK button highlighted](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/10(1)(1).png) 1. In the following prompt, click Continue ![OpenVPN Connect certificate dialog asking to continue without certificate or select from Android keychain](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/11(1)(1).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 ![OpenVPN Connect active connection showing 8.13 KB/s download and 3.75 KB/s upload speed statistics](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/12(1)(1).png) 1. To disconnect, turn off the toggle next to the OpenVPN profile --- **Note**: In case you have any questions or issues, press '**Chat with support**' at the bottom of the page.