---
title: "Setting up manual OpenVPN connection"
slug: "setting-up-openvpn"
updated: 2026-07-16T15:41:24Z
published: 2026-07-16T15:41:24Z
canonical: "help.nordlayer.com/setting-up-openvpn"
---

> ## 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

A manual OpenVPN connection can only be established to your organization's private gateway (server with a dedicated IP).

There are several reasons why you might choose to set up a manual OpenVPN connection to the NordLayer service instead of using the official application:

* Connect to a NordLayer private gateway VPN on legacy devices, niche operating systems, or devices with limited app support without needing the official NordLayer app.
* Access a NordLayer private gateway VPN in scenarios where the official NordLayer application cannot be used.

:::(Warning) (Please note)
* If you wish to use NordLayer as a manual VPN connection on a router, please note that we will be unable to offer any guidance or support with the setup. This is not a recommended use case, and you would miss out on all of our security and usability features.
* There is a maximum limit of **six devices** overall, including both regular devices and manual configurations.
* You can view or delete your credentials at any time.
* OpenVPN UDP requires version **2.6**. Update your applications or firmware, or use TCP instead.
* All guides for manual OpenVPN setup on major operating systems can be found in the [Manual Setup](https://help.nordlayer.com/docs/manual-setup) section.
:::


### How to set up manual OpenVPN credentials
:::(Info) (Note)
Only specific roles can generate manual connection credentials: **Owner**, **Impersonated Owner**, **Delegated Administrator**, and **Administrator**.
:::

1.  Visit the Members page, find a specific Member who needs to use a manual OpenVPN connection.
2.  Click on the member profile and head to the Member's devices tab.
3.   Click on **Create manual device configuration** button.

![NordLayer Members dashboard showing empty devices list and manual configuration creation option](https://cdn.document360.io/fc1049cd-8f71-4b89-b9b8-dbca9fdcdd16/Images/Documentation/Screenshot%202026-07-16%20at%2018.39.47.png){height="" width=""}



4.   Create, copy and distribute the manual connection configuration credentials to Member in question.



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