Dedicated Servers & VPS‱December 12, 2025‱ 8 views

How to install an OpenVPN VPN server on a Linux VPS

How to install an OpenVPN VPN server on a Linux VPS

How to Install an OpenVPN VPN Server on a Linux VPS

OpenVPN is an open-source VPN software that allows you to create your own private VPN server. With your own VPN, you can:

  • 🔒 Secure your connection on public Wi-Fi
  • đŸ•”ïž Protect your online privacy
  • 🌐 Access your services remotely
  • 📍 Have a fixed IP for your projects

This guide uses an automatic installation script that configures everything for you in a few minutes.

OpenVPN Logo

Prerequisites

Supported Operating System

Distribution Supported Versions
Debian 11 (Bullseye), 12 (Bookworm), 13 (Trixie) ✹
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, 24.04 LTS, 25.04, 25.10

💡 Recommendation: Use Debian 13 or Ubuntu 24.04 LTS to benefit from the latest security updates.

Minimum Configuration

Item Required
RAM Minimum 512 MB
CPU 1 vCPU
Storage 5 GB
Port Open 1194 UDP

⚠ Important: Open port 1194/UDP in your hosting provider's firewall (cloud panel) before starting.

OpenVPN Server Installation

Step 1: Connect to the Server

Connect to your VPS via SSH:

ssh root@your-server-ip

Step 2: Update the System

On Debian 13 / Ubuntu 24.04+:

apt update && apt upgrade -y

Step 3: Download and Run the Script

curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/angristan/openvpn-install/master/openvpn-install.sh
chmod +x openvpn-install.sh
./openvpn-install.sh

Step 4: Answer the Questions

The script will ask you a few questions. Here are the recommended answers:

Welcome to the OpenVPN installer!

I need to ask you a few questions before starting setup.
You can leave the default options and just press enter if you are OK with them.

IP address: [Press Enter]

Recommended Answers:

Question Answer Explanation
IP address Enter Auto-detected
Public IPv4 or hostname Enter Leave default
IPv6 support n Unless specific need
Port 1194 Standard OpenVPN port
Protocol 1 (UDP) Better performance
DNS 1 (Cloudflare) Fast and reliable
Compression n Security (avoids VORACLE)
Customize encryption n Default secure settings
Client name my-pc Your chosen name

Step 5: Retrieve the Configuration File

At the end of the installation, the script will display:

Client my-pc added.

The configuration file has been written to /root/my-pc.ovpn
Download the .ovpn file and import it in your OpenVPN client.

Download this file to your computer:

# From your local PC (not the server)
scp root@your-server-ip:/root/my-pc.ovpn ~/Desktop/

Or display it to copy:

cat /root/my-pc.ovpn

Add Other Devices

To create profiles for your other devices (phone, tablet, another PC), rerun the script:

./openvpn-install.sh

Menu displayed:

OpenVPN is already installed.

Select an option:
   1) Add a new client
   2) Revoke an existing client
   3) Remove OpenVPN
   4) Exit

Choose 1 and enter a new name (e.g., iphone, tablet, desktop).

Connecting to the VPN

Windows

OpenVPN Connect Windows

  1. Download OpenVPN Connect
  2. Install and open the application
  3. Drag and drop your .ovpn file into the window
  4. Click on CONNECT

macOS

  1. Download Tunnelblick (free) or OpenVPN Connect
  2. Double-click on the .ovpn file
  3. Click on the icon in the menu bar → Connect

Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)

# Client installation
sudo apt install openvpn

# Connection (keep the terminal open)
sudo openvpn --config my-pc.ovpn

For automatic connection at startup:

sudo cp my-pc.ovpn /etc/openvpn/client/my-pc.conf
sudo systemctl enable openvpn-client@my-pc
sudo systemctl start openvpn-client@my-pc

Android

  1. Install OpenVPN Connect from the Play Store
  2. Transfer the .ovpn file to your phone
  3. Open it with the application
  4. Press CONNECT

iOS (iPhone/iPad)

  1. Install OpenVPN Connect from the App Store
  2. Send yourself the .ovpn file via email, AirDrop, or cloud
  3. Open it with OpenVPN Connect
  4. Press ADD then CONNECT

Verify It's Working

Once connected to the VPN:

  1. Go to whatismyip.com
  2. The displayed IP address should be that of your VPS (not your personal IP)

✅ If this is the case, your VPN is working!

Useful Commands

Action Command
View server status systemctl status openvpn-server@server
Restart OpenVPN systemctl restart openvpn-server@server
View logs journalctl -u openvpn-server@server -f
Add/Remove a client ./openvpn-install.sh
Uninstall OpenVPN ./openvpn-install.sh → option 3

Quick Troubleshooting

❌ Client Fails to Connect

Checks:

  1. Is port 1194 UDP open in your hosting provider's firewall?
  2. Is the service running?
systemctl status openvpn-server@server
  1. Is the port listening properly?
ss -ulnp | grep 1194

❌ Connected but No Internet

Check IP forwarding:

cat /proc/sys/net/ipv4/ip_forward

If it shows 0, enable it:

echo 1 > /proc/sys/net/ipv4/ip_forward
echo "net.ipv4.ip_forward=1" >> /etc/sysctl.conf
systemctl restart openvpn-server@server

❌ Very Slow Connection

Try reducing the MTU. Add the following to your client-side .ovpn file:

tun-mtu 1400
mssfix 1360

Useful Resources

Resource Link
OpenVPN Connect (all OS) openvpn.net/client
Tunnelblick (macOS) tunnelblick.net
Official Documentation openvpn.net/community-resources
Installation Script github.com/angristan/openvpn-install

Summary

Step Action
1 Connect via SSH to the VPS
2 Update the system (apt update && apt upgrade -y)
3 Download and run the installation script
4 Answer the questions (or keep default values)
5 Retrieve the generated .ovpn file
6 Import the file into OpenVPN Connect
7 Connect! 🎉

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