This guide shows how to run GatewayVPN on your router, so every device on your Wi-Fi can use the VPN (smart TVs, consoles, streaming boxes, etc.) without installing an app on each device.
1. Make sure your router supports an OpenVPN client
Not all routers can connect to a VPN (many only support running a VPN server). You need a router (or firmware) with a built-in OpenVPN Client feature.
Common examples that support an OpenVPN client:
- ASUS routers (ASUSWRT / “VPN Client”) — many models include an “Import .ovpn file” option in the VPN Client section.
- GL.iNet routers — their admin panel supports uploading an OpenVPN config file and connecting from the router UI.
- Routers running OpenWrt or DD-WRT — these firmwares can be configured as OpenVPN clients (usually via VPN/OpenVPN menus).
Tip: Router VPN speed depends heavily on router CPU/RAM. Some models will be much slower with OpenVPN than a PC/phone.
2. Download GatewayVPN OpenVPN config files
From the GatewayVPN Apps/Downloads page, use the Manual Setup section to download the OpenVPN configuration files.
3. Get your VPN username & password (different from your account login)
When configuring OpenVPN on a router, you must use your VPN credentials (VPN username/password), which are not the same as your normal GatewayVPN account credentials.
You can request these VPN credentials by submitting the form below. Input the email you used to create your GatewayVPN account in the form and hit submit. You’ll receive your VPN credentials in your email inbox.
Step-by-step VPN on router setup
How to set up a VPN on router
- Log into your router admin panel
From a device connected to the router, open your router’s admin UI (commonly something like
192.168.1.1or the router’s local admin URL). - Find the VPN Client section
Look for menus like:
VPN → VPN Client
Advanced → VPN
Services → VPN
VPN → OpenVPN Client
(Exact labels vary by brand/firmware.) - Import/upload the
.ovpnconfiguration fileUpload the server config you want to use (example: a specific country/city server). Many router UIs literally have an “Import .ovpn file” or Upload button.
- Enter your VPN Credentials
In the VPN Client profile, enter:
Username: your GatewayVPN VPN username
Password: your GatewayVPN VPN password
(Some routers prompt for this during import; others have fields in the profile settings.) GL.iNet’s workflow, for example, may request username/password after upload depending on the provider/config. - Save/apply and connect
Save/Apply the profile, then toggle Connect / Enable / Activate (wording varies). After it connects, your router will route traffic through the VPN tunnel.
- Confirm it’s working
On any device connected to that router Wi-Fi, check that your public IP/location changed.
Switching servers later
To change server locations:
- Disconnect (optional but recommended)
- Upload/import the other server’s
.ovpnfile - Reconnect
Some router UIs also keep multiple profiles so you can switch between them more easily (depends on firmware). GL.iNet, for example, supports managing uploaded configs and connecting to another one.
Common troubleshooting tips
- It won’t connect / TLS or certificate errors: double-check you uploaded the correct
.ovpnfile and used the VPN credentials (not the website/app login). - Time/date issues (common on routers): ensure the router has NTP/time sync enabled. Some OpenVPN router setups explicitly require correct time settings.
- Slow speeds: try a nearer server, and remember router hardware can bottleneck OpenVPN throughput.
- VPN client option missing on DD-WRT: some DD-WRT builds don’t include OpenVPN client support.