[VPN] How to set up VPN Client in ASUS router (Web GUI)?

What is VPN Client? 

VPN (Virtual Private Network) clients are often used to connect to a VPN server and allows to access private resources securely over a public network.   
Some devices like set-top boxes, smart TVs and Blu-ray players do not support VPN software.   
The ASUSWRT VPN feature provides VPN access to all devices in a home network without having to install VPN software on each device.

 

Before setting up the ASUS router VPN client function, please confirm with your VPN server service provider what the VPN connection type is.   
VPN server service providers can support a variety of VPN protocols, like OpenVPN, IPsec, PPTP, WIireGuard VPN. Please confirm the VPN connection type with your VPN server service provider before setting the corresponding VPN client on ASUS router.

 

To start a new VPN connection, please follow the steps below:

Step 1: How to enter the router's GUI?

Take RT-AX88U as an example.

1-1. Set up your wireless router via wired connection:

    a. Insert AC adapter of your wireless router to the DC-IN port and plug it to a power outlet.

    b. Connect your modem to the WAN port of your wireless router with another network cable.

    c. Insert your modem’s AC adapter to the DC-IN port and plug it to a power outlet.

    d. Connect your computer to the LAN port of your wireless router with the bundled network cable.

      

 

   1-2. Connect your computer to the router via wired or WiFi connection and enter your router LAN IP or router URL http://www.asusrouter.com to the WEB GUI.

       

        Note: Please refer to How to enter the router setting page(Web GUI)to learn more.

 

   1-3.Key in your router's username and password to log in.

        

    Note: If you forget the user name and/or password, please restore the router to the factory default status and setup.   
              Please refer to [Wireless Router] How to reset the router to factory default setting for how to restore the router to default status.

 

Step 2: Click [VPN] from the left Advanced Settings > Find [VPN Client] tab and click [Add profile]

               
 

Step 3: Select a VPN connection type: PPTP, L2TP, or OpenVPN.

               

 

Step 4: Configure VPN information

       PPTP

          (1) Click PPTP. Enter the VPN authentication information provided by your VPN provider.

          (2) Click [OK] to create a VPN Client profile.

                

       L2TP

          (1) Click L2TP. Enter the VPN authentication information provided by your VPN provider.

          (2) Click [OK] to create a VPN Client profile.

               

       OpenVPN

          (1) Click OpenVPN. Enter the VPN authentication information provided by your VPN provider.

               

          (2) Click [Choose File] and choose the .ovpn file provided by your VPN service provider. 

                           

          (3) Check whether the uploaded file name displays. 

          (4) And then click [Upload] button to complete.

               

          (5) Check whether the [Complete!] hint is displayed.   

          (6) Click [OK] to create a VPN Client profile.

               

 

Step 5:  Click [Activate] to execute your VPN connection.

             

Step 6: The display of  tick icon indicates that the connection is successful.

              

 

 

FAQ

   1. Why is there no OpenVPN client option available in the latest firmware?

       The VPN Client is actually called VPN Fusion. For setups on VPN Fusion, please refer to this FAQ article. [Wireless Router] Why you must try Multiple VPN connection (VPN Fusion) - Later than 388.xxxxx

   

2. Why doesn't the VPN client automatically reconnect when the server down?

     When VPN server down, router as VPN client will disconnect to VPN server, and will not auto-reconnect, it's a normal behavior for all ASUS routers.

 

3. What should I do if I still cannot successfully connect to the VPN server after following the steps above?

    A. Please make sure your router can connect to the Internet normally.

    B. Please make sure that the VPN server information you entered is correct (such as the selected VPN type, server address, VPN account and password, etc.) 

        If you are not sure about the relevant information, please consult your VPN server administrator first.

    C. It is recommended that you use another device as a VPN client to try to connect to the VPN server to see if you can connect normally.

        Instructions for connecting to VPN using devices other than ASUS routers:

Windows Computer(For Windows11 and Windows10)： Connect to a VPN in Windows - Microsoft Support

MAC Devices：Set up a VPN connection on Mac - Apple Support

Android devices：Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Android - Android Help (google.com)

Apple devices：VPN settings overview for Apple devices - Apple Support

         If you cannot successfully establish a connection with the VPN server using a device other than the ASUS router, please consult your VPN server administrator first.

    D. If you can successfully establish a connection with the VPN server using a device other than the ASUS router, it is recommended that you confirm that the firmware of your ASUS router has been updated to the latest version, restore the router to the original factory default value (RESET), and reset according to QIS instructions then follow the steps in this article again to set up the VPN client to establish a connection.

       For firmware upgrade, reset router and QIS setup please refer to below FAQs.

[Wireless Router] How to update the firmware of your router to the latest version

[Wireless Router] How to reset the router to factory default setting? 

[Wireless Router] How to use the QIS (Quick Internet Setup) to set up Router ? (Web GUI)

 

   4. How to deal with IP conflict if VPN client is not working?

        When your LAN subnet of ASUS router is the same with VPN Server, your VPN connection may not work and see the warning icon on connection status.

           

      Please try to change your IP address of LAN to another one different with VPN Server.

           

 

5. Can I assign certain devices to use VPN while other devices use WAN?

     This can be done with a feature we call VPN Fusion, but this feature is only supported on certain router models. For more information regarding VPN Fusion, 

      you may refer to this article: [Multiple VPN] How to configure multiple VPN connections on ASUS Router. 

       For devices that do not support VPN Fusion feature, all devices will be directed to use VPN connection once the VPN Client is set and the connection is established on the router.

 

 

 

 

How to get the (Utility / Firmware)?

You can download the latest drivers, software, firmware and user manuals in the ASUS Download Center.

If you need more information about the ASUS Download Center, please refer to this link.