OpenVPN Installation on Mac OS X

Just want a VPN on your Mac? Our app is the easiest way - it connects through the modern WireGuard protocol, no configuration needed. If you specifically want OpenVPN, this guide covers manual setup with Tunnelblick.

OpenVPN setup on Mac OS X with Tunnelblick

Recommended: use the Le VPN app

For most Mac users, the Le VPN app is by far the simplest way to connect - no third-party software and no configuration files to import. Download the macOS app (macOS 13 Ventura or later), sign in with your VPN credentials, pick a server, and click Connect. The app uses WireGuard and Stealth WireGuard, our fastest and most secure protocols on macOS.

OpenVPN remains fully supported through manual setup with Tunnelblick, covered below. It's the right choice when you have a specific reason for it - a Mac running an older version of macOS where our app isn't available, a network where you need OpenVPN's TCP ports, or a personal preference for Tunnelblick's interface.

Learn more about Le VPN for Mac

Manual OpenVPN Setup with Tunnelblick

Tunnelblick is a free, open-source OpenVPN client for macOS. Here's the short version - for the full walkthrough with screenshots, see our detailed knowledge base article.

Install Tunnelblick

Download and install the free Tunnelblick client. Accept the default options during setup.

Import your configuration files

Download your OpenVPN config files, extract the archive, then drag the .ovpn files you want onto the Tunnelblick icon in your menu bar. Choose "Only Me" or "All Users" when prompted.

Connect

Click the Tunnelblick icon, choose your server from the dropdown, and enter your VPN username and password. The icon turns from a dark tunnel to a light tunnel once connected.

Full step-by-step guide with screenshots

For the detailed walkthrough - including permission prompts and troubleshooting tips - see our Tunnelblick installation guide in the knowledge base.

Once connected, confirm it worked by checking your IP address - it should show the VPN server's location, not your own.

OpenVPN configuration files

Your Le VPN subscription includes ready-made OpenVPN configuration files for every server location, bundled by port so you can pick whichever works best on your network.

Download the ZIP for the port you want: UDP 53, TCP 80, or TCP 443. Each ZIP has one .ovpn file per server for that port (e.g. Le-VPN-Argentina-53.ovpn). If one port is blocked on your network, just download a different port's ZIP.

Quick recap

This guide sets up OpenVPN on macOS two ways: the simple route with the Le VPN Mac app, or manually with Tunnelblick, a free open-source OpenVPN client. Manual setup means installing Tunnelblick, dragging your .ovpn configuration files onto it, and connecting with your VPN credentials.

Platform: macOS (Mac OS X), using the OpenVPN protocol (Le VPN app or Tunnelblick)
Manual method: install Tunnelblick, then drag your .ovpn files onto its menu-bar icon to import them
Config files come as per-port ZIPs (UDP 53, TCP 80, TCP 443) - switch ports if one is blocked on your network
Sign in with your Le VPN username and password; the icon turns light once connected
For most users the Le VPN Mac app is simpler; one account covers up to 10 devices

Finding your VPN credentials

VPN connection credentials

Used to connect via Tunnelblick or the Le VPN app. Sent to your email when you activated your account - not the same as your client area login. Forgot them? Log into the client area and use the menu to view or reset your VPN password.

Client area login

The email and password you use to sign into le-vpn.com/clients to manage your subscription and download configuration files. Forgot it? Reset your client area password here.