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Basic Authentication

This is the authentication between OpenVPN Connect and your VPN server using credentials such as username and password. You provide the credentials in OpenVPN Connect, which then passes those to the server for verification.

The server may rely on an internal or external authentication system such as LDAP, RADIUS, SAML, or PAM. Optionally, the server may require an MFA challenge.

Here is the basic authentication flow in OpenVPN Connect for connecting to an imported profile:

  1. Launch OpenVPN Connect.

  2. Click or tap on your connection profile.

    • OpenVPN Connect displays the authentication screen.

  3. Enter valid user credentials — such as your username and password.

    • OpenVPN Connect validates the credentials, and you connect with the VPN server.

Tip

If you fail authentication, you may get one of the following error messages:

  • Failed to import profile. Authentication error.

  • Authentication failed. User authentication failed.

Ensure your user account exists and you have the correct username and password.

Note

Some connection profiles, such as auto-login profiles, allow you to follow an automated authentication process. These profiles won't display the authentication screen; instead, they contain unique keys and certificates to establish the VPN tunnel successfully.

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