Skip to main content

Import a PKCS #12 Certificate

Abstract

How to import a PKCS #12 certificate in OpenVPN Connect. A .p12 file bundles a private key with its X.509 certificate.

You can use connection profiles with separate PKCS #12 certificates with OpenVPN Connect. That means your connection profile doesn't include the certificate and keys. You import those separately in the certificate file and assign them to a profile.

The PKCS #12 certificate is in the format .p12. This file bundles a private key with its X.509 certificate. Choose the section below for steps on importing from local storage, using drag-and-drop, via Keychain, or using the import wizard.

Import from local storage

To import from local storage, ensure you've installed OpenVPN Connect and have a p12 certificate file in local storage. Then follow these steps:

  1. Launch OpenVPN Connect.

  2. Click or tap the Menu icon.

  3. Click or tap Certificates & Tokens.

  4. Click or tap Add Certificate.

  5. Select your .p12 certificate file and click or tap Open.

    Note

    If your file requires a password, enter it when prompted.

    • The imported certificate displays in the app.

Import from local storage with drag-and-drop

To import from local storage using drag-and-drop, ensure you've installed OpenVPN Connect and have a p12 certificate file in local storage. Then follow these steps:

  1. Launch OpenVPN Connect.

  2. Click or tap the Add icon.

  3. On the Import Profile screen, click or tap FILE.

  4. Drag and drop the .p12 certificate file to the screen.

    • The import PKCS #12 dialog appears.

    Note

    If your file requires a password, enter it when prompted.

  5. Go to Menu > Certificates & Tokens.

  6. The imported certificate displays on the PKCS #12 tab.

Import from local storage via Keychain

Important

These steps are for macOS.

To import from local storage from Keychain, ensure you've installed OpenVPN Connect, have a p12 certificate file in local storage, and the folder with the certificate is open. Then follow these steps:

  1. Open the Keychain Access app.

  2. Click openvpn under Custom Keychains.

  3. Drag and drop the .p12 certificate file to 'openvpn' keychain.

    Note

    If your file requires a password, enter it when prompted.

  4. Launch OpenVPN Connect.

  5. Click Menu > Certificates & Tokens.

  6. The imported certificate displays on the PKCS #12 tab.

Import from local storage via Import Wizard

Important

These steps are for Windows.

To import from local storage using the Windows Import Wizard, ensure you've installed OpenVPN Connect and have a p12 certificate file in local storage. Then follow these steps:

  1. Double click on the .p12 certificate file.

    • The Import Wizard dialog opens.

  2. Select the Current User option and click Next.

    • The file to import tab opens.

  3. Specify the path to the certificate and click Next.

    • The Private key protection tab opens.

  4. Enter the password for the file, select Mark as exportable, and click Next.

    • The Certificate Store tab displays.

  5. Select Place all certificates in the following store and click Browse.

    • The Select Certificate Store dialog displays.

  6. Select OpenVPN Certificate Store, click OK, then click through to finish the Import Wizard.

  7. Launch OpenVPN Connect.

  8. Click Menu > Certificates & Tokens.

  9. The imported certificate displays on the PKCS #12 tab.

In this section: