---
title: 'Import a PKCS #12 Certificate'
canonical: https://openvpn.net/connect-docs/import-a-certificate/
product: OpenVPN Connect Docs
description: 'How to import a PKCS #12 certificate in OpenVPN Connect. A .p12 file bundles a private key with its X.509 certificate.'
---

# Import a PKCS #12 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](https://openvpn.net/connect-docs/assign-a-certificate-to-a-profile.md).

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 Apple Configurator

> **Important**
>
> These steps are for iOS with a macOS computer.

To import from local storage using Apple Configurator, ensure you've installed OpenVPN Connect on your iOS mobile device and have a p12 certificate file in local storage on your macOS machine. Then follow these steps:

1. Connect your iOS device to your macOS machine.
2. Launch Apple Configurator.
   - The connected device should display under the **All Devices** tab.
3. Drag and drop your .p12 file on to your device displayed in the Apple Configurator window.
   - A pop-up window appears.
4. Select **OpenVPN** from the list of apps and press **Choose...**
5. Launch OpenVPN Connect on your iOS device.
   - The .p12 certificate is ready for import under the **Upload Files** tab.
6. Click **ADD**.
7. Enter the certificate password if prompted.
   - The certificate has been imported and can be viewed under the menu by clicking or tapping **Certificates**.

## 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 will be displayed.
6. Select **OpenVPN Certificate Store**, click **OK**, then click through to finish the **Import Wizard**.
7. Launch OpenVPN Connect.
8. Click **Menu \> Certificates & Tokens**.
   - The imported certificate is displayed on the PKCS #12 tab.

## Import by renaming the .p12 file to .ovpn12

> **Important**
>
> These steps are for iOS.

You can import a PKCS #12 certificate file into OpenVPN Connect by changing its file extension to **.ovpn12**. This method ensures the app recognizes the file as a compatible certificate without defaulting to iOS's built-in handling.

1. Locate the certificate with the **.p12** extension on your iOS device.
2. Change the extension from **.p12** to **.ovpn12**.
3. Tap to open the file.
   - OpenVPN Connect will recognize the **.ovpn12** file as a certificate and guide you through the import process.
4. Once imported, tap **Menu \> Certificates & Tokens**.
   - The imported certificate is displayed on the **PKCS #12** tab.

---

Prev: [Certificates & Tokens](https://openvpn.net/connect-docs/certificates---tokens.md)
Next: [Delete a PKCS #12 Certificate](https://openvpn.net/connect-docs/delete-a-certificate.md)
Index: https://openvpn.net/connect-docs/llms.txt