---
title: 'Tutorial: Import a PKCS #12 Certificate in OpenVPN Connect'
canonical: https://openvpn.net/connect-docs/tutorials/tutorial--import-a-pkcs--12-certificate-in-openvpn-connect/
product: OpenVPN Connect Docs
description: 'You can import a PKCS #12 certificate (.p12 or .pfx file) into OpenVPN Connect to authenticate with a VPN server that requires client certificates.'
keywords: 'PKCS #12 certificates with OpenVPN Connect'
---

# Tutorial: Import a PKCS #12 Certificate in OpenVPN Connect

You can import a PKCS #12 certificate (.p12 or .pfx file) into OpenVPN Connect to authenticate with a VPN server that requires client certificates. This tutorial covers the different methods for importing the certificate on various operating systems, depending on your device and platform.

Choose the method that best fits your setup:

## 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.

---

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